The Situation
A customer required a bespoke linear motion solution featuring a 9,000 mm linear belt actuator—well beyond the standard 6,000 mm maximum manufacturing length available within the selected product range.
While extended travel could have been achieved by joining multiple sections, the customer specifically required a single-piece actuator to simplify installation, minimise alignment challenges, and maintain system performance. Producing a one-piece assembly introduced several engineering challenges, including raw material availability, specialist manufacturing processes, transportation, and maintaining rigidity and positional accuracy across the full length.
The Solution
Working closely with Bosch Rexroth, the WMH Transmissions team engaged with the customer from the early stages of the project to understand the application’s technical and installation requirements.
Following detailed engineering assessments, a bespoke manufacturing route was developed to produce a complete 9-metre actuator as a single assembly. Close collaboration between WMH and Bosch Rexroth ensured challenges surrounding material sourcing, manufacturing capability, logistics, and quality control were addressed throughout the project.
The finished solution delivered a continuous 9-metre travel system without the need for sectional joining, simplifying installation while retaining the performance, accuracy, and reliability expected from a Bosch Rexroth linear motion system.
The Result
By moving beyond standard catalogue limitations, WMH delivered a fully bespoke linear motion solution tailored to the customer’s exact requirements. The one-piece actuator reduced installation and commissioning time, eliminated alignment issues associated with joined sections, and maintained consistent performance across the full operating length.
The project highlights the value of combining application engineering expertise with strong supplier collaboration to solve complex manufacturing challenges. It also demonstrates WMH’s ability to deliver bespoke linear motion, automation, and motion control solutions where standard products are unable to meet customer requirements.
