Will Technological Maturity Hold Back The European Mechanical Power Transmissions Market?

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, European Mechanical Power Transmissions Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $2337.9 million in 2011 and estimates this to reach $2529.6 million in 2018. The research covers chain drives and belt drives.

“Mechanical power transmission components are relatively inexpensive compared to direct drive or variable frequency drives technology,” noted Frost & Sullivan Power Transmission Research Analyst Ramasubramanian Natarajan. “Simplicity of design, together with ease-of-use and maintenance, has led to its widespread adoption across every possible industrial application.”

Initial investments associated with mechanical power transmissions are significantly lower than advanced power transmissions technologies like direct drives or VFD. As a result, several small-scale ventures prefer to invest in these cost- effective solutions, rather than VFD technology.

Mechanical power transmissions are used across a vast range of end-user applications, spanning material handling, machine tools, robotics, mining and construction to packaging, printing, agriculture, marine, and process industries. This large installed base has meant that there exists sizeable potential for replacement sales.

“Trends are currently favouring complete solutions, starting from belt and chain selection to installation and servicing,” added Natarajan. “This will provide significant opportunities for retrofitting and servicing.”

However, limited innovation and product differentiation, paralleled by rapid advancements in alternative power transmission technologies like VFD, pose a serious threat to the market’s future.

“As in most industries, customer satisfaction is perceived as the key to success in the European mechanical power transmissions market as well,” advised Natarajan. “Price, quality, ease-of-use and maintenance, ready availability in large quantities and after sales support will drive the market in the future. Another aspect of service, and one becoming increasingly important, is the ability to provide fast and reliable lead and delivery times.”

Targeting the right end users with transmission solutions designed specifically for their applications will strongly enhance the prospects for product sales. Custom-made designs will gain popularity as well.