Catalog components optimize for one operating point. Your application has an envelope.
A standard motor is designed at rated voltage, rated load, rated ambient temperature. Pair it with a catalog gearhead and a general-purpose drive, and you've assembled a motion system from three datasheets that were never meant to work together. It hits spec at one operating point — maybe.
TelcoMotion custom motion control engineering means designing the motor, the power transmission, the feedback system, and the drive interface as a unified solution around your actual application conditions. We work across all seven of our motor platforms and extend that engineering depth into gearheads, encoders, drives, controllers, and complete electromechanical assemblies.
The result is a motion system that doesn't just meet spec at one point. It meets spec across the range your product actually operates in — because every component was selected and optimized as part of a single engineering effort.
Eight layers of customization. Most suppliers stop at one.
Seven motor technologies. Unlimited system configurations.
Every TelcoMotion motor platform supports the full depth of custom engineering described above — and each can be extended into a complete motion control system with matched gearheads, drives, encoders, and housing.
Three levels of customization — and when each one applies
Level 1: Configuration
Modifications to shaft length, lead wire length, connector type, mounting hardware, gear ratio selection, and cosmetic elements. These don’t change the system’s electromagnetic or thermal performance — they change how it physically integrates with your product.
Level 2: Optimization
Winding reconfiguration, bearing upgrades, insulation class changes, sealing modifications, gearhead matching, drive selection, and encoder integration. These change the motion system’s performance characteristics while using existing motor and gearhead platforms.
Level 3: Ground-Up Design
New lamination design, custom housing, purpose-built mechanical interfaces, and integrated drive electronics. Reserved for applications where existing platforms can’t meet the performance, envelope, or environmental requirements. This is full co-development territory.
Most OEM programs fall into Level 2. The motor platform and gearhead architecture work — they just need to be optimized and matched for your specific operating conditions. For ground-up programs, see OEM Co-Development →
From requirements to specification in 48 hours
You send us your application requirements — torque, speed, voltage, duty cycle, environment, envelope, volume, and control architecture. Within 48 hours, our engineering team responds with one of three things:
A configuration recommendation from an existing platform with specific modifications identified
A preliminary custom specification with estimated performance, timeline, and budgetary pricing
A set of clarifying questions if the application requirements need further definition before we can recommend an approach
No RFQ forms. No “contact sales.” You talk to an engineer from the first conversation.
Talk to an Engineer →Common questions about custom motion control engineering
How much does custom engineering cost compared to catalog components?
It depends on the level of customization. Configuration-level changes (shaft, leads, connectors, gear ratio) add minimal cost. System optimization — winding, gearhead matching, drive integration — adds engineering time but typically no tooling cost. Ground-up designs require tooling investment that amortizes over production volume. We provide budgetary estimates during the first engineering conversation so there are no surprises.
Can you match a competitor’s motor or motion system that’s been discontinued?
Yes — this is a common starting point. We reverse-engineer the performance characteristics (not the design — the performance your application actually needs) and build a replacement that’s form-fit-function compatible or improved. In many cases, we can improve on the original by applying current materials, modern drive electronics, and updated manufacturing techniques.
Do we have to buy the entire system from TelcoMotion, or can we spec just the motor?
Either. Some OEM programs need only a custom motor to pair with their existing gearhead and drive. Others benefit from having us engineer and deliver the complete motion system as an integrated unit. We’ll recommend the approach that makes the most sense for your application — we don’t upsell system integration where a standalone motor is the right answer.
What’s your typical prototype lead time?
For Level 1 and Level 2 customizations, prototype samples typically ship in 4–8 weeks from specification approval. Ground-up designs and fully integrated assemblies take longer depending on tooling and component complexity. We provide specific timelines during the engineering phase.
Do you support design iterations after the first prototype?
Yes — and we expect them. Most programs go through 1–2 design iterations between first prototype and production release. Our engineering team supports iteration at no additional engineering cost for modifications within the original specification scope.
What documentation do you provide?
Full system specification (electrical, mechanical, thermal), performance test data, dimensional drawings, 3D models (STEP/IGES), and material/compliance certifications. For integrated assemblies, we include wiring diagrams, interface specifications, and installation documentation. For production programs, we add PPAP documentation, control plans, and incoming inspection specifications.
Ready to spec your custom motion system?
Share your torque, speed, environment, and control requirements — our engineering team responds within 48 hours with a system-level assessment.