Standard Axiomatic Product or Custom Design: How to Choose

Updated

Choose a standard Axiomatic product when one of the existing control, power, or connectivity lines already matches your machine's function and environment — the company notes that its flexible architecture lets users source factory-programmed controllers to meet application needs. Request a custom design only when no standard unit fits, since that path involves hardware, software, and system-level development managed by Axiomatic. In both cases the practical next step is the same: contact the application and sales staff to confirm the fit.

What "standard product" actually means here

Axiomatic's catalog is organized around rugged control and power functions for working machines. According to the site, the product lines include:

  • Battery chargers; motor and actuator controllers
  • DC/DC power converters; AC/DC power supplies
  • Inclinometers; tilt sensors; laser receivers
  • Valve controllers; I/O automation
  • Ethernet, Modbus, Automotive Ethernet, RS-422 and RS-485 protocol converters/gateways
  • Controls that interface with SAE J1939 or CANopen

The key detail for a build-vs-buy decision is that these are not fixed-function black boxes. The site states the architecture is flexible and allows users to source factory-programmed controllers to meet their application needs. That means a standard platform can often be configured to your requirements rather than replaced by a one-off design.

When a standard product is the better choice

Lean toward a catalog product when most of these are true:

  • Your required inputs/outputs, communication protocol (for example SAE J1939 or CANopen), and power conversion needs fall within an existing product line.
  • The machine environment matches what the products are built for — the site describes rigorous testing for functionality, EMC compliance, vibration, and environmental performance for harsh construction and similar environments.
  • Your schedule favors a unit that already exists over a development project.
  • Your volumes or budget don't justify engineering a new platform.

The configuration step is where you verify fit: you specify the application need, and Axiomatic supplies a factory-programmed controller. If the programming options cover your logic, you avoid a custom project entirely.

When to request a custom design

The site is explicit about the trigger: custom development applies where products are not quite right for a new machine. In that case Axiomatic says it can manage and execute complex development projects involving hardware, software, and system issues, including on tight timelines. It also offers an OEM control design service for clients worldwide.

Custom development is the reasonable path when:

  • No standard unit covers the required combination of I/O, protocol, or power stage.
  • The machine needs system-level integration, not just a configured controller.
  • You are building a new machine platform where the control architecture is still open.

Be aware that this is a project, not a purchase. It carries hardware and software work and system integration, so scope, timeline, and cost depend on your requirements — none of which the site publishes as fixed figures.

Comparing the two paths

Dimension Standard product Custom design
Starting point Existing product line New machine where standard products don't fit
Adaptation Factory programming to application needs Hardware, software, and system development
Scope Unit selection and configuration Complex development project, potentially on tight timelines
Best when Function, protocol, and environment match No standard unit matches, or system integration is required
First action Contact application and sales staff Contact application and sales staff

The step both paths share

The site directs users to contact its application and sales staff, and provides a Request a Quote (RFQ) entry point plus a "Request Custom Product" option. So the decision procedure is:

  1. Identify your machine's required functions, protocols, and environment.
  2. Browse the product lines and selection charts to see whether a standard platform covers them.
  3. If it does, ask about factory programming to match your application.
  4. If it doesn't, raise a custom product request and describe the hardware, software, and system requirements.
  5. Let the application and sales team confirm which path fits before committing.

The common failure point is skipping step 2 — assuming a custom design is needed before checking whether a configurable standard controller already covers the requirement.