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SigGear Customer Qualification Checklist

Ask enough questions to identify a real application and avoid recommending a product from one attractive parameter alone. Start with the minimum questions and add detail according to the customer's technical level.

Five Essential Questions

  1. What type of robot or equipment are you developing?
  2. What continuous torque, peak torque and output speed do you need?
  3. Do you prefer an integrated actuator or a separate gearbox and motor?
  4. What are your estimated prototype quantity and annual quantity?
  5. What is the main problem with your current solution or supplier?

Suggested English wording:

What type of robot or equipment are you currently developing? What continuous torque, peak torque and output speed do you need? Do you prefer an integrated actuator or a separate gearbox and motor? What is your estimated prototype quantity and annual quantity? What is the main problem with your current solution or supplier?

Engineering Requirements

Collect the following before final selection:

  • Application and exact axis or installation position
  • Concept, prototype, validation or mass-production stage
  • Continuous torque
  • Peak torque and peak duration
  • Rated and maximum output speed
  • Acceleration, deceleration and complete motion cycle
  • Operating voltage and available current
  • Maximum outer diameter, thickness, length and weight
  • Radial, axial and overturning loads
  • Backlash, accuracy and repeatability targets
  • Duty cycle, ambient temperature and cooling method
  • Noise, vibration and service-life targets
  • Required encoder, driver, brake and power-off behavior
  • CAN, RS485, EtherCAT or other communication requirement
  • Required control modes and protocol
  • CAD, drawing, datasheet or test-data requirement

For a robot with multiple joints, collect a separate requirement set for every axis.

Project and Decision Information

  • Company name, country and website
  • Current supplier or current drive architecture, when the customer is willing to share it
  • Main technical or commercial pain point
  • Expected supplier-selection date
  • Prototype deadline and production target
  • Technical decision maker and purchasing contact
  • Prototype quantity and estimated annual quantity
  • Delivery country or destination for freight evaluation
  • Preferred communication method

Simplified Questions for a Non-Technical Contact

If the customer appears to be an owner, buyer or early-stage founder, begin with:

  1. What will the motor, gearbox or actuator be used for?
  2. What torque and speed do you need, if known?
  3. What is the maximum product size?
  4. What voltage will the equipment use?
  5. How many pieces do you need for the first order?
  6. Where should the order be delivered?
  7. What is the easiest way to contact you?

Do not send a long technical questionnaire before answering the customer's first question. Ask the smallest useful set, then continue after the customer responds.

Qualification Outcome

Classify the inquiry as one of the following:

  • Standard candidate identified: published model is a reasonable starting point.
  • Engineering review required: customization or configuration confirmation is necessary.
  • Insufficient information: required torque, speed, size or architecture is missing.
  • No published match: the requirement is outside the current public product range.