OEM Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions

Engineering Motion for Tomorrow’s Products

For more than 126 years, Knape & Vogt has partnered with OEMs to deliver precision-engineered motion, storage, and functional hardware solutions that enhance product performance, improve user experiences, and support efficient manufacturing. Our components are trusted across a wide range of industries and applications, including automotive, data centers, cloud and AI server systems, office furniture, appliances, healthcare equipment, tool storage, industrial equipment, retail fixtures, commercial interiors, and more.

From concept development and prototyping through production and lifecycle support, our engineers work alongside your team to create solutions that meet your performance, durability, and manufacturing requirements. Backed by advanced manufacturing capabilities, rigorous quality standards, and a dependable global supply chain, we help reduce development risk, accelerate time to market, and deliver reliable performance at scale. When precision, innovation, and reliability matter, manufacturers around the world choose Knape & Vogt as their trusted engineering partner.

OEM MARKETS

Industries we serve

KV supports products and environments with very different requirements for load, motion, packaging, durability, access, and user interaction. Explore the market most relevant to your application.

Automotive

Slide and rail systems engineered around vehicle packaging, retention, vibration, and service access.

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Cloud & AI Server

High-load, compact rail systems for serviceable server, rack, AI / GPU, storage, and electronic equipment.

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Appliance

Motion systems for refrigeration, dishwasher, laundry, cooking, and specialty appliance applications.

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Healthcare

Precision access and motion for medical carts, diagnostic equipment, workstations, and clinical storage.

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Office Furniture

Slide systems for pedestals, filing, storage, workstations, and integrated technology access.

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Tool Storage

Heavy-duty motion for professional chests, mobile carts, service storage, and industrial cabinets.

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Why Industry Leaders Choose Knape & Vogt?

  • Precision-engineered motion and functional hardware solutions
  • Application-driven expertise across diverse industries
  • Engineering support from concept through production
  • Scalable manufacturing and global sourcing capabilities
  • Reliable supply chain and long-term production support

PROGRAM SUPPORT

From Concept to Production

KV supports OEM programs through a structured path from early application definition to production and ongoing lifecycle support. Each step builds on the decisions made before it.

PROCESS AT A GLANCE

Concept Development

We begin by reviewing application requirements, performance goals, space constraints, and use conditions to define the right path forward.

  • Application requirements
  • Performance goals
  • Available space
  • Use conditions
Application Engineering

Our engineering team evaluates load, travel, motion, mounting, materials, and integration requirements, then determines whether an existing platform, a modified platform, or a custom design is the right path.

  • Load & travel
  • Mounting & clearance
  • Motion features
  • Existing or custom platform
Prototyping & Testing

Concepts are refined through prototypes and representative application testing to confirm fit, function, durability, operating feel, and performance before production.

  • Cycle life
  • Load & deflection
  • Travel & end stops
  • Operating force
  • Vibration & shock
  • Corrosion & environment
Production Support

KV supports the transition into repeatable, scalable production with value engineering, manufacturability, quality, consistency, and supply continuity considered together.

  • Value engineering
  • Manufacturability
  • Quality & consistency
  • Supply continuity
Lifecycle Support

We continue supporting the program after launch, helping address future refinements, ongoing supply requirements, and long-term product performance.

  • Program refinements
  • Ongoing supply
  • Long-term performance
  • Platform continuity

PROJECT PLANNING

Slide Configurator

Establish your preliminary project specifications to organize your application requirements and determine the slide or rail characteristics that should be evaluated during design.

ENGINEERING CONSIDERATIONS

What to Define Before Selection

A slide or rail should be evaluated in the context of the finished product. These five areas establish the inputs that influence design, performance, validation, and production.

PerformanceLoad, travel, extension, deflection and cycle requirements.
Motion & PositioningOperating force, closing behavior, retention, locking and disconnect functions.
Integration & PackagingMounting, profile, available clearance, attachment and surrounding structure.
Operating EnvironmentVibration, shock, corrosion, temperature and expected use conditions.
Slide & Rail DesignMechanism type, extension characteristics, mounting design and application-specific features.

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS

Build Your Project Specifications

Enter the project details KV would typically review when evaluating a slide or rail application.

01
Project ContextMarket, application, program stage and production context.
02
Mechanical RequirementsLoad, travel, geometry and structural requirements.
03
Integration & MotionMounting, packaging, operating feel, retention and access.
04
Operating ConditionsCycle life, vibration, corrosion, temperature and environment.

START A CONVERSATION

Have a Project in Mind?

Bring KV into the planning process early and start your project with the right engineering support. Our team can help evaluate application requirements, identify the right motion or access solution, and define a clear path from concept through production.

Contact an OEM Expert