Skip to content
Search
  • Login
© IHEEM 2026. All rights reserved.
  • About Us
    • History
    • Governance
    • Meet the Team
    • Committees
    • IHEEM Sustainability Policy
    • Knowledge Partners
    • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Branches
    • South West
    • Southern
    • London & South East
    • East Anglia
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • North-East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • Northern Ireland
    • Republic of Ireland
    • Scotland
    • Wales
    • Hong Kong
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Events
  • News
  • Jobs
  • FAQs
  • Contact us
  • About Us
    • History
    • Governance
    • Meet the Team
    • Committees
    • IHEEM Sustainability Policy
    • Knowledge Partners
    • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Branches
    • South West
    • Southern
    • London & South East
    • East Anglia
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • North-East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • Northern Ireland
    • Republic of Ireland
    • Scotland
    • Wales
    • Hong Kong
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Events
  • News
  • Jobs
  • FAQs
  • Contact us
  • Membership & Registration
    • Join IHEEM
      • Individual
      • Company
      • Authorising Engineers
      • Free
      • Member Get Member
    • Membership Information
    • Professional Registration
      • Engineering Technician
      • Incorporated Engineer
      • Chartered Engineer
  • Platforms
    • Technical Platforms
      • Decontamination
      • Electrical
      • Fire Safety
      • Mechanical
      • Medical Engineering
      • Medical Gas Pipeline Systems
      • Ventilation
      • Water
    • Advisory Platforms
      • Environmental
      • Health & Safety
      • Strategic Estates Management
    • Ask an expert
    • Technical Forums
  • Authorising Engineers
    • AE Directory
    • AE Applications
  • Affiliates
    • Company
    • NHS
    • University
  • Future Leaders
    • YOUNG ENGINEERS
      • MEET THE ENGINEERS
      • WORK EXPERIENCE
      • CAREER PATHS
      • SKILLS HUB
    • SCHOOLS AND FURTHER EDUCATION
      • Introduction to STEM
      • IHEEM STEM ACTIVITY
    • Upgrade my membership
  • Knowledge Hub
    • CPD
      • A guide to CPD
      • The MyIHEEM CPD platform
    • Pocket Guides
    • Training and Development
      • Courses
      • Health Estate Journal
    •  Knowledge Portal – IHEEM members only
    •  Access to Latest news in Full
  • Mentoring
  • Membership & Registration
    • Join IHEEM
      • Individual
      • Company
      • Authorising Engineers
      • Free
      • Member Get Member
    • Membership Information
    • Professional Registration
      • Engineering Technician
      • Incorporated Engineer
      • Chartered Engineer
  • Platforms
    • Technical Platforms
      • Decontamination
      • Electrical
      • Fire Safety
      • Mechanical
      • Medical Engineering
      • Medical Gas Pipeline Systems
      • Ventilation
      • Water
    • Advisory Platforms
      • Environmental
      • Health & Safety
      • Strategic Estates Management
    • Ask an expert
    • Technical Forums
  • Authorising Engineers
    • AE Directory
    • AE Applications
  • Affiliates
    • Company
    • NHS
    • University
  • Future Leaders
    • YOUNG ENGINEERS
      • MEET THE ENGINEERS
      • WORK EXPERIENCE
      • CAREER PATHS
      • SKILLS HUB
    • SCHOOLS AND FURTHER EDUCATION
      • Introduction to STEM
      • IHEEM STEM ACTIVITY
    • Upgrade my membership
  • Knowledge Hub
    • CPD
      • A guide to CPD
      • The MyIHEEM CPD platform
    • Pocket Guides
    • Training and Development
      • Courses
      • Health Estate Journal
    •  Knowledge Portal – IHEEM members only
    •  Access to Latest news in Full
  • Mentoring
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Events
  • Membership & Registration
    • Join IHEEM
      • Individual
      • Company
      • Authorising Engineers
      • Free
      • Member Get Member
    • Membership Information
    • Professional Registration
      • Engineering Technician
      • Incorporated Engineer
      • Chartered Engineer
  • Platforms
    • Technical Platforms
      • Decontamination
      • Fire Safety
      • Electrical
      • Mechanical
      • Medical Devices
      • Medical Gas Pipeline Systems
      • Ventilation
      • Water
    • Advisory Platforms
      • Environmental Advisory Platform
      • Strategic Estates Management Advisory Platform (SEMAP)
    • Ask an expert
    • Technical Forums
  • Authorising Engineers
    • AE Directory
    • AE Applications
  • Affiliates
    • Company
    • NHS
    • University
  • Future Leaders
    • YOUNG ENGINEERS
      • MEET THE ENGINEERS
      • WORK EXPERIENCE
      • CAREER PATHS
      • Skills Hub
    • SCHOOLS AND FURTHER EDUCATION
      • Introduction to STEM
      • IHEEM STEM ACTIVITY
    • Upgrade my membership
  • Knowledge Hub
    • CPD
      • A guide to CPD
      • The MyIHEEM CPD platform
    • Training and Development
      • Courses
      • Health Estate Journal
    •  Knowledge Portal – IHEEM members only
    •  Access to Latest news in Full
  • Mentoring
  • About Us
    • History
    • Governance
    • Meet the Team
    • Committees
    • IHEEM Sustainability Policy
    • Knowledge Partners
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Branches
    • South West
    • Southern
    • London & South East
    • East Anglia
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • North-East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • Northern Ireland
    • Republic of Ireland
    • Scotland
    • Wales
    • Hong Kong
  • News
  • Jobs
  • FAQs
  • Contact us
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past Events
  • Membership & Registration
    • Join IHEEM
      • Individual
      • Company
      • Authorising Engineers
      • Free
      • Member Get Member
    • Membership Information
    • Professional Registration
      • Engineering Technician
      • Incorporated Engineer
      • Chartered Engineer
  • Platforms
    • Technical Platforms
      • Decontamination
      • Fire Safety
      • Electrical
      • Mechanical
      • Medical Devices
      • Medical Gas Pipeline Systems
      • Ventilation
      • Water
    • Advisory Platforms
      • Environmental Advisory Platform
      • Strategic Estates Management Advisory Platform (SEMAP)
    • Ask an expert
    • Technical Forums
  • Authorising Engineers
    • AE Directory
    • AE Applications
  • Affiliates
    • Company
    • NHS
    • University
  • Future Leaders
    • YOUNG ENGINEERS
      • MEET THE ENGINEERS
      • WORK EXPERIENCE
      • CAREER PATHS
      • Skills Hub
    • SCHOOLS AND FURTHER EDUCATION
      • Introduction to STEM
      • IHEEM STEM ACTIVITY
    • Upgrade my membership
  • Knowledge Hub
    • CPD
      • A guide to CPD
      • The MyIHEEM CPD platform
    • Training and Development
      • Courses
      • Health Estate Journal
    •  Knowledge Portal – IHEEM members only
    •  Access to Latest news in Full
  • Mentoring
  • About Us
    • History
    • Governance
    • Meet the Team
    • Committees
    • IHEEM Sustainability Policy
    • Knowledge Partners
    • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Branches
    • South West
    • Southern
    • London & South East
    • East Anglia
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • North-East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • Northern Ireland
    • Republic of Ireland
    • Scotland
    • Wales
    • Hong Kong
  • News
  • Jobs
  • FAQs
  • Contact us

Meeting the pressures of modern OEM design

Home » Feature Articles » Meeting the pressures of modern OEM design

PrevPreviousBS7671: Section 710 medical locations
NextSpace to care: Digital managementNext

You need to be a member and logged in to see this content.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are under constant pressure to deliver machines that are not only technically robust but also innovative, reliable, and cost-effective. A match made in heaven, as they say. Whether designing MRI scanners, food production machinery, or advanced industrial systems, design managers must balance tight budgets, compressed timelines, and the scrutiny of senior stakeholders.

In this environment, every supplier decision matters. Cooling and temperature control is essential for the equipment to function as designed by the OEM. Temperature control and stability directly impacts cycle times and output in manufacturing and is critical to keep vital equipment such as MRI scanners running.

Choosing the right process cooling partner can mean the difference between a system that performs flawlessly for years and one that creates costly downtime or reputational risk.

Performance claims backed by third party evidence

One of the things to pay attention to is independent accreditation of the cooling systems. When cooling equipment is tested against recognised international standards, it is not just about ticking a box. It means performance claims are backed by third party evidence. For OEMs, this should matter. It will help them stand behind their choices with confidence, especially when presenting to internal stakeholders or hospital clients.

Warranty cover adds another layer of certainty. It is not only about protection but also about trust in long term reliability. When these elements come together with early technical input and clear documentation, integration tends to go more smoothly. In medical imaging, where precision and uptime are critical, that kind of support can make a real difference.

Pairing equipment with the correct supportive systems reduces uncertainty and working directly with the manufacturer of the cooling systems can make a real difference during the design phase, and this is applicable to a lot of OEM industries and businesses. It allows for early conversations with engineers, access to technical expertise and documentation that fits smoothly into digital workflows.

For OEMs, this kind of support helps reduce uncertainty and keeps projects moving with the assurance that the equipment will be paired with the correct supportive systems.

When standard models are not quite right, there are ways to adapt. Factory modifications, testing and collaborative planning can help shape a cooling solution that suits the application, which makes integration easier and can shorten the time to market or installation at end-customers. This is not possible with off-the-shelf systems from third party distributors.

Across a wide temperature range, from minus seventy to plus three hundred and fifty degrees Celsius, precision cooling is possible even in demanding environments. When energy efficiency and performance are built into the design, OEMs can focus on what matters most, and that is creating equipment that works reliably and meets client expectations.

Support should not stop at delivery

In cooling projects, clarity, consistency and long term reliability matter. Having equipment and parts available when needed can ease that pressure and help design teams stay on track without cutting corners. Support should not stop at delivery. When technical help continues, parts are easy to source and the working relationship is steady, it becomes easier to focus on the design itself. That kind of support helps reduce stress and protects the reputation of the final product.

Process chillers are often quietly essential in medical imaging. When temperature stability is compromised, equipment like MRI scanners can lose accuracy or even stop working altogether. For OEMs designing imaging systems, things like independent accreditation, warranty cover and early access to technical data can make integration smoother and give hospital clients more confidence.

When cooling partners offer clear documentation and are available to work closely with design teams from the start, it becomes easier to meet performance standards and avoid last-minute surprises. In healthcare, where every detail matters, that kind of support can make a real difference.

Generic or third-party chillers may appear cost-effective at first glance, but they introduce weak links into your design. Lack of accreditation, limited technical support and uncertain lead times can undermine both performance and trust.

This is where direct relationships with temperature equipment manufacturers make a difference. Unlike many suppliers who act as distributors, leading chiller manufacturers have full accountability from design through after-sales support.

Eurovent accreditation, factory modifications, and Factory Acceptance Tests should not be treated as add-ons but as essential part of the product offering.

Trends shaping design

  • Digital-first collaboration: OEM teams increasingly demand technical data in digital formats, accessible across borders and languages.
  • Independent assurance: accreditation and warranty are becoming non-negotiable for buyers.
  • Customisation at scale: off-the-shelf is rarely enough; OEMs expect tailored solutions.
  • Sustainability and efficiency: energy-efficient cooling is now a design priority, not an afterthought.

For OEM design managers, the real challenge is not abstract trends but the daily responsibility of making sure machines perform as promised. Cooling is rarely the headline feature of a system, yet it often determines whether that system will stand the test of time.

Our role as temperature control systems manufacturer is not to impress, but to assist, making the OEM design journey easier and ensuring the final result is something everyone can stand behind with confidence.

By investing in accredited, collaborative cooling partnerships, OEMs can safeguard both their equipment and their reputation, ensuring end-users experience the reliability and performance they expect. In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, these choices are not just technical, they are strategic.

When design managers prioritise standards, collaboration, and ongoing support, their solutions stand out for all the right reasons, ready to meet the shifting demands of the market and the future.

Ian Morgan

Ian Morgan is the sales manager for OEM and Trade at ICS Cool Energy, a Southamptonbased provider of process and critical temperature control solutions. The company has office throughout the UK and Europe. 

Ingersoll-Rand PLC acquired ICS Cool Energy in 2018. In 2020, Trane Technologies was formed, following Ingersoll-Rand acquisition of Thermo King in 1997 and Trane in 2008 – two industry heavyweights. Along with a diverse portfolio of top companies in the industry, Trane Technologies says it has set its sights on creating a sustainable future for our planet.

IHEEM

Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management,
2 Abingdon House,
Cumberland Business Centre Northumberland Road,
Portsmouth Hants,
PO5 1DS

  • 02392 823 186
  • office@iheem.org.uk
  • Membership
  • Registration
  • Learning Hub
  • Events
  • Branches
  • IHEEM Experts
  • Company Affiliates
  • About us
  • News
  • FAQs
  • Contact us
  • My IHEEM
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy policy

Sign up to hear from us

This website and its contents is copyright of IHEEM - © IHEEM 2026. All rights reserved.

Facebook-f Linkedin Instagram Twitter Youtube Vimeo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT