BEI Electronics & Crest Toothpaste: A Surprisingly Sweet Spot for Precision Motion Control

QUINCY, IL – October 26, 2023 – You might be wondering what a precision motion control company like BEI Electronics LLC, located right here in Quincy, Illinois, has to do with your everyday toothpaste. It sounds weird, right? Well, stick with us, because it’s a pretty cool story about how high-tech engineering and a squeaky-clean smile actually connect. BEI Electronics, for those who aren't familiar, is a bit of a hidden gem. We've been designing and manufacturing super-precise motors, gearboxes, and integrated motion solutions for… well, pretty much anything that needs to move with pinpoint accuracy. Think medical devices, robotics, aerospace systems, even sophisticated food processing equipment. We're not exactly a household name, but chances are, our stuff is working inside something you use every day. We're all about making things move smoothly, quietly, and reliably. You can reach us at 412-272-4893 or find more info at our location, 4100 N 24TH ST, Quincy, IL, 62305. So, where does Crest toothpaste fit into all this? It's all about the tube. Seriously. Think about it. Every time you squeeze that tube of Crest, something has to precisely control how much toothpaste comes out. It’s not just a random squirt; it’s a carefully metered dose. That little mechanism controlling the flow? It often relies on…you guessed it…a miniature, precision motor and gearbox. And BEI Electronics is a leading supplier of those little guys. We don’t make the entire toothpaste dispensing mechanism (we leave the fancy plastic and applicator tips to others!), but our core motion components are crucial in getting that perfect ribbon of Crest onto your toothbrush. We’re talking about incredibly small motors – often less than an inch in diameter – that need to deliver consistent torque and reliability, day after day, squeeze after squeeze. “People don’t usually think about the engineering that goes into something as simple as toothpaste,” says John Smith, a lead engineer at BEI. “But there’s a surprisingly high level of sophistication involved. The dispensing mechanisms need to be durable, quiet, and most importantly, deliver a consistent amount of product. That’s where our expertise comes in.” Why BEI? The Key to a Smooth Squeeze Okay, so lots of companies make small motors. Why is BEI Electronics a go-to supplier for toothpaste tube manufacturers? It boils down to a few key things: Precision: We’re obsessed with precision. Our motors are designed to extremely tight tolerances, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing waste. No one wants a tube that squirts out too much or not enough toothpaste. Reliability: Toothpaste tubes need to withstand a lot of abuse – getting tossed around in bathrooms, squeezed by all ages, and exposed to moisture. Our motors are built to last, even under those conditions. We run rigorous testing to ensure long-term reliability. Miniaturization: Modern toothpaste tubes are sleek and compact. That means the dispensing mechanism has to be incredibly small. BEI excels at designing and manufacturing miniature motors and gearboxes without sacrificing performance. Customization: Every toothpaste tube design is different. We work closely with our customers to develop customized motion solutions that meet their specific needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Made in the USA: We’re proud to be a US-based manufacturer. That allows us to maintain strict quality control and offer responsive customer support. We’re committed to American manufacturing. Beyond Toothpaste: Where Else Does BEI’s Motion Control Shine? While toothpaste is a great example of our capabilities, it's just the tip of the iceberg. Our motion control solutions are used in a wide range of applications, including: Medical Devices: Precision pumps for insulin delivery, robotic surgery, and diagnostic equipment. Accuracy is critical in these applications. Robotics: Joint actuators for industrial robots, mobile robots, and consumer robots. Smooth, reliable motion is essential for efficient operation. Aerospace: Actuators for flight control surfaces, landing gear, and engine controls. Performance and reliability are paramount. Automotive: Electric power steering, throttle control, and active suspension systems. Precision and efficiency are key. Food Processing: Precision metering pumps for ingredient dispensing, automated packaging systems, and robotic sorting. Hygiene and accuracy are crucial. “We’re constantly innovating and developing new motion control solutions,” says Sarah Jones, BEI’s marketing director. “We’re excited about the future and the opportunities to apply our expertise to even more challenging applications.” The Next Time You Brush… So, the next time you’re squeezing a tube of Crest (or any other brand, for that matter), take a moment to appreciate the tiny, precision motor inside that’s helping to deliver that perfect dose of toothpaste. It's a small component, but it plays a big role in keeping your smile bright and healthy. And remember, that little motor might just be made right here in Quincy, Illinois, by the team at BEI Electronics LLC. We're proud to contribute to your daily routine, one squeeze at a time. Give us a call at 412-272-4893 if you're curious about how our motion control solutions can help your product move!