About Schaner Designs
Modular Industrial Automation, Built to Scale
At Schaner Designs, we design and deliver modular industrial automation components and systems that help manufacturers move faster, scale more efficiently, and reduce long-term engineering overhead.
We are building a growing ecosystem of interoperable automation product families—starting with SDLA (Schaner Designs Linear Actuator)—designed to integrate seamlessly into both custom machines and scalable automation platforms.
Our focus is practical, production-ready automation built for real-world manufacturing environments.
Why Schaner Designs Exists
Industrial automation is often developed one machine at a time—custom, expensive, and difficult to modify or scale. As systems evolve, this approach leads to:
Repeated engineering effort across projects
Long development cycles
Machines that are difficult to expand or maintain
Schaner Designs was created to change that model.
We believe automation should be built from modular, reusable components that support long-term system growth rather than one-off solutions.
A Modular Automation Ecosystem
Schaner Designs is developing an industrial automation ecosystem composed of interoperable product families, each focused on a core automation function such as motion, handling, sensing, or system integration.
SDLA (Schaner Designs Linear Actuator) is the first product family developed under this approach, providing scalable, integration-ready linear motion in multiple sizes and drive configurations.
All Schaner Designs products are developed around shared principles:
Standardized mechanical interfaces
Flexible mounting and integration options
Compatibility with custom and standardized machines
Designed for future expansion and reuse
This allows customers to build automation systems that evolve over time instead of being redesigned from scratch with each new project.
What We Do
Schaner Designs supports automation initiatives at multiple levels, from individual components to complete systems:
Automation Component Development
Design and production of modular automation components, including SDLA linear actuators.System Design & Integration
Mechanical and system-level automation design using modular, scalable architectures.Custom Automation Solutions
Purpose-built automation where standard modules require adaptation or extension.Automation Architecture & Platform Consulting
Guidance for teams developing internal automation platforms or standardized machine frameworks.
Our work supports manufacturers, system integrators, and product teams seeking automation that can grow with their business.
Engineering-Driven, Production-Focused
Every Schaner Designs product and system is developed with a focus on manufacturability, serviceability, and long-term ownership.
We prioritize:
Clear integration paths
Repeatable mechanical designs
Realistic performance expectations
Practical solutions over theoretical complexity
The result is automation that works reliably on the factory floor and remains adaptable over time.
Who We Work With
Schaner Designs is a strong fit for organizations that:
Build custom or semi-custom automation systems
Are developing standardized automation platforms
Need scalable linear motion and automation components
Want to reduce long-term engineering and integration costs
If your priority is short-term, one-off automation with no plan for reuse or expansion, we may not be the right partner.
About the CEO
Dan Schaner, Founder & CEO
Dan Schaner is a mechanical engineer specializing in industrial automation, robotics, and machine design. He founded Schaner Designs to address a recurring challenge he observed across automation projects: systems built without a long-term plan for reuse, scalability, or expansion.
With hands-on experience designing and integrating automation for manufacturing environments, Dan focuses on building modular components and system architectures that reduce complexity while increasing flexibility.
As CEO, he leads the development of Schaner Designs’ modular automation ecosystem—starting with SDLA linear actuators—and works directly with customers to ensure products and systems are practical, integration-ready, and built for real-world use.
Let’s Build Automation That Grows With You
Whether you’re evaluating SDLA linear actuators, planning a new automation platform, or refining an existing system, Schaner Designs can help you move faster with fewer compromises.
Contact us to discuss how modular automation can support your next project.
