maxon product life cycle – status overview
maxon products pass through different life cycle stages, from development to end of life. The following statuses help you assess long-term availability, choose suitable products for new designs, and plan your projects with confidence.
Overview of product life cycle statuses
maxon uses the following life cycle statuses, whichare shown consistently in the catalog, online shop, and related tools.
Important:
The product life cycle status describes how maxon manages its portfolio and product availability over time. It does not indicate engineering maturity, safety, or qualification level of a product.
| Status | What it means for you | Use in your application (existing & new designs) | Availability of product documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coming soon | The product is under development and not yet released for general ordering. Technical data may still change until the final release. | Not yet suitable for final design-in. Only use for early evaluation in coordination with your maxon contact. | Depending on the product, it may already be visible in the catalog or online, but ordering options are limited. |
| New | Newly introduced product, typically released within the last year. Represents the current state of the portfolio in its segment. | Recommended for new designs if it meets your technical requirements. Suitable for use in new applications. | Visible and actively promoted in the catalog and online. |
| Active | Standard product that is fully released and well established in the market. Regularly produced and used in a wide range of applications. | Recommended for both new and existing designs. Reliable choice for series and long-term use. | Visible and actively promoted in the catalog and online. |
| NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) | The product remains available, mainly to support existing applications, but is no longer recommended for new designs. | Continue using in existing designs. For redesigns or new applications, select an Active or New alternative. No immediate or active migration is required. | Usually, no longer actively promoted in the catalog, but available via search or direct links in the online portal. Latest product documentation remains accessible. |
| Discontinued | The discontinuation of the product has been officially announced. Last order dates and last delivery dates are specified. | Not suitable for new designs. For existing applications, plan migration or place last-time orders. maxon supports the transition. | No longer listed in the catalog. Latest product information remains accessible via online search. |
| Obsolete | The product can no longer be ordered from maxon. End of life has been reached. | Not available for new or existing designs. A successor product or alternative solution is required. | No longer listed in the catalog or online portal. Latest product information remains accessible via search for several years. |
What “NRND” means in practice
The NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) status is a portfolio steering status in the maxon product life cycle. It ensures that existing customers remain reliably supported, while new designs are guided towards more future-proof products.
NRND means that …
- the product is not discontinued and has no fixed end-of-life date yet,
- it remains available and is produced to support existing applications,
- it has usually been on the market for many years and is in a later stage of its life cycle,
- newer or more focused product lines cover similar applications and are preferred for new designs,
- the product is no longer actively promoted in the catalog offering.
NRND does not mean that …
- the product will suddenly disappear overnight. In many cases, several years pass between NRND and final discontinuation, depending on demand and component availability.
- the product is no longer reliable or supported. Existing customers continue to receive deliveries and technical support if this is reasonable and feasible.
Guidance for your projects
- Existing designs:
You can continue using NRND products in running devices and systems. For long-term projects, it is recommended to discuss availability and planning with your maxon contact.
- New designs:
Whenever possible, use Active or New products. Your local maxon team will help you select appropriate alternatives.
- Migration:
If a product used in your application changes to NRND, Discontinued, or Obsolete, maxon supports you in evaluating successor products and planning the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still order a product with NRND status?
Yes. NRND products remain orderable and are produced to serve existing customers. However, they are no longer recommended for new projects, and long-term planning is done with a later phase-out in mind.
How long will an NRND product remain available?
There is no fixed duration. In many cases, several years pass between a product being set to NRND and the final discontinuation, influenced by market demand and component availability.
Why was “my” product set to NRND?
Common reasons include portfolio simplification, the introduction of newer product lines, or declining demand. The goal is to reduce redundancies while still protecting existing applications.
What happens when a product is “Discontinued” or “Obsolete”?
For discontinued products, maxon defines last order and delivery dates and informs affected customers so they can plan final requirements or migration. Once a product is Obsolete, it can no longer be ordered. Latest product documentation and product support remain available for discontinued and obsolete products for several years.
Who can I contact if my design depends on an NRND or discontinued product?
Please contact your maxon sales engineer or your local maxon office. Together, you can review your application, discuss risks and timelines, and define suitable alternatives or migration paths.
If you have specific questions about the life cycle status of a product in your project, the maxon team will be happy to support you.