Custom Capacitor Solutions
Custom-Designed Capacitors: Precision Engineering from API Capacitors Limited
In today’s demanding power electronics market, off-the-shelf components are not always enough. Engineers increasingly require solutions tailored to their exact application, operating environment, and performance requirements. This is where API Capacitors Limited has built its reputation, delivering custom-designed and engineered capacitors that combine performance, reliability, and technical excellence.
We offer the following
Reverse engineering
We analyse the structure and performance of physical capacitors to develop and improve more effective alternatives.
White-label designs
We design and manufacture capacitors for white-label and onward sales and can integrate client branding.
Customised engineering solutions
We design and build capacitors for specific applications, tailored to precise specifications.
Specialist high voltage testing
We have specialist equipment that enables us to provide high-voltage testing capabilities.
Exclusive part numbers
We design products with exclusivity in mind and can offer unique, dedicated part numbers.
Rapid prototyping
We provide prompt preliminary designs and prototype capacitors with favourable lead times, subject to the availability of technical data.
Engineering Solutions Built Around the Customer
API Capacitors works closely with customers to develop capacitors that precisely meet specific application requirements rather than forcing designs to fit standard products. The company’s experienced engineering team has a proven track record of delivering innovative custom capacitor solutions on time and within budget.
By involving customers throughout the design process, we ensure that every capacitor is optimised for its intended use. This collaborative approach helps minimise lead times, control costs and achieve demanding quality standards.
CUSTOMISED DESIGN PROCESS
Step 7
Manufacturing Commences
Once the commercial terms have been agreed and confirmed, manufacturing can commence in accordance with the approved design and specifications.
Design Finalised & Approved
Following any required amendments, the final design is completed and formally approved before moving into production.
Step 6
Step 5
Costing Prepared & Communicated
Once the proposed solution is established, a detailed costing is prepared and communicated for your review and approval.
Initial Design Proposal Delivered
An initial design proposal is developed based on the agreed requirements and shared with you for review and consideration.
Step 4
Step 3
Feasibility Assessment & Decision
Our team assesses the project requirements, technical feasibility and production considerations before confirming the way forward.
Client Discussion & Requirements Confirmation
We discuss your requirements, clarify the project scope and confirm the key specifications, expectations and deliverables.
Step 2
Step 1
Enquiry Submitted
Submit your enquiry with details of your requirements, project scope and any relevant specifications.
Proven Performance in High-Profile Applications
API Capacitors’ products have been trusted in some of the world’s most demanding environments. According to the company, its capacitors have been used in Formula 1 by leading Powertrain manufacturers, supporting the Royal Navy’s electric propulsion drives, help power many global railway operators’ fleets. Our products have been used by CERN and other plasma physics applications.
Such applications require exceptional durability, consistent performance, and dependable operation under challenging conditions, qualities that have become synonymous with the API Capacitors name.
Quality and Reliability at the Core
Operating under an ISO 9001 quality management system, API Capacitors places quality, reliability, and continuous improvement at the centre of its manufacturing processes. The company has established a strong reputation for technical excellence, ensuring every product meets the rigorous standards expected by modern industry.
For customers facing obsolete components or unique engineering challenges, API’s design expertise provides a practical alternative, offering replacement and custom solutions that enhance system performance and extend equipment life.
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A Partner for Complex Power Electronics Challenges
What sets API Capacitors apart is not simply its manufacturing capability, but its commitment to engineering partnership. From concept and specification through to production and support, the company works alongside customers to deliver solutions that perform exactly as required with total reliability.
For organisations seeking high-performance custom capacitors backed by decades of specialist expertise, API Capacitors Limited offers a combination of innovation, proven reliability, and customer-focused engineering that continues to power critical technologies around the world.
Obsolete Parts
API specialises in the supply of capacitors specifically designed to meet a customer’s application requirements. This capability allows APIC to provide a solution to most obsolescence situations.
API equivalents to current and obsolete capacitors
Customers seeking replacement capacitors for current and discontinued power capacitors using metallised film and film/foil technology can source directly from API Capacitors.
In most cases drop-in alternatives can be provided. API Capacitors specialise in the design and supply of dry film and silicone oil impregnated capacitors using the latest design principles and manufacturing technology.
In many applications power capacitors will need to be replaced before the equipment package reaches the end of its useful life. This is particularly true in mid-life refurbishments in the rail traction and marine industries. These refurbishments typically take place after 20-30 years of operation and it is common to find that the capacitors are no longer produced by the original OEM which confronts the user with a serious obsolescence problem.
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API Capacitors offer an extensive range of snubber capacitors for use in older style Gate Turn Off Thyristor circuits and have seen an increase in demand for these styles of capacitors as a number of the mainstream manufacturers are discontinuing many of these capacitor designs.
API Capacitors have provided solutions for many customers facing obsolescence problems with some examples being:
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Eurostar International Class 373 Locomotives – API Capacitors successfully undertook the design and production of an all thin dielectric film capacitor to replace a bank of Siemens Electrolytic capacitors used on the auxiliary converter (hotel load converter) circuits on the trains. These particular capacitors provide all the lighting, heating, ventilation, and other hotel facilities in the passenger compartments.
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London Underground Central Line – API Capacitors recently completed the supply of replacement filter capacitors on all 92TS rolling stock as a part of the life extension programme and traction systems overhaul to ensure these trains can operate for another 15 – 20 years.
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Brush Traction – API Capacitors designed and supplied a number of obsolete designs of power capacitors for use in two brand new battery electric locomotives built in the UK for MTR Corporation in Hong Kong based on 1980s designs. API was selected as a specialist manufacturer as we are able to re-create retro fit capacitor designs. The brief was to maintain compatibility with existing rolling stock.
All of API Capacitors’ customers benefit from a fully interchangeable product with superior performance, efficiency and reliability.