Servomotor maintenance is key in today’s industry. Servomotors are essential components in automated industrial systems. Their correct operation ensures precision and efficiency in production processes. Therefore, the implementation of advanced maintenance techniques is key to prolonging their useful life and preventing costly downtime.
1. Periodic inspection of components.
Regular maintenance of key servomotor components such as bearings, sensors and cooling systems is essential to prevent premature wear and maintain optimum performance. Bearings, as critical points of contact within the system, often collect dust, dirt or even moisture, which increases friction and can lead to significant mechanical failure. Regular visual inspection can detect early signs of common problems, such as particle build-up or spots indicating overheating. These signs can indicate a lack of lubrication or shaft alignment problems.
Meanwhile, sensors are responsible for measuring and controlling variables such as servo motor position and speed. Checking them is essential to avoid inaccurate readings that can affect system synchronisation. Checking their operation using diagnostic tools ensures that there is no interference or damage to the circuits.
Finally, cooling systems are essential to dissipate the heat generated during operation. Obstructions in air ducts or fan failures can lead to overheating, accelerating the wear of electronic and mechanical components. Complementing these checks with the measurement of electrical parameters, such as winding resistance, helps to identify irregularities in electrical conduction, such as short circuits or damaged coils.
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2. Adequate lubrication.
Efficient servomotor maintenance requires special attention to lubrication, as this process is key to minimising friction between internal components and extending equipment life. The use of specific lubricants designed to withstand the high speeds and temperatures at which servomotors operate will ensure optimum performance and reduce the risk of mechanical failure.
However, not all lubricants are suitable for all applications. It is therefore essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, both in terms of product selection and frequency of application. Using the wrong lubricant or inappropriate quantities can have counterproductive effects such as overheating or accelerated component wear.
In addition, over-lubrication can lead to residue build-up which can clog critical mechanisms and affect the accuracy of the servomotor. On the other hand, insufficient lubrication increases friction and the risk of overload damage. It is also important to implement a maintenance programme that includes regular monitoring of the condition of the lubricant to ensure that it retains its properties and is free of contaminants.
3. Real-time monitoring.
Advanced diagnostic tools such as vibration analysis and thermography have revolutionised the maintenance of servomotors and other industrial equipment. These techniques make it possible to detect faults at an early stage, before they develop into serious failures or unplanned shutdowns.
Vibration analysis, for example, measures the vibrations produced by the mechanical components of the servomotor and identifies abnormal patterns that are often associated with imbalance, misalignment or faulty bearings. This predictive approach significantly reduces repair costs by allowing planned intervention with less cumulative damage to the equipment.
Thermography uses infrared cameras to measure the temperature of various components in real time. This technique identifies hot spots, which often indicate problems such as overheating, poor electrical connections or inadequate lubrication. Because servomotors operate at high speeds and in demanding conditions, proper thermal monitoring is essential to ensure their longevity.
Both techniques complement each other by providing a comprehensive view of the servomotor’s condition, covering both mechanical and electrical aspects. Furthermore, their implementation in predictive maintenance programmes helps to optimise productivity by minimising unexpected breakdowns and allowing companies to schedule interventions during off-peak periods.
4. Calibration and alignment.
Accurate calibration of a servo motor is essential to ensure that it operates within set torque and speed parameters, which are critical to the efficiency and accuracy of industrial systems. When properly calibrated, the servo motor can respond accurately to the control signals sent by the system, ensuring smooth and consistent motion in tasks such as positioning, cutting or assembly. Without proper calibration, significant errors can occur, affecting the performance of both the servo motor and the associated machine, resulting in lost productivity and increased operating costs.
Correct shaft alignment is equally important, as a misaligned shaft can create unwanted mechanical stresses that lead to premature wear of components such as bearings or couplings. This will not only affect the life of the servomotor, but also jeopardise the correct operation of the connected equipment. For example, a misaligned shaft could transmit vibrations or uneven loads to other components, causing chain failures in the system.
In addition, these preventative measures not only extend the life of the equipment, but also help to reduce unexpected repair costs.
The combination of accurate calibration and proper alignment ensures efficient operation. This approach is not only an investment in equipment longevity, but also in the sustainability and competitiveness of the production system.
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Advantages of these techniques.
All these are the keys to perfect servomotor maintenance. Applying these strategies not only reduces unexpected failures, but also improves the energy efficiency of systems. As a result, organisations can ensure business continuity and meet higher quality standards. Today, these technologies not only extend the life of equipment, but also ensure business continuity and efficient resource management. You can count on experts to help you with preventive maintenance and, in the event of a breakdown, corrective maintenance. GDM is the team you can rely on, because at GDM we provide solutions.
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