Today, brushless servo motors are the industry standard. This wasn’t always the case, however. Indramat helped introduce the brushless servo to the manufacturing industry. This was just one of the many game changing contributions Indramat made to modern manufacturing.
From brushed to brushless
The brushed DC motor was invented in 1856 by Ernst Werner von Siemens (famed inventor and founder of the electronics brand Siemens). This type of motor uses metal contacts (or brushes) to carry electrical currents; brushed motors can use direct current (DC).
For more than a century, brushed DC motors were the only option for servo motors until the brushless servo was introduced in the late 1970s.
In 1979, Indramat’s brushless AC (alternating current) servo made its way onto the scene, and it set the standard for industrial motion control. This brushless servo also proved to be crucial in high performance automotive powertrain manufacturing.
What’s so special about brushless servo motors?
The nice thing about brushless servo motors is that they do not require a physical commutator (brushes). No physical commutator means that there are fewer moving parts; this means less physical wear and tear on the motor.
This makes brushless motors ideal for uses when the motor must work reliably for extended periods of time: robotics, computer drives, industrial motion control and the like. Brushless servo motors also produce less electrical noise, which makes them perfect for audio equipment and computers.
You would think that a motor invented in 1979 would be more efficient than one invented in 1856 — you would be right.
There are instances where either brushed or brushless motors could be used, but the difference in efficiency makes brushless motors the better choice. Brushed motors operate at around 75-85% efficiency whereas brushless motors can operate at 96% or higher efficiency.
Plus, brushless motors are pound for pound more powerful than brushed motors.
Reduced friction and wear and tear means that Indramat brushless servo motors last a long time; so long that any initial cost is negligible when considering the hours of additional use you get out of your motor.
Call 479-422-0390 for Indramat support
Even though Indramat AC brushless motors run reliably for decades at a time, you may eventually need troubleshooting support or repair for your motor. Don’t call a random third party repair shop, however.
Indramat motors require service from trained and experienced professionals that specialize in Indramat systems.
If your Indramat servo motor needs replacement, repair, or maintenance, give us a call at 479-422-0390. We offer phone support for error codes, factory repair services with 24-hour turnaround, and we have the nation’s largest supply of emergency replacement units.
We can even fly an emergency unit straight to you when time is truly of the essence. Call for emergency support, or contact us online for any of your service needs.