Yaskawa CACR-SR_BB1 AC Servo Drives

Overview: Yaskawa offers many different types of AC servo drive units and the CACR-SR_BB1 is one of the more common drives we work on and see often at our facility. This series is offered in a few different output ratings, starting at 0.3kW (300W) and leading up to 6.0kW. The model number includes characters to…

Absolute vs Incremental Encoders

Industrial AC motors typically utilize either an optical absolute encoder, an optical incremental encoder, or a resolver. In this article, we will focus on the primary differences between absolute and incremental encoders. In many ways, the functionality of both optical encoders is very similar. An encoder sits directly on the backside of the motor shaft….

TEST EQUIPMENT FOR MOTOR EVALUATION

Here at Precision Zone, we use specialized test equipment for a full evaluation of motors and their performance. With these tools, we are able to obtain a complete analysis of the motor’s health.  With just a quality multimeter, a reduced test can be performed to try and identify any major issues with the motor’s windings….

Ballbar Testing

CNC machines, over years of use, can gradually wear down and lead to bad parts being manufactured. The ballbar test, when appropriately set up, carefully monitors the location of sensors on the ballbar within a created XY plane. Once it has been set up, executing a circular interpolation allows the device to accurately record how…

Okuma MIV Series AC Spindle Drives

Series Overview This month, we dive deeper into one of the Okuma AC spindle series we often work on – the MIV inverter spindle series. This series offers a few different capacity variations, ranging anywhere from 1.0kW and going upwards of 45kW. A DC power supply is required, as shown below, to supply the MIV…

5 Steps to Avoid Unplanned Downtime and Breakdowns

Unexpected facility disruptions and equipment failures are a major headache in this industry. When your equipment goes down, you lose money. Yes, We are dedicated to getting you back up and running. But we are also committed to helping your business remain up and running. This is why we have gathered our top 5 strategies…

How to Check Motors and Cables While at a Machine

Troubleshooting a motor unit while installing into a CNC machine is different from checking it on a test bench. In this video, we offer some best practices and tips that will let you make fewer mistakes during machine installation. When drives fail, it is often recommended to not only check the drive components but to…

Yaskawa A1000 General-Purpose Inverters

Yaskawa A1000 series of general purpose inverters are in the spotlight this month. Yaskawa is a proven industry leader when it comes to general purpose inverter units. Billed as the single drive for all your needs, the A1000 drive is a truly versatile and efficient unit. The A1000 allows for network communications, feedback via closed-loop…

Improper Industrial Repair Practices

When it comes to electronic repairs, there are many routes and shortcuts that can be taken to get the unit back up and running. In some industries, this not be an issue, but when it comes to industrial electronics and manufacturing repairs, cutting corners will ultimately result in unsatisfactory outcomes for you and your company….

The Inverted Concept

As we go about our daily business, few may stop to admire the simple technology behind the inverter drives that run our machines. The concept is simple and the implementation has become more efficient over the years. Where older units were larger, heavier and relatively basic in their implementation, newer models are slim, sleek and…

Fanuc Alpha Series AC Servo Drives and Motors

Series Overview The Fanuc Alpha Servo Drive line consists of many different variations. These variations consist of interface types A, B, A/B, FSSB (optical communication) within either single, two or three axis units. Additionally, these servos have 200V and 400V offerings. Each servo part number begins with A06B and is followed by 8 more identifying…

Fanuc Alpha Series Power Supply and Spindle Units

This month, we are highlighting the Fanuc Alpha series Spindles and Power Supply units. We had previously described some of the features and alarms with the Alpha series servos and wanted to continue on with the Alpha series drives. The A06B-6087 and A06B-6088 units are the modular style power supply and spindle units respectively. They…