Certified Motor Rebuilding, Testing, Monitoring Solutions
Bearings can be found in most anything that rolls, from skateboards to rocket motors in billion dollar space shuttles. When expensive motors fail, the results can be catastrophic. Electric Motors also keep industry in motion. Unfortunately, industrial motor technicians can inadvertently set their electric motors up for failure -- again and again. How could this happen?
The answer to this electric motor repair question is lack of electric motor repair training and not knowing the causes and conditions that are the root of electric motor failure. This dooms industrial motors to a repeated cycle of costly, ongoing service.
SKF Certified Electric Motor Rebuilding Discovers Root Cause of Failure
SKF is a leading global supplier of motor bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems and services aligned with maintenance and reliability needs. One of their programs is equipping certified electric motor repair shops with skills and techniques focused on Root Cause Analysis. Because problems related to motor bearings cause more than half of all motor failure, Root Cause Analysis is at the core of the curriculum aimed at addressing this problem and avoiding repeated service.
Diagnosing poor motor health usually begins with close examination of bearings and lubrication. When disassembling the electric motor, what’s the condition of the bearings? Are they out-of-round? Is the motor shaft nicked-up or have burrs? Is the grease, oil or graphite contaminated? These conditions quickly lead to vibration and motor shaft damage, worsening problems. These questions emphasize why electric motor repair best practices for bearing installation can make or break motor performance.
“All our motor mechanics know the criteria for staying certified, and we have ongoing training”, according to James Stanley, Electrical Equipment Company’s (EECO) Mechanical Supervisor of Motor Services. “Training reinforces best practices for bearing installation like keeping Disassembly at a distance from Reassembly of motors that are clean and ready for installation.“ SKF Certified Rebuilder status was recently conferred on EECO’s Richmond, VA motor shop. Motor technicians from other EECO shops have been trained and certified, in addition to the Richmond shop.
Motor Re-builder Certification: Moving from Repair to Reliability
SKF Rebuilder Certification encompasses Failure Analysis, Bearing Installation, Lubrication and Condition Monitoring as well. Industry’s approach to motor maintenance and repair have evolved from reactive and preventive, to diagnostic and predictive. Condition Monitoring is predictive maintenance that determines the condition of motors while operating. This includes listening to the motor, how to interpret it, and what to do about it before motor failure occurs.
Ending Cycle of Electric Motor Failure Pays Off
SKF Certified Re-builders improve your plant productivity, safety and efficiency. Working from consistent specifications and repair procedures provides longer, more reliable motor service life. Plus, support from SKF means best in class practices, access to high-quality components and awareness of the newest motor technologies.
Training and testing makes great motor shops better. Before sending your motor to a repair shop, do you know if they use certified procedures? Review their procedures using a checklist, and ask about their training and ongoing certification program.
