Applications of Servo Motors in Manufacturing
Servo motors are widely used in manufacturing, for their strong precision and accuracy. They are applied in different industries for various machining tasks, such as CNC machining, textiles and paper manufacturing.
How Do Servo Motors Work?
Typically consisting of a DC motor, gearbox, control circuit and a feedback system, these parts work together to provide precision when machining. The DC motor provides the primary rotational force, working alongside the gearbox which reduces the speed, and increases the torque output to meet the running requirements.
The control circuit signals determine the motors desired position, from the information that is received from the external device or controller. The feedback mechanism provides information about the motors current position.
How Does a Servo Motor Brake Work?
The brake within a servo consists of two parts, an electromagnet, and a brake armature. When the brake is engaged, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field that attracts, holds the armature, and stops the motor shaft from rotating.
The brake is released when the electrical current to the electromagnet is interrupted. By stopping the current flow, the magnetic field diminishes and pushes the armature away from the electromagnet. Once the armature is pushed away, the motor shaft can rotate freely.
How does a servo Motor know its required position?
A servo usually has a feedback device, such as an encoder, which provides signals to correspond with the motors current position. Encoders produce precise digital signals. There are two types of encoders:
Incremental Encoder
This type of encoder generates pulses as the motor shaft rotates, which indicates the movement and direction of rotation within the motor. The pulses allow the control system to know the position of the motor, in relation to the starting point.
Absolute Encoder
An Absolute encoder has a unique digital code for every position of the motor shaft, instead of using pulses from a known starting point. This type of encoder provides precise and immediate position information, enabling accurate control and feedback.
Servo Motors Holding the Required Position
Servo motors rely on a feedback device to provide information about the motors current position, in order to hold the required position. If the control system identifies a potential error, which is the difference between the desired and actual position, the control system will adjust the signals which are sent to the motor to meet the needed position.
Torque is generated within the motor to counteract external forces which could cause the motor to move away from the desired position. Torque is continuously adjusted to protect the motor from moving out of position, as a result of external forces. This is important to provide accuracy and precision for the motor, whilst it is running.
Servo Motors in Industry
Where precision is needed in industry, servo motors are the go-to. The features make them highly used across a number of industries, common application examples are:
Robotics – As controlled movements are required by robots, servos power the limbs and joints of the robot. The different types of robots such as, cobots and humanoid robots, will all use servos for movement power.
Industrial Automation – For production lines such as textile machinery, printing and conveyors where high speed is required, servos are the chosen motor type to provide the speed control capability.
HVAC Systems – Servo motors regulate airflows, temperature and pressure control within the HVAC systems.
The Future of Servo Motors
Servo motors are highly used within industrial automation, a market which is expected to double in size by 2028. This presents a positive future for servo motors, being a motor which will be in high demand as a result of the use of robots and automation within the industry. Neutronic is excited to support the manufacturing industry with servo repairs.
Neutronic is proud to support customers with Servo Motor repairs, we have invested in the latest technology and diagnostics systems to test and align feedback devices to OEM specifications. We understand as the use of servos in the industry grows, it is important to continually invest in the department to meet the demand. Our emergency 24/7 repair service allows us to support customers in critical situations and help get production lines back up and running.
Take a look at Servo Motor repairs at Neutronic Technologies here.