motors and drives

motors and drives 

DC Motor Drives
If you own or manage a company that uses DC motors, then you might be in need of DC motor drives at some point in the future. But perhaps you're wondering how these drives work and how they actually benefit a company or organization that uses these types of motors.

DC Motor Drives

What is a DC Drive?

This is a motor control mechanism that's engineered to control speed and torque on a heavy-duty motor as well as PID control, tension control and numerous other applications. DC drives work as a go-between interface between the motor and controller. The drive must match the motor's control signals (power/voltage levels) and also the signal, whether it be an analog or digital signal.

Types of DC Motor Drives

There are various types of drives, so you must choose carefully before purchasing. Common types include variable speed (adjustable) control, integral motion control, regenerative (regen) drives, nonregenerative drives, servo control, etc. Some drives offer the option for either adjustable or variable speed control from one main drive.

Purpose for DC Drives

Purpose for DC Drives

Although DC motors used in industrial settings are generally small, they can be quite powerful. They are easily controlled by DC drives, but without the appropriate drive, the motor will overwork itself and possibly become damaged. In heavy-duty motor environments, control must be maintained using a controller and feedback. A well balanced motor setup can help a company save time and money due to smoother operations, less time spent on maintenance and prolonging the life of the motor.

Important Functions

Some crucial functions of DC drives include torque control, current control, position feedback, loop control, speed control, PID control, web/tension control, extruder control, SCR controls, dancer control, printing, wire drawing, etc. Some manufacturers, such as Carotron, Inc., specialize in retrofit DC drives. The word retrofit also means replacement or properly fitted drives for obsolete motor drives. Older DC motors that are still in great condition will eventually need a new drive. But unfortunately, many manufacturers around the world are dropping DC drive production from their lines. So engineers that specialize in this area can help companies that don't want to replace their older DC motors. By simply removing and replacing the drive with a new, retrofit DC drive, the company can potentially save thousands of dollars in costs and labor down time!

Buying a DC Motor Drive?

Before buying a DC drive, contact the manufacturer or distributor and speak with a qualified engineer about your application needs. If you need help with troubleshooting, some companies have engineers on-hand to help with your issues. Also, use the web to research various drives and find what you need. Manufacturing websites may offer brochures, instruction manuals, and web pages with details such as specifications, features, model ratings and dimensions, connections, application examples, and more.
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