An AC drive system, over time, will become outdated and not work properly. As a motor ages, the insulation system begins to wear out damaging the drive. Years of use will result in the breakdown of the drives. When this happens, you have several options – you can repair, replace, upgrade, or retrofit the system. Deciding the best course of action is not always easy as many factors contribute to final decision.
Repairing
When it comes to repairing a faulty drive, it is often necessary to replace a part. Often there are multiple parts that must be replaced in order to get it up and running. At some point this may become more expensive than replacing the entire unit. And, there is also the high probability that an old drive will break down again, resulting in more downtime and creating additional issues in production.
Replacing
If you simply need a new drive that does the exact same thing as the old one, merely replacing the old one with a new one is the obvious solution, especially if you do not foresee the need for a change in functionality in the near future. However, make sure to extend the life of your drive system with regular maintenance. Replacing components that are getting worn out on a schedule, will keep you from having unexpected shut-downs, keeping the amount of time that production is halted to a minimum.
Upgrading
When functionality needs to be improved, an upgraded product is likely to be what’s required. In this instance, an older product is replaced with a newer improved version. This usually includes both hardware and software, however, if the old hardware system is healthy but the software is not adequate, it may be enough to update only the software. New software may improve the system enough without incurring the cost of new equipment. If new features are needed, for example, improved data collection, upgrading to the latest version of the software can provide additional attributes quickly and cost-effectively. New software will also decrease the strain on the hardware and increase its life.
Retrofitting
If you need a substantial change rather than a fix in your drive system, a retrofit is most likely the way to go. When retrofitting, you are taking advantage of the latest in technology. But that does not mean you have to tear out everything, retrofitting a system can be done by replacing only the aspects that are hindering the process. A retrofit will make your system more efficient and reliable, while reducing production costs. A newly engineered drive system will be more efficient, reliable, and specific to your current needs.
When you have a drive system reaching the end of its life or simply not working properly, M.R. Snyder can help your company determine what is the best course of action. Depending on your needs and your budget, we will evaluate, design, and make recommendations to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more.
