Servo Drive Repair

What Does a Servo Drive Do, and How Does It Work?

A servo system can be comprised of a number of integrated components, with the two most prominent being the servo drive and the servo motor. In essence, the servo drive serves to translate incoming command signals into the right voltage and current needed to power the servo motor, which then produces the force needed to get your equipment moving. A problem with either your servo driver or your servo motor will result in less-than-optimal performance issues for your system.

A servo drive is sometimes referred to as an amplifier. It could also be considered as the nervous system connecting the controller with the servo motor. The drive receives command signals for position, speed, or torque requirements, and then adjusts the voltage and/or current are needed to engage the servo motor properly in order to achieve the desired outcome. For industrial, research, and government applications, servo drives are utilized for automation and robotics, machining, laboratory functions, aerospace, defense, communications, offshore & underwater operations, and much more. Without a properly functioning servo drive, your servo motor could be rendered practically useless. If your servo system is underperforming, the issue may not be with your motor; the problem could live with your servo drive. The AES team can help get your servo drive – and your servo system – back online!

What Can Lead to Servo Drive Failure?

Servo systems are generally very efficient and reliable. Even so, because this closed-loop system includes a motor, drive, controller, and feedback device, a problem with any one of these components can throw a wrench into the whole system. Here are common issues we see with servo drives at AES:

Oscilloscope reads as all noise

In many cases, this simply means that the current monitoring output hasn’t been properly isolated from the AC power supply or transformer.

Servo motor runs faster in one direction

There could be a few reasons why the motor runs faster in one direction than in the other. There could be a phase error with the servo motor itself. The deviation potentiometer could also be in the wrong position. Another potential cause could be that the test/deviation switch is toggled to the wrong setting.

Servo motor stalls or sputters

Sometimes there could be a polarity error with your speed feedback. There are different approaches for addressing this, depending upon the design of your particular unit. In other cases, the encoder power could be lost due to encoder power feedback. If this is the case, a power supply check is in order.

LEDs are green, but the servo motor isn’t moving

Assuming there isn’t an issue with the motor itself, this usually points to the need to do some troubleshooting with the INHIBIT ports. It’s also possible that the command signal isn’t properly connected to the servo drive signal.

Internal short circuits or circuit board issues

Any industrial electronic equipment which depends upon printed circuit boards (PCBs) can eventually fail, and that includes servo drives and amplifiers. Needed PCB service may require replacement of resistors, capacitors, and diodes, along with gold finger contact and trace repair services.

Servo Drive Repair with AES

Sometimes servo drive repair means focusing on the stand-alone drive itself. In other cases, it may mean troubleshooting and servicing the entire controller-drive-motor-feedback servo system. No matter what’s going on with your servo drive or servo system, AES has you covered. Servo repair is really one of our specialties!

Send Your Servo Drive to AES

Pack your servo drive (or integrated servo system) with foam, bubble wrap, or appropriate protective material, and just send it on to AES! If you can describe any specific issues you’ve been facing with your drive, that will also be helpful. But if all you know is that your servo drive isn’t working properly, that’s fine. Just send it on in! Our team can effectively troubleshoot, diagnose, and deliver whatever repair solution may be needed.

Shipping Instructions

Ship your equipment to AES at 101 Technology Lane, Mount Airy, NC 27030, with your name, company name, phone number, email, mailing address, and any other relevant contact information. Our team can take it from there, and we’ll get the ball rolling on getting your servo drive serviced and restored.

Equipment Check-in, Troubleshooting, & Repair Quote

Once we receive your servo drive, we’ll assign it a unique tracking ID as part of our check-in procedure. We’ll then move right to troubleshooting and diagnosis, where we’ll break everything down and assess each individual component. We’ll then provide a detailed repair quote describing exactly what will be needed in order to get your drive back up and running properly.

Personalized Follow-Up

Your individually-assigned Customer Service Representative will connect with you personally; at AES, we happen to believe the individual, personal touch is best. We’ll let you know what we discover after analyzing your servo drive, including our recommended repair and service prescriptions.

Let’s Get Your Servo Drive Serving You Again!

Once you officially approve the repair order, we’ll put your servo drive on our team’s service schedule. Once everything is repaired and restored, we’ll conduct full-load tests to make sure everything is working properly with your servo system. After all quality assurance steps are complete, we’ll carefully package your item(s) for a safe return, and then we’ll promptly ship your equipment back to you.

Why You Should Entrust AES with Your Servo Drive Repair Services

There are a number of companies who work on servo drives, but no other repair provider can take care of you or your equipment the same way that AES does! Here are a few specific reasons you should consider AES as your trusted repair partner for servos, and everything else:

Quality Repairs

At AES, quality workmanship is really what defines us. We’re committed to delivering the best possible quality of repair services for every servo drive, along with any other equipment you entrust into our care. We’ve successfully repaired all sorts of servos, stepper motors, and spindle motors for satisfied clients, and we’d be thrilled to serve your specific repair & service needs, too.

Quick Turnaround

What’s your repair turnaround timetable? You probably want it done NOW – we get that! Still, it’s also true that a quality servo drive repair does require a certain amount of time, attention, and focused effort. But don’t worry, our trained & skilled technicians can get it done for you quickly, too! We have a fast standard turnaround time of 8-10 business days for most projects, but you can also opt to place a RUSH on your order, if that’s what your timetable really dictates.

Experienced Repair Technicians

Servo drive repair isn’t just a little something we do on the side. In fact, AES has a full team devoted to electric motor repairs, including servo motors, drives, controllers, and related components. We’ve been doing this for many years, and we really do know what we’re doing! And we don’t just rest on our laurels when it comes to on-the-job experience. We also provide regular training opportunities for our team members as well, so we’ll always be well-equipped to serve your needs whenever you need us.

A More Cost-Effective Solution

Industrial servo drive systems can be somewhat expensive to replace. The good news? Replacement isn’t your only option, and it really might not be your best option. The AES team can service and restore your servo drive for less, and we’ll return it to you in like-new (if not better-than-new) condition! Our clients love the way AES comes alongside to meet their equipment repair needs, while also saving them lots of time, money, and potential frustrations.

Industry’s Best Warranty!

Don’t miss this important point about AES, too. Every servo repair provider claims to do good work, but not everybody stands behind their workmanship like AES. We’re proud to back everything we do with an industry-leading 24-Month Limited Warranty for ALL REPAIRS. If a problem should arise within the warranty period that’s deemed to be a repair workmanship issue, we’ll provide a follow-up service for you at NO charge! Now, that’s a service you really can’t beat!

Connect with AES for Your Servo Drive Service Needs

Ready to get your servo drive back up and running, so your equipment can continue to put in work for you the way you need it to? We can make that happen for you, and more; AES has your needs covered! Reach out today at (866) 386-1001, and let us provide you with your perfect repair solution! We’re standing by to help!