How to identify motors?

[bogiestl]

I'm a 50 year old apprentice/shop monkey, after spending most of the past two decades doing computer graphics and research communication, so please bear with me...

I made the mistake of saying "Gee, the storage area has a lot of stuff that isn't being used" to the boss the other day. And then I got a mothballed Bridgeport going (still needs a coupla tweaks, but it's at 99%), and now I'm going to enjoy getting our other Shizouka up and going.

Anywho, when they bought it a few years back, the thing was shipped with the General Numeric/Fanuc 3000C controller, which I've been instructed to part out, including the motors... Plan is to replace it with an AB 8400MP with compatible motors, and we'll probably want to do that as a package, right?

So... back to the motors - I'm looking at three cylinders with no identifying marks. I pulled the end off one, and found what I'm guessing is a Tamagawa encoder (if I'm right... I'm doing some major learning around this) - do I need to somehow pull the motor out of the rest of the casing? or is there enough info on the encoder to describe the things to unload 'em?

So - teach me about servos?

[Al_The_Man]

The first question I would ask is why retro fit with AB? It would certainly not be my first choice?
Either you already have the control or got a deal maybe?
As to the motors, there is not that much call for DC brushed motors these days, unless someone has a machine they want to revive!
You will need a torque and voltage off the label if possible.
Physical size, length, dia is a rough indication as to approximate power.
With a Tamagawa marking , they could be digital tach, Encoder or Resolver?
Tamagawa made them all.
Also, depending on the usage they have had, the brushes and comm may be worn and the accumulation of carbon dust etc, may warrant an overhaul before placing into service.
Al.

[bogiestl]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man The first question I would ask is why retro fit with AB? It would certainly not be my first choice? Either you already have the control or got a deal maybe? Al.

Da Boss already has an AB 8400 on the Shizouka that's out on the floor - it has been reliable so far, but I'm leaning toward trying to persuade him (now, where's my sledgehammer...) to go with a PC-based controller. But for right now, I'm trying to just do one thing at a time...

The stuff I can read says...

Tamagawa (logo)
Brushless Resolver (hah!)
Type TS530 N 30 E 9
3000 Hertz
Input Stator 3.5 Volts

So, this is the resolver part (whatever that is - I'm learning...) that is bolted onto the motor - should it be bolted to a specific motor, or could there be anything in that case?

Here's a photo - I haven't gone beyond this stage of disassembly.



Thanks!

[Al_The_Man]

The resolver was typically geared as is shown in the photo, there is not all that much call for them now.
The were rugged and noise free, but differential encoders are more the norm now.
The brush length and a look at the comm through the brush holder will tell you more of the condition of the motor.
Al.

[advt001]

Ive got a complete AB8400 control I'll sell if your boss needs one.

[bogiestl]

So the whole thing is considered "the motor?" I pulled one of the access points, but all that's under it is the brush - didn't see any numbering or anything I could use for identification purposes. The things were running the day before they were all taken apart and shipped here a while back, and then they just went on the shelf...

[Al_The_Man]

If you take one of the brushes out, large slotted cap, one of four, using a flash light you can examine the commutator for wear or grooving etc, as well as brush length.
The unit you show there is the 'Motor'.
Al.