Repairing Indramat Servomotors

Indramat servomotors are widely respected for their long operational lifespan, rugged construction, and high performance precision. Though the original Indramat brand has been defunct since the early 2000s, its legacy continues through Bosch Rexroth, which now provides support for these systems. Due to their resilience, Indramat servomotors are still found today in legacy equipment across manufacturing, printing, packaging, and automation sectors.

Despite their reputation for durability, no electromechanical system is completely immune to wear. Over time, even the most reliable servomotors can degrade and require maintenance, repair, or refurbishment to continue functioning as intended.

Why Indramat Servomotors Still Matter

Indramat motors were engineered to operate in diverse environments, with model variants that include:

• Plain and keyway shaft designs

• Versions rated for explosive or hazardous areas

• Customizable feedback systems

• Compatibility with a wide array of drive controllers ( DKC, DDS, DKS)

These motors are often preferred over modern alternatives due to their proven reliability, mechanical integrity, and seamless integration with older motion control systems.

Common Factors That Lead to Servomotor Failure

While Indramat servomotors can operate effectively for 8–12 years or more, their performance is still subject to environmental and operational stress. Common contributors to degradation include:

• Mechanical wear and tear from extended use

• Thermal cycling or overtemperature conditions

• Contaminants such as dust, oil, or moisture

• Electrical faults in the feedback system or motor windings

• Damaged or worn motor cables and connectors

Even the most carefully maintained motor may experience fatigue in seals, bearings, or wiring over time especially in high duty cycle applications.

Can Indramat Motors Be Repaired?

Yes, most Indramat servomotors can be repaired or rebuilt, even if they are considered obsolete. However, repair work often cannot be performed in-house due to the need for:

• Specialized test stands and diagnostics tools

• Factory-authorized parts

• Calibrated alignment of encoders and resolvers

• Flameproof housing integrity (for motors rated for hazardous locations)

While minor repairs like cable replacement or connector inspection can be done by maintenance staff, bearing replacement, shaft rework, or encoder calibration should be handled by professionals familiar with Indramat systems.

Extending the Life of Your Indramat Motor

Preventive maintenance and early attention to performance issues are key. To extend the life of your servomotor:

• Perform routine inspections on cables, connectors, and mounting

• Monitor for abnormal noise or vibration

• Ensure the cooling system is functioning and free of obstructions

• Avoid exposing the motor to environments outside its temperature and IP rating

• Respond to error or warning codes promptly, using the motor or drive’s status indicators

FAQs

 Can I still find replacement Indramat servomotors?

New motors are no longer manufactured, but refurbished Indramat servomotors are widely available through trusted suppliers like Wake Industrial. These units are restored to original performance specs and come with a warranty.

 How long does it take to repair a servomotor?

Turnaround depends on the extent of damage, parts availability, and shipping times. Wake Industrial offers fast diagnostics and repair timelines to minimize your machine downtime.

 How do I know if my servomotor is beyond repair?

If the stator windings are severely shorted, the shaft is damaged beyond tolerance, or the encoder housing is compromised, replacement may be more cost-effective. Our team can inspect your unit and provide a repair vs. replace recommendation.

For more information, contact PLG Automation:
Email: sales@plgautomation.com
Phone: 800-906-9271