Category: Blog

  • When to choose a soft starter over a variable frequency drive (VFD)

    When to choose a soft starter over a variable frequency drive (VFD)

    In industrial settings, choosing between a soft starter and a variable frequency drive (VFD) can be pivotal in optimising motor performance, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Both technologies serve the purpose of controlling motors, but their application, benefits and limitations vary significantly. Here Ali Khalil, development sales manager for high voltage solutions at industrial equipment manufacturer WEG…

  • Gearing up for predictive maintenance

    Gearing up for predictive maintenance

    ~ Using software and sensors to determine the future of machines ~ If predictions are correct, by 2025 27 billion devices will be connected to the internet of things (IoT). Here, Marek Lukaszczyk, European marketing manager at gearbox manufacturer, WEG explains where geared motor maintenance fits into this paradigm. Geared motor units are the drive…

  • Five reasons to select VSDs for pump applications

    Five reasons to select VSDs for pump applications

    Marek Lukaszczyk, European and Middle East marketing manager at the global manufacturer and supplier of motors and drive technology, WEG, gives us his top five reasons for selecting variable speed drives (VSDs) for pump applications. Superiority over on-off control pumps For someone seeking a low-price solution to pump control, an on–off pump will feature little…

  • Ecodesign regulations for motors and drives

    Ecodesign regulations for motors and drives

    ~ Understanding regulatory changes for variable speed drives ~ Electric motors are the biggest consumer of energy worldwide, accounting for around 45 per cent of global energy consumption. Regulations on energy efficiency have changed to reflect the European Union’s goals for sustainability and reduced emissions. This now extends to cover ecodesign requirements for electric motors…

  • Variable speed drives for safer operations

    Variable speed drives for safer operations

    ~ Building safety systems for effective failure prevention ~ Functional safety is more important than ever as production systems and processes become more sophisticated. When building safety systems, variable speed drives (VSDs) can be integrated into systems to ensure that standards are met and performance level is improved. Global automation manufacturer WEG has released a…

  • Why is line voltage versatility important for geared motors?

    Why is line voltage versatility important for geared motors?

    Technical specifications are fundamental for choosing the right gear unit. The more clearly defined, the better. Here, Marek Lukaszczyk, European marketing manager at motor and drive manufacturer, WEG, explains why plant operators must analyse the line voltage versatility of a geared motor before a purchase.

  • Popular gear types used in industrial machinery

    Popular gear types used in industrial machinery

    ~Gear units categorised by key features~ Helical gears, bevel gears, parallel shaft gears and worm gears each account for 20 percent of the global industrial gear market. Despite the market dominance of these four gear types, choosing a gear unit involves several design factors that depend greatly on the application and operating conditions. Here, Marek…

  • Can machines think?

    Can machines think?

    ~ The potential of artificial intelligence in motors and drives ~ Computing Machinery and Intelligence, the seminal paper by Alun Turing, posed the question, “Can machines think?” Turing’s research proved that a digital computer could simulate the behaviour of any other digital machine, given enough memory and time. Here, Marek Lukaszczyk, European and Middle East…

  • It starts with an energy efficient motor

    It starts with an energy efficient motor

    France is one of the largest producers of electricity, with EDF, Engie and Total all major players in the energy sector. Here, Yves Jamet, marketing manager at WEG France SAS, a leading global manufacturer of motors and drives, explains how industrial businesses can contribute to France’s energy efficiency targets by opting for a motor with…

  • Beyond the Sword of Damocles

    Beyond the Sword of Damocles

    Cited as the precursor to augmented reality (AR), the first head-mounted display system was developed by Harvard associate professor Ivan Sutherland in 1968. Its formidable size and weight earned it the name; The Sword of Damocles. Here, Marek Lukaszczyk, European and Middle East marketing manager at global manufacturer of motors and drive technology, WEG explains…