Electrical Discharge Machining Identifying Root Causes and Methods to Protect Against It

The use of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to control AC motors has increased dramatically in recent years due to their energy savings, low operating cost, and high performance. However, the challenge with VFDs lies in the destructive electrical currents (voltages) that are induced along the rotating motor shaft and discharged to the frame through the bearings, leaving damage to the bearing surfaces known as Electrical Discharge Machining, or EDM.

• Ken Starry
• IVC Technologies