Motor Accessories
There are many components beyond the standard electric motor that can make a big difference in how well the motor performs or how long it lasts. Much of this hinges on getting the right parts for connecting an electric motor to whatever drives or machines it is intended to power. A good start might be coupling kits, which attach to both ends of motor and connect it up to whatever kind of equipment (e.g., gear reductions, output shafts) one has in a particular application.
Stabilizer bushings dampen vibration and provide additional support to the motor, resulting in a much more stable operation and reduction in noise. They're made from durable stuff like rubber or polyurethane and do an excellent job of keeping everything properly aligned while also shielding motor mounts and frames from the kinds of stresses that could lead to premature failure.
The vital role that motor mounts and bases play in keeping motors secure and steady is hard to overstate. Whether scenarios call for various sizes of motor mounts, using different types of materials, or the need to specify certain kinds of applications—be they industrial or otherwise—the selection of the right kind of motor mount and base can indeed make a significant difference between a well-functioning system and one that's prone to problems.
Motor Starters, Soft Starters and VFDs
Motor Starters
Motor starters safely start and stop a motor in industrial applications. They are designed with a contactor, overload and circuit protection. They are used when basic motor control is required, where torque on the motor is not a concern and speed control is not needed. The advantages of motor starters include: lower cost, allows for remote operation, allows for monitoring of motor state (with the use of auxiliary contacts) and they are safe and efficient. The disadvantages include: high inrush current that can cause fuses to blow and breakers to trip if the inrush is too high, and the starter will allow a full torque to start the motor which can cause the motor to ramp up to full speed very quickly potentially causing the motor to wear and degrade prematurely.
Soft Starters
Soft starters protect motors from inrush current by gently ramping up the motor to full speed. They provide all of the same functions as a traditional motor starter. The advantages of soft starters include: they are less expensive than a VFD when only startup control is needed, they are a smaller system than a VFD where space is a concern and they prevent unwanted torque upon startup, prolonging the life of the motor. The disadvantages include: they are more expensive than a traditional motor starter and they do not allow for full speed control.
VFDs
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) allow for the slow ramp up of a motor during startup and the slowing down of the motor during shutdown. They also allow for full speed control during the entire run cycle of the motor. VFDs provide the same functions as both the traditional motor starters and soft starters. The advantages of VFDs include: full speed control (start, stop and in-between), more custom control and monitoring, energy savings due to efficient motor usage and less wear and tear on the motors. The disadvantages include: they are more expensive and larger than other motor control options and they generate heat that may require fans or AC units.