GE Fanuc Automation

Computer Numerical Control Products

Servo and Spindle Motors

Exposed to Liquids

GFK-1046G January 2003

 GFL-002
Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
as Used in this Publication

Warning
Warning notices are used in this publication to emphasize that hazardous voltages,
currents, temperatures, or other conditions that could cause personal injury exist in this
equipment or may be associated with its use.
In situations where inattention could cause either personal injury or damage to
equipment, a Warning notice is used.

Caution
Caution notices are used where equipment might be damaged if care is not taken.

Note
Notes merely call attention to information that is especially significant to understanding and
operating the equipment.

This document is based on information available at the time of its publication. While efforts
have been made to be accurate, the information contained herein does not purport to cover all
details or variations in hardware or software, nor to provide for every possible contingency in
connection with installation, operation, or maintenance. Features may be described herein
which are not present in all hardware and software systems. GE Fanuc Automation assumes no
obligation of notice to holders of this document with respect to changes subsequently made.

GE Fanuc Automation makes no representation or warranty, expressed, implied, or statutory

with respect to, and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, sufficiency, or
usefulness of the information contained herein. No warranties of merchantability or fitness for
purpose shall apply.

The following are trademarks of GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc.

Alarm Master Genius PROMACRO Series Six

CIMPLICITY Helpmate PowerMotion Series Three
CIMPLICITY 90–ADS Logicmaster PowerTRAC VersaMax
CIMSTAR Modelmaster Series 90 VersaPro
Field Control Motion Mate Series Five VuMaster
GEnet ProLoop Series One Workmaster

©Copyright 1989 - 2003 GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc.

All Rights Reserved.
 Preface

Content of this Manual

Chapter 1. Protection Standards: Provides basic product information and how they relate to
IEC standards.
Chapter 2. User Specifications: Provides a tool that end users can use to help their machine
suppliers provide machines that meet consistent standards of protection.
Chapter 3. Application Guide: Provides a foundation for the machine tool builder by
pointing out the elements that can affect coolant entry, modes of motor failure, and
more extreme methods of keeping motors dry.
Chapter 4. Machine Runoff Checklist: This checklist can be used during machine design
and test or after installation at the user site.
Chapter 5. Preventive Maintenance: Describes the steps that can be used to identify
potential motor failures as well as basic preventive maintenance procedures.
The following table identifies the chapters which will be most useful to each type of user.

Refer to this Chapter:

Function 1 2 3 4 5

Machine Tool Builder Yes Yes Yes Yes No

End User / Specifier No Yes Yes Yes No

User Maintenance / Service No No Yes Yes Yes

Related Publications
Publication S Series α and ß Series αi Series

α Servo Descriptions Manual GFZ-65002E GFZ-65142E GFZ-65262EN

α Servo Maintenance Manual GFZ-65005E GFZ-65165E GFZ-65285EN

α Spindle Descriptions Manual GFZ-65042E GFZ-65152E GFZ-65282EN

α Spindle Maintenance Manual GFZ-65045E GFZ-65165E GFZ-65285EN

ß Series Servo Motor Descriptions Manual GFZ-65232EN

GFK-1046G iii
 Contents

Protection Standards ..........................................................................................................................1-1

Oil Seals ................................................................................................................................. 1-1
Connectors ............................................................................................................................. 1-2
IEC Protection Standards ....................................................................................................... 1-3

User Specifications..............................................................................................................................2-1
All Motor Applications .......................................................................................................... 2-1
Motors Subjected to Liquids.................................................................................................. 2-4

Application Guide...............................................................................................................................3-1
Mold System .......................................................................................................................... 3-2
Custom Cable Part Number System-Cables........................................................................... 3-2
IEC Standards......................................................................................................................... 3-3
When Coolant Enters a Motor ............................................................................................... 3-3
Drains and Pressurization ...................................................................................................... 3-3
Fans and Derating .................................................................................................................. 3-3

Machine Runoff Checklist .................................................................................................................4-1

Checklist................................................................................................................................. 4-2

Preventive Maintenance.....................................................................................................................5-1
Maintenance for Drives in a Normal Environment................................................................ 5-2
Maintenance for Drives in a Wet Environment ..................................................................... 5-3
Modification to the Motor...................................................................................................... 5-4

GFK-1046G v
 Chapter Protection Standards
1

Developing and maintaining a highly efficient and productive system involves the machine tool
builder, the drives/controls supplier, and the end user. The system design, selected components, and
manner in which the equipment is installed, used, and maintained all contribute to the uptime of the
system.

Oil Seals
Oil seals are designed to keep oil from entering the motor through the shaft end. Oil seals do not,
however, prevent the entry of any liquids under pressure.

Caution
When liquid is present during the cooling period of a motor, lower air
pressure in the motor may result in the motor breathing in the liquids.

GFK-1046G 1-1
 1

The following illustration identifies the most vulnerable areas for coolant entry.



 
    

Figure 1 - 1. Coolant Entry

Note
Foot-mount style spindle motors are only supplied with shaft oil seals as an
available option.

Connectors
Servo motor models 0S through 40S and α3 through α40 have the same type of cable connector
system (power, feedback, and brake). The cable connector system is designed to accept MS-type
connectors.
SP-style, α1, and α2 motors use a D-type connector system. The D-type connector system has
connectors that are as effective as MS-protected types.
All αi and βM series motors use a special JAE waterproof connector for feedback.
The α1i and α2i motors use a special waterproof Molex connector for power others use the MS style
except the αM100i and larger that use a TB for power inout.

1-2 Servo and Spindle Motors Exposed to Liquids - December 2002 GFK-1046G
 1

IEC Protection Standards

GE Fanuc motors are designed to meet the IEC protection standards listed in Table 1-1. These
standards are based on two characteristics, the first being protection from solid objects and the
second being protection from water.

Table 1 - 1. IEC Protection Standards

Standard * Description
Protection from Solid Objects
IP4x Protected against solid objects greater than 1 mm thickness or diameter.
IP5x Protected against dust. "Ingress of dust is not totally prevented, but dust does not enter
in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the equipment."
IP6x Dust tight. "No ingress of dust."
Protection from Water
IPx2 Protected against dripping water, rate equivalent to 3-5 mm of rain per minute.
IPx4 Protected against splashing water from any direction.
IPx5 Protected from harmful damage due to water jets, according to the following test:
• Spray from all angles of 12.5 liters/minute.
• Nozzle diameter = 6.3 mm.
• Pressure = 30 kN/m2 (0.3 bar).
• Distance = 3 m.
• Duration = 3 minutes.
IPx7 Protected against the effects of immersion, according to the following test:
(see note below) • Surface of the water level shall be at least 150 mm above the highest point of the
machine.
• Lowest point of the machine must be at least 1 meter below the surface of the
water.
• Duration of the test must be at least 30 minutes.
• Water temperature must not differ from that of the machine by more than 5° C.
* Each standard listed below also satisfies the requirements of the lower rated standards beneath it.
For example, IPx5 also meets the standards for IPx4, IPx3, IPx2, and IPx1. For more information, refer to CEI/IEC 34-5; 1991.

Note
By agreement between the manufacturer and the user, this test may be replaced by
the following procedure:

The machine should be tested with an inside air pressure of about 10 kPa (0.1
bar). The duration of the test is one minute. If no air leaks out during the test, the
test is satisfactory. Air leakage may be detected either by submersion, with water
just covering the machine, or by the application on to it of a solution of soap in
water.

GE Fanuc tests according to this alternate procedure. Using the other procedure
requires removing the end cap and checking for water in the motor. This destroys
the integrity of the seal.

GFK-1046G Chapter 1 Protection Standards 1-3

 1

IEC ratings provide a good indication of the expected performance of GE Fanuc motors because
they are test-based systems. However:
• To meet the standard, the shaft end and electrical connections (connector or terminal box) must
be appropriately protected by the customer.
• Because the second characteristic is based on water, the effect of various coolant materials
cannot be accurately predicted.
• Motors built to meet IP67 go through a different manufacturing process. These protection
levels cannot be readily added in the field.
• If a motor is modified (i.e., by rotating the connector, by removing the end cap to change the
encoder, etc.), the protection rating is voided.
• Oil seals and connectors are the same in both standard motors and in those motors with higher
levels of protection.
• The oil seal is a double lip unit with lubricant between the lips. Lip material is antiwear NBR.
• An extra shield option is available that adds a shield for the seal and another pocket of
lubricant between the shield and the lip of the seal.
• Compared to standard motors, IP67-rated motors have additional sealing materials applied to
mating surfaces. Depending on the surfaces, these may include varnish, rubber-based gaskets,
and RTVs. The motor is tested for leaks by a submersion process.

Note
To maximize the service provided by the motors, regardless of their protection
level, they should be protected from continuous wetting by coolants.

Table 1 - 2. Servo Motors

Model IEC Standard
Hollow Shaft "T" Motors Not rated
5-0 Not rated
4-0S, 3-0S, 50S, 60S, 70S, α0.5 Not rated
2-0SP through 30S IP55 Standard
α1 through α150, β0.5 through β6 IP65 Standard (IP67 Optional)
α1i through αM200i, βM series
40S and α40, αM40iand αM50i IP55 Standard (excluding fan)
IP67 Optional (excluding fan)
α300, α400, α1000HV, αM300i, IP54 (IP65 optional)
αM500i, αM1000HVi

Table 1 - 3. Spindle Motors

Model IEC Standard
Built-in Motors Not rated
Selected 1S through 3S IP65 Optional
All Others IP54 (excluding fan and terminal box)
IP44 (fan and terminal box included)

1-4 Servo and Spindle Motors Exposed to Liquids - December 2002 GFK-1046G
 Chapter User Specifications
2

All Motor Applications

For all motor applications, please follow this procedure:
1. Test machine runoff with all the equipment guards in place and with the same coolant nozzles
and pressures designed for production.
2. Orient the motor connectors down and/or away from the predominant source of liquids.
3. Use sealing-type connectors to keep moisture out. Where MS connectors are used, they must be
watertight versions.
α1 and α2 and β1 through β6 motors use D sub 15P A068-6050-K115 for feedback.
αi and βM motor feedback and power connectors are watertight variety.
WT (watertight) connectors are available in kit form from GE Fanuc. The kit consists of a
connector, “O” ring, shell bushing, clamp, and grommet. These are listed as the "environmental
type" in Table 2-1.
4. An alternate waterproof CE connector and cable termination is also available.
5. The severe duty cables, listed in Tables 2-2 and 2-3, are polyurethane jacketed cables with the
connector housing molded to seal the connector. The polyurethane jacket resists degrading by
the coolant.
6. Physical barriers, such as deflector plates, shrouds, and splash guards, should be used to
minimize liquids falling on or hitting the motor.
7. Cables should have drip loops to prevent liquids from traveling along the cable to the motor
connector.
8. Any removable cover, door, shield, or other device, which protects the motor from liquids or
other contaminants, should be clearly labeled to require the cover, door, or shield to be
replaced in its original position.

GFK-1046G 2-1
 2

Table 2 - 1. MS Connector Kits Supplied by GE Fanuc

MS/WT
WT
Environmental
CE95 Catalog No. Description
Catalog No.
44A730464-xxx
44A730464-xxx
G25 G01 / G14 * Motor Brake or Fan, Straight Connector.
G17 G02 Motor Power 0, 5, 5/3, α3, α6, α4i,α8i, β1 through β6,
Straight Connector.
G19 G03 Motor 10, 20, 30, α12, α22, α30, α12i through αM50HVi
Straight Connector.
G21 G04 Motor Power 20/3, 30/3, 40, α22/3, α30/3. α40, αM50i
Straight Connector.
G37 G05 Encoder 17P, Straight Connector.
— G06 Encoder 19P, Straight Connector.
G26 G07 / G15 * Motor Brake or Fan, 90° Elbow Connector.
G18 G08 Motor Power 0, 5, 5/3, α3, α6, α4i, α8i, β1 through β6,
90° Elbow Connector.
G20 G09 Motor Power 10, 20, 30, α12, α22, α30, α12i through
αM50HVi 90° Elbow Connector.
G22 G10 Motor Power 20/3, 30/3, 40, α22/3, α30/3, α40, αM50i
90° Elbow Connector.
G38 G11 Encoder ENC 17P, 90° Elbow Connector.
— G12 Encoder 19P, 90° Elbow Connector.
* 44A730464-G01 and G07 connectors for the brake or fan are 2-pin connectors; G14 and G15 are 3-pin connectors.

Table 2 - 2. β 0.5 Waterproof (IP67) Motor Connectors

FANUC Part No. Manufacturer’s Manufacturer
Part No.
Power Connector A63L-0001-0780#4 RM15WTJA-4S Hirose Electric
Power Cable Clamp A63L-0001-0781#15-8 RM15WTP-CP8 Hirose Electric
Encoder Connector A63L-0001-0780#12 RM15WTJA-12S Hirose Electric
Encoder Cable Clamp A63L-0001-0781#15-7 RM15WTP-CP7 Hirose Electric
Brake Connector (with cable clamp) A63L-0001-0785 RM12WTJ-2S-(7) Hirose Electric
Note: The waterproof connectors of Beta 0.5/3000 do not have TUV approval.

2-2 Servo and Spindle Motors Exposed to Liquids - December 2002 GFK-1046G
 2

Table 2 - 3. GE Fanuc Severe Duty Cables (S Series Motors)

Application/Motor Amplifier/Control Custom Cable Cable Length Comments 1

Servo Motor Power Cable S and C Series CP3A-0MPB-0140-AA 14M S, SD, PMG
0S/5S Motors CP3A-1MPB-0140-AA 14M E, SD, PMG
Servo Motor Power Cable S and C Series CP4A-0MPB-0140-AA 14M S, SD, PMG
10S, 20S, 20S/1500 Motors CP4A-1MPB-0140-AA 14M E, SD, PMG
Servo Motor Power Cable S and C Series CP4A-0MPB-0140-AA 14M S, SD, PMG
30S Motor CP4A-1MPB-0140-AA 14M E, SD, PMG
Servo Motor Power Cable S and C Series CP5A-0MPB-0140-AA 14M S, SD, 7W, PMG
20-30S/3000, 30, 40, CP5A-1MPB-0140-AA 14M E, SD, 7W, PMG
40S/2000, 7L Motors
Servo Motor Power Cable S and C Series CP2A-0DPB-0140-AA 14M SD, PMG
1 and 2-OSP Motors
Servo Motor Brake Cable S and C Series CB2N-1MPM-0140-AA 14M E, SD, PMG

Encoder Feedback Series 0 CNC 44C742206-001 14M S, SD

A Quad B Incremental Series 15-A CNC 44C742206-002 14M E, SD
0S – 70S Motors
Encoder Feedback Series 0 CNC 44C742208-001 14M S, SD
A Quad B – 10K Series 15-A CNC 44C742208-002 14M E, SD
0S – 70S Motors
Encoder Feedback Series 0 CNC 44C742209-001 14M S,. SD, NU
A Quad B – Absolute Series 15-A CNC 44C742209-002 14M E, SD, NU
0S – 70S Motors
Encoder Feedback Series 0 CNC 44C742229-001 14M S, SD, NU
A Quad B – Absolute
0-0SP – 2-OSP Motors
Encoder Feedback Series 0 CNC 44C742210-001 14M S, SD
40K Serial Incremental Series 15-A CNC 44C742210-002 14M E, SD
Pulse Coder C
0S – 70S Motors
Encoder Feedback Series 0 CNC 44C742211-001 14M S, SD
1 MM Serial Series 15-A CNC 44C742211-002 14M E, SD
Pulse Coder A
0S – 70S Motors
Encoder Feedback Series 0 CNC 44C742207-001 14M S, SD, NU
Serial Incremental/Absolute Series 15-A CNC 44C742227-001 14M S, SD, RU
1 MM Serial Series 16/18 CNC 44C741355-001 14M S, SD
Pulse Coder A Series 15-B CNC
0-0SP – 2-0SP Motors Power Mate E and F
Power Mate G and H
Notes:
1
Cable Comments:
E = Elbow type MS connector.
NU = Feedback cable for systems not using a relay unit.
PMG = Premating ground pin in connector.
RU = Feedback cable for systems using a relay unit.
S = Straight type MS connector.
SD = Severe duty cable, resistant to alaphatic hydrocarbon and alkalai-based coolants (polyurethane jacket).
7W = 7 conductors in cable.

Note
For α and αi GE Fanuc severe duty cables, see Environmental Cables for Servo
and Spindle Motors, GFK-2242A or later.

GFK-1046G Chapter 2 User Specifications 2-3

 2

Motors Subjected to Liquids

The requirements described on page 2-1 also apply to motors subjected to splash, spray, or drip, as
well. To re-emphasize item 2, in no instance should a connector be oriented upward.
Commercially available, environmentally resistant components should be used. On servo motors
rated between 6 inch-pounds and 1327 inch-pounds, the motors must meet IP67 protection level, or
higher. To meet the intent of the IP67 standard, the machine design and connection system must
appropriately protect the motor shaft end and electrical connectors.
The interface between a flange-mounted motor and the machine device or member must be
machined and gasketed to prevent liquids or other contaminants from entering the motor.
Where any liquids have the potential of entering the motor from the shaft end, appropriate slingers
or drains must be used.
If IP67-rated motors are not available or the appropriate measures cannot be taken to protect the
shaft end, the installation must be reviewed and approved by the user. With prior approval, it may
be acceptable to use drain plugs and/or air purge systems.

Caution
Liquids present in motors are not covered under the motor supplier's
warranty. The machine tool builder is responsible for full replacement of the
motor in case of a product failure due to liquid entry.

2-4 Servo and Spindle Motors Exposed to Liquids - December 2002 GFK-1046G
 Chapter Application Guide
3

The best way to maximize a motor's service is to keep it dry, by design and in operation. If it cannot
be kept dry, a system of protection, maintenance, and, in some cases, relief is needed. This system
may include:
• Motor orientation and location.
• Shaft exposure.
• Coolant pressures and types.
• Location of coolant nozzles and shape of the part.
• Connector types and orientation.
• Maintenance (covers left off, filters not cleaned, etc.).
• Motor protection level.



       
     
     
   

Figure 3 - 1. Four Layers of Defense for Best Reliability

GFK-1046G 3-1
 3

Mold System
The standard MS environmental connector termination is hard to make and is also hard to insure
that it is done right. The solution is to mold over the connection area of the connector. GE Fanuc
offers a mold system to seal the cable/connector termination. The mold seals the back of the
connector, shapes the cable from the connector, provides the straight or right angle connection for
the cable, seals the cable end, and provides limited strain relief. A watertight MS connector should
be used to replace connectors on environmental cables already in the field and can be used on new
cables if desired.

Custom Cable Part Number System-Cables

Note: For most motors-see GFK-2242.

Custom Cable Part Number
C P 5 A - 1 M P B - 0 0 7 0 - A A A - revision

no custom - reserved for future use

cord grip (A = None) reserved for future use
xxx.x - length in meters, 1 to 25 in 1 meter increments
termination (B = Both, M = Motor, A = Amplifier, N = None)
material (P = Polyurethene)
connector type - (M = Molded, S = Standard, D = Shell, W = Watertight)
orientation - see Orientation table below
non-motor end connection - see Non-motor end connection table below
motor family - see Motors Families tab
cable application (P = Power, B = Brake, F = Feedback)
designates cable

Example: CP3A-1MPB-0140-AAA Power cable, motor family 3, connected to alpha amplifier, 0 degree orient, molded connector, polyurethene
material, both ends terminated, 14 meters, no cord grip, no special, revision A

Non-Motor End for Power Cables Non-Motor End for Feedback Cables Non-Motor End for Brakes
A = Alpha Amplifier A = Amplifier , either Alpha or Beta N= None, wire stripped and tinned
B = Beta Amplifier Z = FS0 or FS 15A CNC (type A interface)
N= None, wire stripped and tinned N= None, wire stripped and tinned

Orientation Description
1 - 0 degree 0 degrees (power cables only) - the cable lines up with the shaft - present elbow configuration.
2 - 45 degree 45 degrees (feedback cables only) – cables are rotated 45 degrees to avoid the power connector.
4 - 135 degree 135 degrees (power cables only) - cables rotated 45 degrees from 180 to avoid the feedback connector.
5 - 180 degree 180 degrees (feedback cables only) - feedback cable exits toward the encoder end. Use for shaft-up vertical mounting.
0 - straight Straight (for power or feedback cables) - Uses straight connector. Cable exits 90 degrees from plane of motor shaft.

Orientation Orientation
0 degrees 180 degrees 0 degrees 180 degrees

Power Cable = 1 (0°) Encoder Cable = 2 (45°) Power Cable = 4 (135°) Encoder Cable = 5 (180°)
Use for shaft-up vertical mounting.

Orientation

90 degrees

0 degrees 180 degrees

Power Cable = 0 (straight) Encoder Cable = 0 (straight)

Figure 3-2. Custom Cable Part Number System

3-2 Servo and Spindle Motors Exposed to Liquids - December 2002 GFK-1046G
 3

IEC Standards
IEC standards, such as IP65 and IP67 do not replicate the severity of the environments and duration
found on machine tools. While IP67-rated motors do offer additional protection, they are not the
only element in the solution.

When Coolant Enters a Motor

A variety of coolant types (see following table for list of known types), exposure duration and
pressure, and maintenance practices have evolved as a result of a large installed base and a variety
of applications. While both standard servo motors (IP65) and motors with IP67 protection have
experienced degradation or failure, some IP65 motors have operated for extended periods under a
continuous coolant bath. Better protected motors provide better service.
When coolant enters a motor,
• Coolants can break down the insulating materials on the windings and/or those used at the
connection and junction points. This degradation occurs over time, but failures can be
anticipated through changes in resistance. (For more information, see Chapter 5, “Servo
and Spindle Drive Preventive Maintenance.”)
• In brake motors, the coolant can interfere with the operation of the brake.
• Coolants can attack electronic devices in the encoder.
• Over time, motor fans will fail due to contamination.
• Coolants can cause shorts between the pins of a connector
When caught in time a motor can usually be cleaned ,dried, and returned to service.

Drains and Pressurization

Drains can extend the useful life of a motor by reducing the amount of contact time chemicals have
with the insulating materials in the motor. However, you must be concerned with correct placement
of the drain hole and also with the risk of metal filings entering the motor.
Positive air pressure can help when there is a high level of contaminants or as the motor “breathes”
during a cooling period, thus allowing liquids to enter the motor. In this case, you must be
concerned with the addition of another system requiring maintenance.
Drains and positive air pressure should be used only after all other preventive measures have failed.
For more advice with these procedures, consult GE Fanuc Application Engineering.

Fans and Derating

A few S, α and αi servo motors and almost all spindle motors use an air-over fan. These motors are
susceptible to coolant entry, contamination, and failure. The air-over fans affect the continuous

GFK-1046G Chapter 3 Application Guide 3-3

 3

ratings of these motors. The systems could be operated, at reduced ratings, without the fan. For
more advice with these procedures, consult GE Fanuc Application Engineering.

Table 3 – 1. Coolants in Use with GE Fanuc Cables

Coolant Manufacturer
2000 Argent Ferrohone Argent, Ltd.
Alumisol Blue Chip Metalworking Fluids
Castrol 908 Castrol Industrial East
Castrol WY2-402B Castrol Industrial East
ChemTool 250BB ChemTool, Inc.
390 Safety Cool Chem Trend, Inc.
ML-48-2326 Metal Lubricants Co.
1100 Metkool Metalworking Lubricants Co.
251 Metkool Soap Metalworking Lubricants Co.
3499 Metkool Metalworking Lubricants Co.
37A Metkut Oil Metalworking Lubricants Co.
711 Metkool Metalworking Lubricants Co.
F3C28A Metkut Metalworking Lubricants Co.
Metkool 1450 Metalworking Lubricants Co.
Metkool 3030-R Metalworking Lubricants Co.
Nat-Hone SC 4640 National Chem Oil Corp.
185-FB Kut Quaker Chemical
523 Cutting Fluid Van Stratten Chemical
NM5299 Van Stratten Chemical
C-104KTP Houghton Intl., Inc.
CLEAREDGE 6510 Castrol International
SYNTILO 9951 Castrol International
WS3-908E Castrol International

3-4 Servo and Spindle Motors Exposed to Liquids - December 2002 GFK-1046G
 Chapter Machine Runoff Checklist
4

The following checklist is not a comprehensive checklist. It should be used by both the machine
tool builder and the end user to supplement good engineering practices.
Observe each machine operating in a cutting mode, with all equipment guards in place, with the
same coolant nozzles and pressures as designed for production, and with parts of similar size and
form factor in the work position.
Relative to the work area where coolants are used, where is the motor located?
† Inside or
† Outside.

† Above or
† Level with or
† Below.

How is the motor connected to the machine?

† Belted or
† Gearbox.

† Coupling exposed or
† Flange mounted to machine member.

† Is it machined well or gasketed?

GFK-1046G 4-1
 4

Checklist
† Is coolant splashing, dripping, spraying, or flowing onto the motor?
† Are all the liquid “paths” to the motor identified?
† If the coupling area is exposed, is there a slinger on the shaft to expel coolant?
† Does the motor shaft get wet? Are liquids around the motor flange area, even when the
motor is turned off?
† With foot-mounted spindle motors, is the shaft fully protected from any contact with
moisture?
† Can guards, deflectors, or shields be applied to reduce or eliminate the coolant attack?
† Are removable maintenance covers or shields in place? Are notices and warnings posted to
minimize the chances that they will be left off?
† Are motor fans protected or screened?
† Can the coolant get to the motor via the connectors?
† Are the connectors the environmental type? Is the “O” ring in place?
† If a strain relief is installed, did it strengthen or weaken the seal?
† Do any motor cables flex? Will this break down the cable insulation?
† Is there a drip loop in the cable?
† Are the connectors pointing down and/or away from the liquid source?
† Are the motors IP67?

4-2 Servo and Spindle Motors Exposed to Liquids - December 2002 GFK-1046G
 Chapter Preventive Maintenance
5

Warning
The products described in this publication may use hazardous voltages or
create other conditions that could, through misuse, inattention, or lack of
understanding, result in personal injury, or damage to the product or to
other equipment. It is imperative that personnel involved in the installation,
maintenance, or use of these products understand the operation of the
products and the contents of this and related publications.

Some surfaces on the motors, servo amplifiers, and discharge resistors may
be extremely hot.

Different environments may require different maintenance procedures. Little maintenance is

required in normal, clean, dry environments. Where the drives, and especially the motors, are
exposed to coolants or other liquids, extra precautions must be taken to maintain the reliability of
the drives.
If a motor must be disassembled, i.e. encoder end cap or connector, the IEC IPxx specification is
voided. (For more information on IEC Standards, refer to Chapter 1, “Protection Standards and
Product Information.”)

GFK-1046G 5-1
 5

Maintenance for Drives in a Normal Environment

When performing the following procedures, all motor cables that flex during operation should be
checked for damage to the insulation and for damage at the connection points.

Servo Motors
In a clean, dry environment, servo motors do not require maintenance, other than inspection and
cleaning. They should be inspected and cleaned, if necessary, every six months. Use factory air and
a vacuum cleaner to clean the servo motor.

Spindle Motors
For spindle motors, the following items should be checked and cleaned every six months, or more
often if contamination has built up:
• Four ventilation openings on the front of the motor.
• Fan guard on the rear of the motor.
• Cooling fan.

Servo and Spindle Amplifiers

For servo and spindle amplifiers, the following items should be checked and cleaned every six
months, or more often if contamination has built up.
• Cooling fan for the spindle amplifier and the servo amplifier, if provided.
• Heat sink cooling fins.
Use factory air and a vacuum cleaner to clean the servo and spindle amplifiers.

5-2 Servo and Spindle Motors Exposed to Liquids - December 2002 GFK-1046G
 5

Maintenance for Drives in a Wet Environment

Test Equipment
Use a 250-volt DC battery-operated insulation tester. The tester may have higher voltages available,
but it must be able to limit to 250 volts.

Motor Inspection and Maintenance

Initially, the following checks should be performed weekly until a pattern of change is established,
and a different test period can be determined.
1. Verify that all machine guards, shields, etc., are in place to keep coolant off the motor. If they
are not in place, replace the guards and shields.
2. Inspect and clean the motor using factory air, a clean dry cloth, and/or a wet/dry vacuum.
3. Check all motor cables that flex during operation for damage to the insulation and also for
damage at the connection points.
4. Most spindle motors and some servo motors have fans. Inspect and clean the fans if necessary.
Be sure they are running – if not, replace them.
5. Check and clean the four ventilation openings of the spindle motor.

Test Procedure
Test the motor insulation using the 250-volt DC tester. This test can be done without disconnecting
the motor from the amplifier. This assumes a good connection from the amplifier to the motor.
1. Servos: Turn off power to the servo amplifier.
2. Spindles: Turn off power to the spindle amplifier.
3. Connect the tester between one of the motor leads and ground at the amplifier.
4. Activate the tester to read the insulation resistance.

Note
For spindle motors, a reading of 0.5 megohm may be normal because there may
be a relatively low resistance path to ground through the amplifier. If so,
disconnect the motor leads from the amplifier, and perform the tests using the
motor leads rather than the terminal.

GFK-1046G Chapter 5 Preventive Maintenance 5-3

 5

Table 5 - 1. Insulation Resistance Readings

Reading Description
Infinity Excellent insulation. No effect from coolant. Inspection period may be lengthened.
< infinity but > 20 megohms Good insulation; however, the insulation has been affected, probably by coolant.
Continue to monitor until a pattern is established.
< 20 megohms Insulation is deteriorating and should be monitored closely. Continue to check weekly.
<1 megohm Insulation system has failed. Determine the source by disconnecting the motor power
plug or leads and checking the motor directly. If the motor resistance is low, replace the
motor. If the motor resistance is not low, check the plug or terminal box. If the plug or
box is wet, dry it out, retest, and take action to prevent liquid from entering the plug or
box.

Note
Any subsequent reduction of insulation resistance will give advance notice of a
possible motor failure. The motor may function to zero ohms as long as it is the
only motor on the system with low ohms; but such operation is not recommended.

Servo or Spindle Amplifiers

Most modules have cooling fans. Be sure the fans are running – if not, replace. Inspect and clean as
necessary. Check and clean these items every six months, or more often if contamination has built
up. Carefully clean using factory air, a vacuum cleaner, and/or cleaning solvent and a clean, dry
cloth.
• The cooling fan for the spindle amplifier and for the servo amplifier, if provided.
• The heat sink cooling fins.
If coolant is on the amplifier, check the enclosure seal for defects that are allowing coolant into the
enclosure. Possible defects might include missing or deformed gaskets or missing filters. Correct or
replace the missing or deformed items.
If there is coolant on the electronic boards, carefully remove the coolant. The contaminants may
damage components and/or cause shorts on the boards.

Modification to the Motor

α Series servo motors have a part number format of A06B-xxxx-xxxx#xxyy. If the last two
characters (yy in the above format) are 75 or 76, it means the motor has a sealing rating of IP67.

The αi series servo motors part number has a #0100 suffix to indicate an IP67 version.

IP67 servo motors, changing the encoder or encoder connector direction will disturb the materials
used to provide additional protection. In the case of the end cap, a liquid seal material equivalent to
Three Bond #1215 is used. The encoder connector has a flourorubber-type gasket between it and
the encoder cover.
New materials should be applied to cleaned surfaces in order to attempt to regain the original
production integrity. However, this cannot be verified unless the motor is subjected to tests similar
to the ones defined by IEC for the appropriate protection level.

5-4 Servo and Spindle Motors Exposed to Liquids - December 2002 GFK-1046G
 Index
Protection Standards, 1-3

A S
Air-Over Fan, 3-3 Seals, Oil, 1-1
Severe Duty Cables, 2-3
Standards, Protection, 1-3
C
Cable Connectors, 1-2
Cables, Severe Duty, 2-3
Connectors, Cable, 1-2
Coolant and its effect on a motor, 3-3

D
Drains, 3-3

E
Exposure to Liquids, 2-4

F
Fans, 3-3

I
IEC Standards, 1-3, 3-3
IEC Standards for Servo Motors, 1-4
IEC Standards for Spindle Motors, 1-4
Insulation Resistance Readings, 5-4

L
Liquids, Exposure to, 2-4

M
Machine Runoff Checklist, 4-1
Maintenance, Preventive, 5-1
For drives in a normal environment, 5-2
For drives in a wet environment, 5-3
Mold System, 3-2
Motor Modification, 5-4
MS Connector Kits Supplied by GE Fanuc, 2-2

O
Oil Seals, 1-1

P
Pressurization, 3-3
Preventive Maintenance, 5-1

GFK-1046G Index-1