Machinery is running, materials are going in, parts are coming out, then – BAM – They’re not. You have concluded that the Variable Frequency Drive is the problem, but buying a replacement unit can be expensive and require updates to the entire line. That can get REALLY expensive. Calling an on-site repair service may further add to delays since they have to schedule a technician to come to your location. UpFix has the solution. Remove the faulty variable frequency drive and send it to UpFix for VFD Repair Service. We'll have you back in business within one to five days and you will more than likely save thousands of dollars.
Variable Frequency Drives power anything that has a motor, such as a conveyor belt or pumping station. The VFD tells its companion motor what to do including how fast or slow to go, and when to start and stop. In working with a drive repair service it's important to work with a partner that understands your VFDs load requirements, environment, and other factors. It's also important to make sure that the repair service is experienced with your drive's make and model. UpFix can service a wide range of drive makes and models including Lenze, AC Tech, Delta Group, OMRON, ABB, Siemens, Yaskawa, and many more. You can find the complete range HERE.
The most common reason for VFD failure is poor maintenance. Oftentimes, machines will be able to operate for a longer period if they are properly cared for. Below is a list of some of the most common issues.
The first step, and maybe the easiest, is proper ventilation and cooling. VFDs that are stored in cabinets need to be properly cooled and exhausted. Be sure to change filters regularly. Fans that are starting to go bad need to be replaced immediately. Inadequate cooling can be just as bad as no cooling. Be sure to check fan operation before summer as this is the hottest part of the year and is when most failures occur.
If you have a machine that is stuck in this fault status, you should first attempt a manual reset by activating the Reset Fault command. If this does not work, then power down the machine for at least 5-10 minutes before turning it on. These two steps can often clear most faults. If the issue persists, then please let us know and we can take a look as part of our VFD repair service.
If your VFD is failing under load, then this often is due to two things. The first is improper parameterization. It's always a good idea to double-check your drive parameters. It's best to ensure that your drive is properly programmed for your motor and load. The second is faulty internal drive components. A skilled technician needs to repair any faulty or failing parts or the results may be catastrophic.
Keep your drive's power switched off or disconnected until a professional technician can diagnose the fault. When a VFD does not power-on, the issue is often more complex than basic power supply troubleshooting can resolve.
Whether they're good or bad, we always replace high-failure components in your Variable Frequency Drive every time. UpFix addresses all known failure problems. Say you had a communication issue - UpFix not only repairs the communication issue, but also other components like capacitors and relays that have a high failure rate, even if they would pass tests and have some shelf life remaining. During our repair process, we not only put it through a rigorous test, but we clean it to look as new as possible by removing any dirt, grease, and build-up of airways. We also clean the PCBs inside the VFD. The goal of our VFD Repair Service is to provide you with a like-new unit that is plug-and-play ready to install. This helps you avoid the added cost of calling in a service tech to reprogram your unit.
UpFix then validates your repaired Variable Frequency Drive with a 100% load test - by simulating what the unit faces in real life. We connect your drive to a motor, then load the unit to its maximum capacity. When it leaves here, your VFD is plug-and-play ready and has actually experienced the absolute maximum ratings of the drive.
UpFix serves an important role in the industrial electronics ecosystem. Given the current backlog in the Variable Frequency Drive marketplace, if you were to buy a new VFD from the OEM it would take between 12 to 16 months and cost thousands of dollars. UpFix can repair your existing Variable Frequency Drive in only 1-to-5 day turnaround time. while some VFDs can be repaired for less than $200, the average price is around $800-$1200. Occasionally, we see a drive repair that cost $1000s. We will be sure to provide a comprehensive written estimate before work begins.
Ultimately, if you run a shop that utilizes Variable Frequency Drives as well as PLCs and Servo Drive Controllers what you really need is a service partner that can repair and return your equipment as promised. UpFix is just the right size. Big enough to have the right expertise and equipment. Small enough to deliver as promised at a great price -- guaranteed.
Updated July 18, 2023