Incidentally, these jigs are also manufactured in house, contributing to their philosophy for quick-responsemanufacturing. Combined with an inhouse copper drawing capability, means Luciano ' s team can produce high quality commutators in-house, without the unpredictability and lead times from external suppliers.
Creating Commutators
Variation in commutator designs, means the design and construction is a skilled task. Whether replacing a commutator like for like, or designing a bespoke dovetail, glass-banded, or steel shrunk design, their understanding of the manufacturing methods can help.
When replacing a commutator like for like, it helps PLD if you have the original manufacturer’ s certificate, drawings and dimensions. If these are not available,
PLD can work with you to understand the application of the equipment and come to a suitable work specification for the grade of materials to be used. In addition to this, material grades, and modern manufacturing methods mean that mechanical strengths in the commutator can be improved. This might be required if the machine is to operate at higher speeds than originally specified.
The way the commutator bars and mica insulations( segment packs) are mounted onto the steel hub defines the type of commutator, all their methods are designed to apply considerable counter force to hold the bars together despite the high speed centrifugal forces.
Dovetail or V-ring commutators are the most common method of mounting and are used in most applications. A V-shaped notch is cut in the front and back of the
( Left to Right) Luciano and Dino Pesavento of PLD Collettori, Roberto Movio of Nestech.
Issue 33 PECM 75