Sigma 5 vs. Sigma 7: Choosing Your Yaskawa Servo Champion

Choosing between Yaskawa’s flagship Sigma 5 and Sigma 7 series is about matching your application’s ambition to the right performance tier. Both are excellent, but key differences guide the choice.

For Ultimate Performance & Cutting-Edge Tech: Choose Sigma 7.
If your application demands the absolute best, Sigma 7 is the answer. It’s designed for the most challenging tasks:

  • Unmatched Precision & Speed: Features like advanced vibration suppression II+ and high-frequency responsiveness make it ideal for ultra-high-speed packaging, precision laser cutting, or sophisticated robotics where settling time and accuracy are critical.
  • Future-Ready Connectivity: It natively supports the latest industrial networks, including EtherCAT, for seamless integration into smart, Industry 4.0-ready factories.
  • Handling Extreme Loads: Its robust control is superior for applications with significant load fluctuations or high inertia.

For Proven Reliability & Cost-Effective Excellence: Choose Sigma 5.
For the vast majority of industrial applications, the Sigma 5 series remains a powerhouse. It’s the proven, versatile choice when:

  • You Need Robust, All-Around Performance: It delivers exceptional speed, torque stability, and reliability for CNC machines, material handling, and general automation.
  • Value is a Key Driver: Sigma 5 offers outstanding performance at a more accessible price point, providing a fantastic return on investment.
  • Simplifying Upgrades: If you’re modernizing an existing Sigma-II system, upgrading to Sigma 5 is often very straightforward.

The Bottom Line:
Think of Sigma 7 for peak, next-generation performance in the most demanding roles. Think of Sigma 5 for superior, cost-effective performance in a wide range of general to high-performance applications. Define your speed, precision, and connectivity needs first, and the right choice becomes clear.

Finding the Perfect Match: How to Pair Your Servo Motor with the Right Servo Drive

Choosing a servo motor is only half the battle. It needs the perfect partner—a servo drive—to perform. The right match ensures peak efficiency, responsiveness, and longevity. Here’s your quick guide to making the right choice.

1. Voltage and Current: The Non-Negotiables.
First, ensure compatibility. The drive’s output voltage must match your motor’s rated voltage. More importantly, the drive’s continuous and peak current ratings must meet or exceed the motor’s requirements. An undersized drive will overheat and fault; an oversized one is often wasteful.

2. Power Up: Don’t Underestimate the Power Supply.
Your drive needs clean, stable power. Select a power supply unit (PSU) with a voltage matching your system and an amperage rating higher than the drive’s input current needs. A weak PSU will cripple performance, causing trips and instability.

3. Communication is Key: The Language of Control.
How will the drive receive commands? Match the drive’s communication interface to your main controller. Common options include:

  • Pulse/Direction: Simple, traditional.
  • Fieldbus Networks: EtherCAT, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP for high-speed, synchronized multi-axis systems.
  • Analog/Binary: For basic applications.
    Choosing the right protocol is crucial for system integration and performance.

4. Features for Your Needs.
Consider your application’s demands. Does it require advanced functions like anti-vibration control, dual-loop feedback (motor + load encoder), or sophisticated safety torque off (STO)? Ensure the drive supports these features.

Pro Tip: Simplify with a Matched Set.
The safest path is often to select a motor and drive from the same manufacturer’s series, designed to work together seamlessly. This guarantees compatibility and simplifies setup and support.

Making an informed choice on the servo drive unlocks your motor’s full potential, ensuring a smooth, powerful, and reliable motion control system.

Brake or No Brake? Your Guide to Servo Motor Stopping Power

Choosing a servo motor? One key decision is whether you need a built-in brake. It’s not just about stopping; it’s about safety, precision, and control. Here’s how to decide.

The Core Question: What happens when the power is off?

If your answer is “The load must hold its position immediately and safely,” then you likely need a brake. This is critical for vertical axes, robots carrying heavy items, or any application where uncontrolled movement due to gravity or inertia is dangerous. The brake acts as a mechanical lock when power is cut.

Three Key Scenarios Where a Brake is Essential:

  1. Vertical Movement: Any Z-axis or lifting application where gravity will pull the load down when the motor is unpowered.
  2. Emergency Safety Stops: For preventing hazardous motion during an E-stop event or power failure, protecting both equipment and personnel.
  3. Holding Without Power: Applications requiring a load to remain firmly in position for extended periods without servo power, which reduces heat and energy consumption.

When Can You Skip the Brake?

In many horizontal or low-inertia applications, the servo drive’s own electronic control is sufficient to hold the position under power. The motor’s electromagnetic torque can actively resist movement. If your application has minimal external forces acting on it when stopped, a brake may be an unnecessary cost.

Talk to Your Supplier!
Always discuss your specific application details—load weight, orientation, cycle time, and safety requirements—with your technical sales engineer. Their expertise will ensure you make the right call for optimal performance and safety.

Choosing correctly means a safer, more reliable, and more efficient machine.

Keeping Your Production Running: A Quick Guide to Servo Motor Maintenance

Servo motors are the precision workhorses of modern factories, driving everything from robots to conveyor belts. Proper maintenance is key to avoiding costly downtime and ensuring long-term reliability. Here’s a quick guide to keeping them in top shape.

1. Regular Inspections are Key.
Start with your senses. Listen for unusual noises like whining or grinding, which can indicate bearing wear. Feel for excessive vibration or heat. Look for any signs of dust, debris, or moisture buildup around the motor housing and cooling fins.

2. Keep it Clean and Cool.
Servo motors hate dirt and heat. Regularly clean air vents and cooling fans to prevent overheating. Ensure the motor’s environment is as clean as possible to stop conductive dust from entering and causing damage.

3. Check the Connections.
Vibration can loosen electrical connections. Periodically inspect power and feedback cables for secure connections, wear, or damage. Loose cables can cause erratic performance or failure.

4. Monitor the Brake (if equipped).
For motors with holding brakes, follow the manufacturer’s schedule to check performance. A failing brake can be a major safety hazard.

5. Trust the Experts.
While basic checks are DIY, leave in-depth tasks to professionals. Regularly schedule maintenance with qualified technicians. They can perform critical tasks like checking bearing lubrication, testing insulation resistance, and updating firmware.

Pro Tip: Always refer to your specific motor’s manufacturer manual for detailed schedules and procedures.

A little preventative care goes a long way. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your servo motors deliver peak performance, accuracy, and longevity, keeping your production line running smoothly.

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