Glossary category
Machines, components & failure symptoms
Technical components, how they work, and common evidence of failure. All 57 terms are available as direct static HTML links.
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Actuator
A device that converts a control signal or energy input into physical motion or force.
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Air compressor
A compressor that specifically compresses atmospheric air, most commonly to supply pneumatic tools and equipment.
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Bearing
A component that supports a rotating or moving part while reducing friction between it and a stationary surface.
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Bearing defect frequency
A specific, calculable vibration frequency that indicates damage to a particular part of a bearing, based on its geometry and rotational speed.
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Belt drive
A power-transmission method using a flexible belt to transfer rotational motion between two pulleys, tolerating some misalignment and absorbing shock.
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Brake resistor
A component that dissipates excess energy regenerated during motor deceleration as heat, preventing DC-link overvoltage.
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Centrifugal pump
A pump that uses a spinning impeller to add kinetic energy to a liquid, converting it into pressure as the liquid exits.
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Chain drive
A power-transmission method using a rigid, interlocking chain over sprockets, providing high power capacity without slip.
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Circuit breaker
A protective switching device that automatically interrupts an electrical circuit when it detects an overcurrent or fault condition.
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Compressed-air leak
An unintended escape of compressed air from a distribution system, wasting energy and reducing available pressure at points of use.
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Compressor
A machine that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume, distinct from a pump, which moves an incompressible liquid.
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Computer Numerical Control
A control system that automates the motion of machine-tool axes according to programmed instructions, for precise cutting or shaping.
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Contactor
A heavy-duty electromechanical switch specifically designed to make and break higher-power circuits, such as motor supply lines, repeatedly.
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Control valve
A valve specifically designed for continuous, modulated flow control in response to a process signal, rather than simple on/off switching.
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Conveyor
A mechanical system that transports material or product along a fixed path, using a belt, chain, roller, or similar moving surface.
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Cooling fan
A component that moves air across a motor, drive, or enclosure to remove heat and keep operating temperature within limits.
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Coupling
A component that connects two rotating shafts, transmitting torque while accommodating a degree of misalignment or motion.
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DC link
The intermediate DC voltage stage inside a drive that sits between the rectifier and inverter, storing energy for the conversion process.
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DC-link overvoltage
A fault condition where the DC link voltage inside a drive rises above its safe operating limit, often triggered by rapid deceleration.
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Electric motor
A machine that converts electrical energy into rotational mechanical energy, driving most industrial rotating equipment.
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Encoder
A device that measures a shaft's position or speed and converts that measurement into a signal a controller or drive can use.
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Encoder fault
A fault condition where an encoder's feedback signal becomes unreliable or is lost, disrupting the closed-loop control that depends on it.
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Filter
A component that removes unwanted particles or contaminants from a fluid or gas stream, protecting downstream equipment.
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Flow meter
An instrument that measures the rate or volume of fluid or gas passing through a point in a system.
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Gasket
A static seal placed between two mating surfaces to prevent leakage of fluid or gas at that joint.
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Gearbox
A component that changes rotational speed and torque between an input and output shaft using meshing gears.
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Ground fault
An unintended electrical connection between a live conductor and ground, creating a shock hazard and abnormal current path.
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Hydraulic cylinder
An actuator that produces linear force and motion by pressurized hydraulic fluid acting on a piston.
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Inverter
The power-electronic stage that converts DC to AC, producing the controllable output frequency and voltage a VFD uses to drive a motor.
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Lubrication system
The physical hardware (reservoirs, pumps, lines, and distribution points) that delivers lubricant to a machine's moving parts.
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Mechanical seal
A dynamic seal that prevents fluid leakage where a rotating shaft passes through a stationary housing, such as on a pump.
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Motor overcurrent
A fault condition where the current drawn by a motor exceeds its rated safe limit, indicating overload or an internal or mechanical problem.
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Motor overtemperature
A fault condition where a motor's winding or bearing temperature exceeds its rated safe limit, risking insulation damage.
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Phase loss
A fault condition where one phase of a three-phase electrical supply is lost, unbalancing the remaining supply and risking motor damage.
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Photoelectric sensor
A sensor that detects an object's presence or position using a beam of light, without physical contact.
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Pneumatic cylinder
An actuator that produces linear force and motion using compressed air acting on a piston.
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Positive displacement pump
A pump that traps a fixed volume of liquid per cycle and physically forces it through the system, producing flow largely independent of pressure.
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Pressure sensor
A device that measures fluid or gas pressure at a point in a system and converts it into an electrical signal.
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Proximity sensor
A sensor that detects the presence of a nearby object without physical contact, typically using electromagnetic sensing principles.
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Pump
A machine that moves a liquid by adding mechanical energy to it, raising its pressure or flow.
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Relay
An electromechanical or solid-state switch that uses a low-power control signal to open or close a separate, typically higher-power circuit.
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Resolver
An electromagnetic feedback device that measures shaft angle using analog signals, valued for ruggedness in harsh environments.
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Robot controller
A specialized controller that manages a robot's coordinated multi-axis motion, program execution, and safety functions.
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Safety PLC
A specially certified PLC variant designed with redundancy and independent verification specifically for safety-related control functions.
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Safety relay
A specifically certified relay designed for safety-critical switching functions, with monitoring and redundancy a standard relay lacks.
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Seal leakage
The escape of fluid past a seal (mechanical seal or gasket) indicating the seal is no longer preventing leakage as intended.
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Servo drive
A motor drive that uses continuous position, speed, or torque feedback to control motion precisely, rather than only regulating frequency.
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Servo motor
An electric motor specifically designed for precise, closed-loop position, speed, or torque control, typically paired with a servo drive.
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Short circuit
An unintended, low-resistance connection between two live conductors, causing a sudden, potentially damaging surge of current.
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Soft starter
A motor starting device that ramps voltage up at fixed line frequency to limit inrush current and mechanical shock, then bypasses to full voltage for normal running.
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Solenoid valve
A valve actuated by an electromagnetic coil, typically switching quickly between fully open and fully closed rather than modulating flow continuously.
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Spindle
The rotating shaft in a machine tool that holds and drives a cutting tool or workpiece with high precision.
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Stepper motor
A motor that moves in discrete, fixed-size steps rather than continuous rotation, positioned by counting the number of steps commanded.
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Temperature sensor
A device that measures the temperature at a point on or within equipment and converts it into an electrical signal.
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Valve
A device that regulates, directs, or stops the flow of a fluid or gas through a system by opening, closing, or partially obstructing a passage.
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Variable Frequency Drive
A power-electronic drive that varies motor speed and torque by converting incoming AC power to a controllable variable-frequency, variable-voltage output.
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Vibration sensor
The instrument that measures mechanical vibration and converts it into an electrical signal for recording or analysis.
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