Rubber Plant Motor Failure
A 400HP WEG motor on the hydraulic power unit of a plant’s main mixer failed due to a catastrophic drive-end (DE) bearing issue. The bearing failure generated sparks and halted the production of raw rubber critical for automotive products. With the backup mixer already out of service—its old DC motor awaiting replacement in February 2025—production came to a complete standstill. Upon inspection, it was clear the inner race of the failed bearing had welded itself to the motor shaft. The motor was promptly sent to Horner Machining Services (HMS) division for shaft repair. Once disassembled at Washington Street, HMS discovered deep [...]
