Automa parts ‘Minimotor’ | Automa Spares

The ‘Minimotors’ used for controlling the extruder speed on Automa machines that are fitted with hydraulic screw motors have been obsolete for some time. Because of the unusual features of the Automa ‘Minimotor’ an exact replacement has not been easy to find from alternative manufacturers.

Unique features

The unique features of the ‘Minimotor’ are that is was a highly geared motor (400:1) and is fitted with switches that can be set to stop after a presetnumber of revolutions. The speed of the hydraulic extruder motor is controlled by a flow control valve driven by the ‘Minimotor’. The spindle of this valve typically requires twenty turns from fully closed (screw stopped) to fully open (screw at maximum speed), although from our tests the screw is running at full speed long before the valve is fully open.

Can be user fitted

The replacement motor offered by BMC is modified to fit directly in place of the Minimotor, and the switch wiring is supplemented to provide an extra contact to energise the ‘valve shut’ relay. The unit can be user-fitted or fitted by ourselves, at our standard service rates. Replacement involves removing the ’Minimotor’ and fitting the new drive shaft and motor flange. 4 wires from the Minimotor terminals are transferred to our motor. We provide a replacement motor capacitor in case the existing capacitor is faulty. Only one simple setting is required on start-up and full wiring and set-up instructions are included with each unit.