Failure Mode and Effects Analysis of AC Electric Motors: A Case Study in Actuator Manufacturing
List of Authors
Nurul Aini Bani, Poobalan Selvan
Keyword
Electric actuators, electric motors, failure mode analysis, risks assessment, risks mitigation
Abstract
This study presents the application of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to assess the reliability of an AC electric motor used in valve actuator systems for industrial flow-control applications. Field service reports were reviewed to identify recurring mechanical and electrical issues. Each failure mode was evaluated based on severity, occurrence, and detection, and prioritised using the Risk Priority Number. A total of nine significant failure modes were identified, with rotor fracture due to insufficient lubrication receiving the highest RPN, followed by mechanical imbalance and bearing fatigue. Pareto analysis showed that the top five failure modes accounted for approximately 64% of the total risk. Based on these findings, an end-of-line motor test rig was introduced, along with revised inspection procedures, to verify key performance parameters before product release. After implementation, the number of returned units dropped from 61 to 29 units, with warranty costs decreasing by more than 50%. These results suggest that integrating FMEA with structured verification processes can improve motor reliability and reduce operational risk. The methodology can be adapted to other electromechanical systems with similar reliability objectives.