The repair, reconditioning, or construction of wire armature coils for transformers, electric motors, and generators is the responsibility of an armature winder. Despite the fact that armature winding is strictly an electrical trade, it is usually classified as an electrical fitting because it involves additional mechanical elements. Construction and repair are typically involved in armature winding. A construction or manufacturing armature winder is responsible for winding new armatures, whereas a repair winder is responsible for fault detection, repair, or refurbishment of existing parts. Both disciplines can entail a great deal of precise, repetitive work that, while rewarding for some, may not be appropriate for everyone.
Armature winding is primarily an electrical trade, but it contains strong mechanical elements that qualify it for classification as an electrical fitting. An armature winder is a tradesperson who works with wire coils to build and repair them. Coil technology drives a large sector of most industrial arenas and has a strong component in domestic and hobapplications, as simplistic as that description may sound. A wire coil is at the heart of any electric motor, generator, or transformer. Windings are found on the stators or rotors of motors and generators, and static equipment such as welding machines and transformers are nothing more than wire coils, making armature construction and repair a necessary service.
Construction/manufacturing and repair are the two broad categories of armature winding. New equipment is the responsibility of the manufacturing armature winder. A technical brief outlining the exact specifications of the equipment in question is usually the first step in this process. The blank metal cores will be mounted on spindles that spin the part at a predetermined speed in the case of motor or generator armatures. The armature winder then selects a suitable wire stock and begins winding it onto the core from a reel.
Because an exact number of windings is required to produce the correct resistance, this process must be constantly monitored. Standard tables are used to determine the wire stock thickness and the exact number of turns or coils needed to meet the job brief’s requirements. New transformers are wound in a similar manner and necessitate the same level of precision and care. The armature winder must ensure that all insulator elements are in place and that end terminations are completed correctly during the winding process. After the coils have been wound, any anti-corrosion and insulating finishes are applied, and they are tested for continuity, correct resistance, and short circuits.
Maintenance and repair Armature winders work with existing machinery and are in charge of repairing broken windings and performing routine maintenance. The repair of burnt armatures usually begins with a diagnostic procedure to determine the location of the burnt off wires. The armature winder determines whether it is feasible to repair the coil or to better rewind it from scratch during this process. Cleaning the windings, checking for any resistance breakdowns or shorts, reapplying anti-corrosive finishes, and replacing insulators if necessary are all part of routine maintenance on working equipment. During this process, all connections and terminations will be examined.
Armature winding can be a monotonous job for some people, but it is a rewarding and challenging career for those who enjoy paying attention to detail and precision. Many of the winding companies offer apprenticeships to those who are interested in learning the trade of armature winding. Interested candidates may also approach technical training schools that offer related courses, depending on their location.