An armature winder constructs and repairs wire spools for transformers, electric motors, and generators. The job involves precise and repetitive work and falls into two categories: construction/fabrication and repair/maintenance. Apprenticeships and technical training schools offer opportunities to learn the craft.
An armature winder is a craftsman responsible for repairing, refurbishing or constructing spools of wire armature for transformers, electric motors and generators. Although strictly commercial, armature winding is generally classified as an electrical accessory because it involves additional mechanical elements. Armature winding typically involves two facets: construction and repair. The construction or fabrication armature winder engages in winding new armature, while a repair winder focuses on fault finding, repair or overhaul of existing parts. Both disciplines can involve a lot of precise and repetitive work that, while rewarding for some, may not be suitable for everyone.
Armature winding is essentially an electrical trade, although it does include strong mechanical elements that qualify it for an electrical fit rating. An armature winder is a professional who deals with the construction and repair of wire spools. As simplistic as this description may sound, coil technology drives a large sector of most industrial arenas and has a strong component in home and hobby applications. Any electric motor, generator or transformer has, at its core, a coil of wire. Motors and generators have windings on their stators, rotors or both; Static equipment such as welding machines and transformers are nothing more than spools of wire, making armature construction and repair an essential service.
Generally armature winding falls into two broad categories: construction/fabrication and repair. The fabrication armature winder is responsible for new equipment. This process usually starts with a technical brief describing the exact specifications of the equipment in question. In the case of motor or generator armatures, blank metal cores will be mounted on shafts that rotate the part at a predetermined speed. The armature winder chooses an appropriate wire material and begins winding it from a spool onto the core.
This process must be constantly monitored, as an exact number of windings are needed to produce the correct resistance. The choice of wire material thickness and the exact number of turns or coils are determined in standard tables to provide very specific final results as per the job summary. New transformers are wound in the same way and require similar levels of precision and care. During the winding process, the armature winder must verify that all insulating elements are in place and that final terminations are carried out correctly. Once winding is completed, all anti-corrosion and insulating finishes are applied and the coils are tested for continuity, correct resistance and short circuits.
Repair and Maintenance Armature Winders work with existing equipment and are responsible for repairing inoperative windings and performing preventative maintenance. Repairing burnt armatures usually starts with a diagnostic process to establish where the burnt wires are located. During this process, the armature winder establishes whether or not it is feasible to repair the coil or better rewind it from scratch. Maintenance of work equipment normally involves cleaning the windings, checking for resistance failures or shorts, re-applying anti-corrosion finishes and replacing insulators if necessary. All connections and terminations will also be checked during this process.
Armature winding can be a bit repetitive in nature for some people, but it’s a rewarding and challenging career for anyone who enjoys the attention to detail and precision involved. Those interested in armature winding can take an apprenticeship with many of the winding companies, which is a good way to learn the craft. Depending on location, interested candidates may also approach technical training schools that offer related courses.
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