When a CNC lathe is started, the motor current can surge to 5–6 times its rated value, which not only shortens the motor’s service life but also leads to significant energy waste. During system design, a certain margin is typically built into the motor selection; however, since the motor operates at a fixed speed, actual applications sometimes require running at lower or higher speeds. Therefore, retrofitting with a variable-frequency drive (VFD) is highly advisable. A VFD enables soft starting of the motor and achieves energy savings and speed control by adjusting the input voltage frequency. Additionally, it provides protection against overcurrent, overvoltage, and overload conditions.
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