The YASKAWA SGM7A-15A6A61 is an AC servo motor from YASKAWA’s Sigma-7 motion platform, intended for industrial automation systems that require controlled acceleration, accurate positioning, and stable torque output across continuous production cycles. In a modern machine, the servo motor is not just a rotating device; it is a regulated actuator in a closed-loop motion system. The servo drive commands current, the motor converts that current into torque, and the feedback path allows the controller to correct position and speed error continuously. The result, when engineered well, is predictable motion behavior that improves process consistency and reduces mechanical stress.
In many applications, the real demand is not maximum speed. It is repeatability under real factory conditions: varying load, changing friction, thermal drift, vibration, and long operating hours. A servo motor chosen for industrial work must deliver steady performance through all of that. The Sigma-7 SGM7A family is commonly used because it supports high response motion control with robust integration practices that suit OEM machine design and maintenance workflows. The SGM7A-15A6A61 is typically considered when an axis needs strong, controllable motion with smooth start/stop behavior and reliable operation over many cycles.
A key concept in servo selection is that the motor is only one part of the system. Mechanical transmission elements—couplings, belts, gearboxes, ball screws, and linear guides—can introduce compliance and resonance. Electrical installation choices—cable type, shielding, grounding, and routing—can influence noise sensitivity and stability. Even environmental factors such as cabinet temperature and contamination can affect long-term reliability. The value of choosing a mature servo platform like Sigma-7 is that it is designed to operate within these realities, provided the system is matched correctly and installed with discipline.
The SGM7A-15A6A61 can support a wide range of industrial motion tasks, including indexing, synchronized conveying, pick-and-place movement, automated assembly positioning, and general motion axes where smoothness and precision matter. For packaging and material handling, controlled acceleration reduces product slip and improves alignment. For assembly and inspection, fast settling reduces cycle time because the next operation can start sooner after the move completes. For synchronized multi-axis machines, consistent response helps maintain coordination and reduces timing error.
From a purchasing and maintenance standpoint, standardizing around a widely used servo motor family can also be a practical advantage. Maintenance teams often prefer parts that are easy to identify and verify. Spare strategy becomes simpler when the plant uses a consistent servo family because cabling standards, parameter backup procedures, and commissioning habits can be reused. In environments where downtime costs far more than the motor itself, this operational stability matters.
To keep this description Google-index friendly, the content below focuses on clear language, structured information, and practical integration notes, rather than vague marketing claims. The tables provide a clean snapshot of what this motor is and how it is typically applied.
Product Identification and System Role
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | YASKAWA |
| Product Family | Sigma-7 AC Servo Motor |
| Series | SGM7A |
| Model | SGM7A-15A6A61 |
| Product Type | Industrial AC Servo Motor |
| Primary Function | Controlled torque and speed for closed-loop positioning systems |
| Typical System Pairing | Compatible Sigma-7 servo drives and motion controllers |
| Main Value in Machines | Repeatable motion, fast response, stable control under changing load |
Application Fit and Common Use Cases
The SGM7A-15A6A61 is generally used in equipment where motion quality directly influences throughput and yield. Typical examples include:
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Packaging machines and web handling: Accurate speed regulation and stable acceleration profiles help maintain registration, cutting accuracy, and consistent product handling. Smooth stop behavior reduces mechanical shock in feeders and seal jaws.
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Indexing tables and rotary stations: Servo control helps reduce overshoot and improves settling time, supporting faster cycle rates without sacrificing position accuracy.
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Pick-and-place and transfer axes: Controlled torque delivery improves handling stability, especially in repetitive motions where mechanical wear and vibration can accumulate.
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General automation axes: Applications such as conveyors, actuators, and synchronized drives benefit from predictable response and stable closed-loop behavior.
The best performance in these applications comes from matching the motor’s capabilities to the load and duty cycle. Oversizing can sometimes improve thermal margin, but excessive oversizing can reduce control resolution and make tuning less optimal. Undersizing can cause overheating or frequent overload events. Practical system sizing is therefore a balance between performance, stability, and operating margin.
Application and Value Table
| Application Area | Typical Motion Requirement | Why This Motor Is Selected |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging / labeling | Repeated acceleration and short moves | Smooth motion and repeatable speed control |
| Assembly / fixtures | Accurate positioning, fast settling | Reduced oscillation and improved cycle time |
| Handling / transfer | Consistent torque during load variation | Stable control under changing mechanical conditions |
| Multi-axis coordination | Synchronization and timing accuracy | Predictable response for coordinated motion |
Engineering Guidance for Selection
When planning to use SGM7A-15A6A61, the following engineering checks typically prevent most integration failures:
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Drive and controller compatibility
Confirm that the servo drive model supports the motor and that the drive rating matches the intended duty cycle. Compatibility is not only electrical; it includes feedback support and tuning capability. -
Inertia ratio and transmission design
Servo stability depends heavily on load inertia and how the mechanical transmission behaves. High compliance in belts or couplings can introduce resonance. A well-designed mechanical system reduces tuning difficulty and improves repeatability. -
Motion profile and duty cycle reality
Many problems appear only after the machine runs continuously. Evaluate acceleration ramps, peak torque demands, and cycle time. Ensure the design can handle worst-case operating conditions, not just nominal ones. -
Electrical noise control
Servo systems can be sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Proper cable routing, shielding, grounding, and connector handling improves stability and reduces the risk of intermittent faults. -
Thermal environment
Verify cooling and airflow. A servo motor that operates in a hot enclosure can lose margin and reduce service life. Thermal planning is often the difference between “works on day one” and “works for years.”
Integration Checklist Table
| Topic | What to Verify | Practical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Drive pairing | Correct Sigma-7 drive model and capacity | Stable tuning and fault-free acceleration |
| Feedback / cabling | Correct cable type and routing | Reduced noise issues and reliable control |
| Mechanical alignment | Coupling alignment and mounting | Lower vibration and longer bearing life |
| Duty cycle | Peak and continuous demand vs. axis reality | Prevent overheating and overload trips |
| Environment | Temperature, contamination, enclosure design | Improved long-term reliability |
Maintenance and Lifecycle Notes
For industrial users, reliability is often driven by installation quality and preventative practices:
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Mechanical alignment and mounting integrity: Misalignment increases bearing load and vibration, which can lead to early wear and reduced motion quality.
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Cable strain relief and connector care: A servo motor can be electrically perfect and still fail in the field due to cable fatigue, connector loosening, or poor routing.
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Parameter backups: When a motor is replaced, the drive parameters and tuning settings should be verified. A correct hardware replacement can still behave poorly if the control configuration is not consistent.
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Monitoring for drift: Changes in noise, heat, or position stability can indicate mechanical wear or load changes. Early detection reduces unplanned downtime.
Summary
The YASKAWA SGM7A-15A6A61 is a Sigma-7 SGM7A-series AC servo motor intended for industrial automation systems that require controlled, repeatable motion in real production conditions. It fits applications where acceleration quality, settling behavior, and stable torque control influence throughput and product consistency. When paired with a compatible Sigma-7 servo drive and integrated with proper mechanical alignment and electrical noise control, it supports reliable motion control for packaging, assembly, indexing, and general automation axes.
This model is best viewed as a component in a complete motion system. The best results come from correct drive selection, realistic motion profile planning, careful wiring practice, and a mechanical design that avoids excessive compliance and resonance. In return, the servo system can deliver consistent motion quality, reduced mechanical shock, and a more stable production process over long operating periods.
