At the March Technology Evening, Donald Hobson of Zest Electric Motors and Drives explained how high efficiency motors offer a number of potential benefits over typical standard types. These include lower electricity bills and reduced operating expenses through lower failure rates and longer service life. Motor efficiency is the ratio of mechanical power output to the electrical power input, usually expressed as a percentage. Energy-efficient motors use less energy to perform the same amount of work with key design improvements and more accurate manufacturing tolerances largely responsible for the increase in performance.
Motor systems consume approximately half of the energy used in the commercial and industrial sectors, so improving the efficiency can save substantial amounts of energy and reduce operating costs. High efficiency motors do cost more, but many models offer a return on investment within a relative short period of time. The cost of operating a motor in the first year is often several times the purchase price. Reducing operating costs through the purchase of higher efficiency motors can offer a substantial payback. In addition to energy savings, the better design and improved construction of high efficiency motors can lead to additional benefits such as:
* Longer insulation and bearing lives.
* Lower heat output and less vibration.
* Extended winding life.
* Increased tolerance of overload conditions.
* Higher tolerance for increased voltage rates or phase imbalance.
* Lower failure rates and extended manufacturer warranties.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The INSPIRE Conference 2026 brought industry and academia together to explore advances in automation, AI, mechatronics and engineering. It also marked a new direction for the SAIMC as it works to build future-ready engineering talent and strengthen South Africa’s automation industry.
Read more...SAIMC Durban takes to the skies SAIMC
SAIMC
SAIMC Durban members went behind the scenes at the ATNS facility at King Shaka International Airport. The visit offered a fascinating look at the sophisticated technology and highly trained people keeping South Africa’s skies safe.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Durban branch September 2026 technology meeting, Werner Das of SICK explored how deep learning is moving industrial machine vision beyond rule-based systems into practical, everyday quality control on the factory floor.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC INSPIRE 2026 brings together industry, robotics and research
SAIMC
The inaugural SAIMC INSPIRE Conference will bring together the industrial automation, robotics and academic communities for two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking, and will explore developments in smart manufacturing, mining, robotics
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