Driving out counterfeit motor and drive technologies

In recent times, the offshore manufacture and importation of counterfeit gear units and motors has increased significantly. Advancements in reverse engineering techniques have made the unlawful replication - partially, but invariably not completely - of some of the world’s leading drive technology brands more achievable than ever before. Here, overseas manufacturers - located in regions with an inherent disregard for international patent and copyright law and ‘relaxed’ labour laws - are pairing with unscrupulous local importers to introduce inferior drive technologies to the Australian market.

While industry is making some inroads in combating counterfeit drive technologies, increasingly suspect units are still being identified across Australian factory floors. Once installed, the damage has been done, with inevitable replacement costs placing further burden on the plant operator. Catching manufacturers, importers and on-sellers of gear unit and motor copies prior to sale is critical to saving end users from inevitable breakdowns in the future. Vigilance from the wider motor and drive solutions community is essential.

Performance over appearance

Gear units and motors are particularly susceptible to replication, as both incorporate a relatively easily copied housing. However, while many gear units and motors incorporate innovative housing designs, it is the materials used and quality of the internal components - such as bearings, gears, rotors and stators - that usually dictate the level of performance produced by the piece of equipment.

“End users are often unaware that they have purchased a counterfeit until they call us to inspect a fault - only to be told that the unit is not genuine, parts are not interchangeable and that we ultimately can’t help them without replacing the whole unit,” says Merola. One of the main reasons why industry trusts the products of companies such as SEW-Eurodrive is the service and support that comes with them.

While optimised operational performance is paramount, environmental performance must also be considered. By law, all motors imported into Australia must be Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) compliant. Often, counterfeit three-phase induction motors are not MEPS compliant, leading to ongoing operational inefficiency and an increase in carbon footprint. More worrying perhaps is if the counterfeits have been stamped MEPS compliant - an additional deliberate act to deceive.

Buyer beware

End users can avoid all the pitfalls associated with counterfeit drive technologies by buying direct from the manufacturer, authorised reseller or OEM. However, if the drive technology is being provided as part of a larger machine package, purchasers are urged to request serial numbers of the gear units and motors prior to the sale. In the case of SEW-Eurodrive technologies, end users are encouraged to phone in serial numbers to confirm that they are genuine SEW-Eurodrive products. Tracking model numbers in this way gives buyers immediate recourse against the seller if necessary.

Australian industry is encouraged to be vigilant by reporting suspect drive technology dealers and machine builders, often found peddling their wares at trade shows and exhibitions. By working together with industry, motor and drive providers can discourage counterfeiters from meddling in the Australian market.

SEW-Eurodrive is committed to identifying and shutting down those that attempt to clone the company’s technology. In the event that an official request to desist fails, legal action is instigated. Industry, too, must take this hard line against drive technology copycats in an effort to safeguard Australian industry from breakdowns, inefficiency and downtime.