BEARING DETERIORATION ON A CUTTING MOTOR
Diagnosed issue
In February 2026, Sonora detected strong harmonic activity around 730 Hz on a motor used in Freda’s woodworking equipment. The vibration data also showed a gradual increase in RMS levels and a shift of the power spectral density (PSD) centroid toward higher frequencies since the sensor installation. These indicators suggested developing bearing deterioration, although a worn cutter could also have contributed to the signal.
Following the alert, Freda performed manual measurements which confirmed abnormal vibration levels in both bearings. Based on the results, the motor was replaced. After replacement, vibration levels immediately returned to normal operating values, validating bearing deterioration as the root cause.
Results
Continuous vibration monitoring enabled early detection of bearing deterioration before a critical failure occurred. By identifying abnormal harmonic patterns and tracking their progression over time, Sonora supported timely maintenance action and allowed the motor to be replaced before the issue escalated into unexpected downtime or further mechanical damage.