Milling – breaking down ore into smaller particles for further processing – is a critical process in the mining industry. Unlike traditional mill drives, ABB’s GMDs eliminate the need for heavy, maintenance-intensive mechanical components, directly driving the mill through a magnetic field. In addition to reducing maintenance, this design helps improve efficiency and reliability for mining companies.

ABB’s Bilbao factory has manufactured over 110 ring motors that power GMDs in about 25 countries worldwide. A central component of GMDs, at up to 20 meters in diameter, they are some of the largest electrical motors in the world. Our engineers tailor each motor to the specific needs of its end user, ensuring it is optimized for its environment and delivers many years of efficient operation.

The magic behind the GMDs’ efficiency lies in attention to detail, and stator bars are no exception. These bars, along with their supporting structure, form the stator – the static part of the ring motor – and generate the magnetic field to drive the motor and rotate the mill.

Precision and consistency throughout the manufacturing process is key as any flaws in the bars or in their placement can lead to inefficiency or failure. Every step, from material selection to final assembly and testing, is vital.

Mining operators rely on ABB’s GMDs for operational efficiency and reliability: crucial when downtime can lead to substantial financial losses. Precision, attention to detail, and engineering excellence ensures that this technology meets the high demands of the sector, providing a dependable solution that helps the mining industry outrun, leaner and cleaner.