Finding the needle in a haystack

July 24, 2003
Dc motors from Maxon Precision Motors, Burlingame, Calif. (www.maxonmotorusa.com), use moving coils.

Moving coils upgrade dc motors

Red = Motor component
Green = Gearhead component
Blue = Encoder component

DC motors from Maxon Precision Motors, Burlingame, CA (www.maxonmotorusa.com) uses a moving coil design for their motors. And there are several reasons. The moving coil design reduces inductance, extends brush life and limits electrical noise to extremely low levels. The moving coil design gives the motors low inertia for fast acceleration. This design boosts efficiency, meaning current consumption is low and battery life extended (if the motor is battery powered). Designers use ironless rotors in the brush motors which contributes to their smooth operation and lack of cogging. The motors are not subject to magnetic saturation during operation so speed and torque constants are linear and control is simple and accurate.

Maxon can alter the number of windings and wire diameter to meet user torque and speed needs, and has a variety of brush materials available. Graphite brushes, for example, are often used in larger motor with high current loads. Precious-metal brushes are usually specified in smaller motors. And the company also offers a variety of magnets, ranging from cost-effective ferrite magnets to state-of-the-art rare earth magnets. Maxon also makes brushless versions and the their entire family of motors range in size from 6 to 90 mm diameter and in power from .03 to 500 watts.

Sponsored Recommendations

Safeguarding Robots and Robot Cells

Dec. 23, 2024
Learn which standards are relevant for robot applications, understand robot functionality and limitations and how they affect typical methods of safeguarding robots, and review...

Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered

Dec. 23, 2024
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Basic OSHA Requirements for a Control Reliable Safety Circuit

Dec. 23, 2024
Control reliability is crucial for safety control circuits. Learn about basic wiring designs to help meet OSHA, Performance Level (PL), and Safety Integrity Level (SIL) requirements...

Safety Risk Assessment Guidelines for Automation Equipment

Dec. 20, 2024
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) covers the basics of risk assessments, including the goals of the assessment, gathering the right team to perform them, and several methodologies...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!