DC Motors

DC motors are electromechanical devices which use the interaction of magnetic fields and conductors to convert the electrical energy into rotary mechanical energy. DC motors are the most commonly used actuators for continuous motion and consist of the following basic parts:

• Stator: stationary portion of the motor
• Rotor: rotating portion of the motor
• Commutator: can be brushed or brushless
• Field magnets: provide the magnetic field that turns an axle connected to the rotor

DC motors are commonly used to drive equipment such as conveyor belts, elevators, cranes, turntables, and hoists. Electromate supplies a range of DC motors from top manufacturer, Groschopp.

Servo motors are basically a brushless or brushed DC motor with a form of position feedback control connected to the rotor shaft. 

Brushed DC Motors

Brushed DC motors produce a magnetic field in a wound rotator. The stator’s magnetic field is produced by either a stator field winding or by permanent magnets. The Permanent Magnet DC Motor (PMDC Motor) is a good fit for applications that require a high starting torque which allows the motor to reliably lift heavy loads. In intermittent applications, even with a PMDC’s brush design, the motor can be expected to have a 2000+ hour life. The use of permanent magnets gives the DC motor a better linear speed/torque characteristic, making them more suitable for use in robotics and servos.

Brushed DC Motor Features:

• DC motors are constructed with class "B" insulation components, allowing for running temperatures up to 130° C
• High starting torque
• Optional hardened output shaft
• Standard brush life of 2,000+ hours (varies by application)
• Totally enclosed construction (typical)
• Low cost

Brushless DC Motors

Brushless DC motors produce a magnetic field in the rotor by using permanent magnets attached to it. They tend to be smaller and more expensive than convention brushed DC motors. However, they tend to have better torque/speed characteristics, are more efficient, and have a longer operating life.

Brushless DC motors (BDCM) are very similar to a permanent magnet DC motor, but does not have any brushes to replace or wear out due to commutator sparking; this results in a longer life span. 

Brushless motors offer the following advantages over their “brushed” counterparts:

• High efficiencies
• High reliability
• Low electrical noise
• Good speed control
• No brushes or commutator to wear out à higher speed
• Longer life span

DC Motors from Groshopp feature:

• Frame Size 60, 80, 108
• 12, 24, 90, 130, 180 VDC, 115 FWR
• 1,000 – 5,000 RPM
• 6 – 13.1 in-lb rated torque
• 1/15 to 1/3 HP