Power packed

Citation

(2002), "Power packed", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929bad.005

Power packed

Keywords: Motors, Maxon motors

A new series of flat brushless DC motors has been added to the award-winning range from world leader maxon motors. Offering an unprecedented power-to-size ratio, the largest is a mere 16mm long and the smallest an incredible 7mm.

The new six-strong range of EC high performance motors offers power outputs up to 30 watts. The motors employ a flat (external rotor) design using astonishingly powerful, high-density Neodymium (NdFe) magnets that deliver up to 200 times the power of standard ones.

Maxon flat motors are particularly suitable for applications that combine compact construction and high power with excellent linear speed characteristics, a long service life and low noise levels. They also boast incredible accurate speed control and are as competitively priced as anything on the market (Plate 5).

Plate 5

The motors are perfect for pump drives – especially in medical equipment such as peristaltic pumps – and a wide variety of other applications including fan drives, scanner drives and DLP (digital light processing) drives. Because they drive a disc at a fixed speed, the motors are already being used in highly-specialised equipment such as thermal imaging cameras.

The fact that the EC range is brushless means that the life of each motor depends solely on the longevity of the bearings. In reality, that means the life of one of these motors is, in the words of maxon motor Chief Executive, Keith Ellenden, "virtually infinite."

Other advantages of the flat brushless motors include the availability of optional feedback – through internal hall sensors – for velocity and low resolution encoding. Low noise levels are achieved through high precision, pre-loaded, double ball bearings and the flat speed/torque characteristics. Because the neodymium, bonded magnet (rotor) operates at quite a large radius, it acts like a long lever developing high torque at low speeds. The resulting flat characteristic gradient is therefore ideal for applications that require good speed stability with minimal control.

If required, gearboxes can be fitted to the front end of any motor in the maxon range. Integral electronics can also be incorporated with a commutational system fitted inside the motor itself.

With immensely accurate speed control, exceptional power-to-size ratio and, above all, maxon's dedication to precision and excellence, the new flat brushless range is ideal for any application where space is at a premium.

For more on maxon motors, contact maxon motor uk ltd, Alberto House, Marino Way, Hogwood Lane, Finchampstead, Berkshire, RG40 ARF. El: 01189 733337. Fax: 01189 737472. E-mail: sales@maxonmotor.co.uk; Website: http://www.maxonmotor.co.uk