Torque motors are a great example of direct-drive technology that’s becoming associated with leading solution because of their high-productivity, improved accuracy and increased versatility. Torque motors are typically more compact, while they provide high dynamic performance, reduce cost of ownership, as well as wear and maintenance.
Torque motors are a special class of brushless permanent-magnet synchronous motors. The payload is directly connected to the rotor without the use of transmission elements. Torque motors don’t have a frame-like structure, meaning that they don’t include a housing, bearings, or feedback device.
The sizing and selection of a torque motor is purely based on torque, not power. Torque motors produce high torque at moderate speeds, even when stationary.
Benefits of Torque Motors
Torque motors are applied in many instances, from high-profile applications to high-production machine tools, and boast a host of benefits:
Reduced Cost of Ownership
Wear and tear is eliminated because, there is no contact between rotor and stator. This results in an unmatched long lifespan, meaning that parts will have to be replaced less frequently. Because there are fewer mechanical parts maintenance is minimised and the system cost is reduced.
Compact Design and Ease of Use
Direct coupling of the payload to the rotor eliminates the need for mechanical transmission elements such as gearboxes, timing belts, speed reducers and worm gear drives. This incidentally also results in a quieter operation. The ring-like configuration of a torque motor minimises the volume required for mounting. This gives the machine designer great flexibility in locating the motor to work with bearings, feedback devices, and payload.
Easy Integration
The use of magnets and limited air gap results in a large hollow shaft or bore for easy integration of cables, cooling tubes, or other application related equipment. The direct-drive technology intrinsic to a torque motor system results in an efficient and effective gearless assembly.
Dynamic performance
Torque motor applications have a wide range of dynamic performance requirements. Depending on the specifics of a system’s duty cycle, the peak torque, continuous torque, or both will drive the selection of a motor. Dynamic performance is drastically improved by very high control loop bandwidth.
Torque Motor Supplier South Africa
EP Normand can offer intricate system designs due to our many years of experience in the drive industry. Correct design and matching of products for applications is our specialty. For more information on our offerings, contact our team!