A direct current (DC) motor refers to any rotary electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. They do this by taking electrical power through a direct current and convert that energy into mechanical rotation. 

Magnetic fields that occur from the electrical currents generated are used to power the movement of a rotor that is fixed within the output shaft. The resulting output torque and speed depend on the electrical input and design of the motor. 

Four Types of DC Motors

Due to the varying functions of DC motors, there are four different types that accommodate and perform different tasks. These are: 

Brushed DC Motor

The brushed DC motor is a classic and is the original motor design. It has a commutator to reverse the current every half cycle and creates a single direction torque. This design has been phased out over time and has been replaced by more modern and efficient brushless motors, but the brushed DC motor is still used for electrical propulsion, cranes, paper machines, and steel rolling mills. There are two variations of brush motors that should be mentioned.

• Shunt DC Motor

A shunt wound DC motor is a type of brush motor that has its field windings connected in parallel with its armature. They have a lower current because of the parallel windings. They are generally used for applications that require constant torque and the load is not significantly altered by speed. 

• Series DC Motor

A series-wound DC motor is another type of brush motor. What sets this motor apart from the shunt motor is that its field windings are connected in series. This allows the entire armature current to pass to the field winding, creating faster speeds than that of a shunt motor. Unfortunately, their speed isn’t easily or well-regulated as the supply voltage can’t be adjusted, but it does make them useful for machinery that needs a high starting torque.  

Brushless DC Motor

Also knows as ‘electronically commutated motors’, brushless motors don’t have a commutator. The commutator is replaced by an electronic servomechanism that can detect as well as adjust the angle of the rotor. This model’s main advantage is that it is more durable since it does not have brushes that can wear out over time. It is also safer than other designs.

Where to Find DCMotors for Sale

EP Normand provide a full range of different DC motors and can assist you in finding the right motor for your needs. Contact our team to explore the range of DC motors we have for sale.