RSS Feeds
Applimotion Extends its Line of Slotless, Frameless Motors
They're targeted at applications that require smooth scanning at low speeds
Karen Field, Editor in Chief -- Design News, July 22, 2009
One ongoing trend in motor technology is the scaling and morphing of existing solutions into new products targeted at unique applications.
Applimotion engineers, for example, have extended the company's line of ULT slotless, direct-drive frameless motors with new sizes and performance curves. Though 20-25% more costly than conventional motors, the motors offer new capabilities for engineers designing gimbal systems, direct drive rotary stages, large through-hole automation systems, and turret indexing systems.
"Any application that needs to scan smoothly at very low speeds can benefit from these zero cogging motors," says Robert Mastromattei, Vice President. "The performance is similar to air core linear motor technology used in semiconductor, electronics, and precision automation applications."
Motor sizes are currently offered in sizes ranging from a 50 to 228-mm diameter, and design engineers are currently working on a 635-mm diameter version. The motors can be wound for operation from 12 to 230V. Custom torque-speed curves are available for customers using Applimotion's Expert System models that predicts performance based on the application's drive electronics and voltage limits.
Though slotless motors are a cleaner design from a magnetic standpoint, they can be a challenge to make as they must incorporate a cylindrical winding that is physically outside the set of magnets and must be held in place. According to Mastromattei, the motors are potted with a NASA-approved low outgas two-part epoxy,using the same coil winding and placement processes as used in the company's line of linear motor technology. Get the ULT motors datasheet.
