MOTORS, DRIVES & CONTROLS PRIME PRECISION
This new slotless precision torque motor series claims to be the thinnest and lightest yet, challenging its slotted peers in terms of performance. Jake Holmes finds out more…
The motor has an ultra-thin form factor
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nown for their high torque density and efficiency, permanent magnet brushless motors come
in many different shapes and sizes providing both rotary and linear motion. Slotted motors are used in various applications, from imaging and scanning to metrology and photonics. In all of these applications, smooth and predictable torque while moving is a particular challenge. Enter slotless motors, which are specifically designed to optimise smoothness and create predictable torque output to prevent cogging – cyclical torque with an angle that creates torque ripple and adds a non-linear element to the control of the motor.
SLOTTED VS SLOTLESS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Rather than one trumping the other, application needs often determine if a slotted or slotless motor is more beneficial within a particular scenario. Slotted motors feature a stator with coils wound around its
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iron teeth, whereas slotless motors do not. Slotted motors, also known as iron core motors, are more useful for applications that require high torque density and high acceleration. However, they can cause cogging by aligning their permanent magnets with the teeth and slots of the stator, resulting in an uneven magnetic effect. Alternatively, slotless motor designs
place only copper phase coils in the air gap of the motor which interact with the permanent magnet flux to create torque. These motors can achieve peak torque with the only limit coming from thermal restrictions. Quicker response times are possible as slotless motors have lower inductance than alternative designs.
INTRODUCING THE SLIMTORQ SERIES Frameless motors manufacturer Alva Industries has released its SlimTorq series of lite and max precision torque motors. Claimed to be the ‘world’s thinnest and lightest’ precision torque motors, the range of
slotless thin-section motors are ideal for high-precision applications across land, sea, and air. The motors are designed with an
ultra-thin and compact form factor providing high precision and power. The motor’s brushless design gives higher levels of reliability whilst reducing noise and vibrations, meanwhile its non-skewed windings grant maximum torque output. Quick customisation is possible due to the range of design options factored in. Nicolas Giraudo, CCO at Alva
Industries, says: “We hear all the time from engineers developing systems for high-precision applications that they need to reduce size, weight, and power consumption while improving overall performance.” A variety of motor sizes are
available ranging from 39mm to 130mm outer diameter. The company’s patented FiberPrinting technology is used to manufacture the motors, creating ironless and slotless motor windings. Precision, torque, and adaptability are the focus of this new motor series, with the series
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