Gear Motor Benefits
Electric motors are integral components of everyday components ranging in application from vacuum cleaners to automotive vehicles. Although scaleable, the technology in these products remains the same regardless of their size. In order to accomplish high-output applications, however, electric motors must often be paired with additional mechanics. One such instance is in the gear motor, which employs gearheads to accommodate more demanding projects.
The function of any electric motor is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy in order to provide motive power to a device. Depending on the size and demands of the motor, it may be powered by either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) sources. The force produced by electric motors may either be linear or rotary, and its output is often much greater than the input.
Although varying in configuration slightly, electric motors consist of a movable rotor and stationery stator element. The fixed stator surrounds the rotor circumferentially. When an electric current is applied to the device, the stator will generate a magnetic field. The most common stator configuration consists of a three-phase current, with each coil producing a field of differing polarity. Therefore, as the current continues to vary in magnitude and direction, so does the direction and strength of the magnetic field. Meanwhile, the rotor connects to a central rotating shaft. During operation, the magnetic field from the stator induces a voltage that is received by the rotor bars. Through induction principles, enough torque is generated to start the motor.
Gear motors are specialized electric motors used in applications requiring high torque. They contain a gearhead component that works to reduce speed while increasing torque. When correctly sized, gear motors contribute to increased efficiency and power utilization. Right-angle gear motors are the most compact, making them a common choice in automation equipment and medicine. Meanwhile, inline gear motors contain the fewest amount of separate components. This makes them favorable for situations requiring a high degree of ruggedness. Many manufacturers are moving toward the production of hybrid motors, in which the housing is made from plastic, but the gears are still metal. This design is particularly lightweight and quieter than conventional models.
When customers are faced with choosing between a geared and conventional electric motor, they should keep some performance metrics in mind. Regardless of the design, gear motors deliver much higher sustained torque than traditional electric motors, even at lower speeds. Additionally, gear motors can be easily used in applications requiring large inertial loads. Since this value is calculated using the square of the gear ratio, customers can expect an exponentially larger inertial load. They also contribute to a more compact machine since the gearbox is much smaller than a standard motor delivering the same level of torque. Finally, geared motors provide increased resistance to torsional forces, helping provide accuracy regardless of fluctuations in load.
