An AC or DC gear motor is designed to have a long life. The length of that life depends on which type you choose from a gear motor catalog, or custom build, along with its intended purpose. However, the way you stress and maintain a DC or AC gear motor can affect its longevity for better or worse. The following factors affect the durability, performance and efficiency of gear motors: Environment of use. Inappropriate environmental temperatures and high humidity can shorten the life of an AC or DC gear motor. While in use, the ideal temperature range for a gear…
AC Gear Motor Selection Methods for Design Engineers
Choosing the right AC gear motor for your gearbox and application can be tough because of all the factors you must consider. As you begin your search, use the following guide to help you determine the features that are right for you. Basic Parameters When choosing an AC gear motor, it’s important to know the basic specifications you need. Before you begin your search, know your specification requirements for the following parameters: Horsepower Speed Efficiency Maintenance Product life Starting torque Noise Speed regulation Other product-specific requirements Package Size As you design an AC gear motor, use the motor size and…
AC vs. DC Gear Motors: What’s the Difference, and Which Offers More Gear Motor Advantages?
Ask an engineer to list the differences between AC gear motors and DC gear motors, and you can expect a quick, concise answer: AC motors are generally smaller, less expensive, lighter and more rugged than DC motors. DC motors, on the other hand, are generally considered better for variable speed operations. Their improved speed control makes DC motors more expensive to purchase and maintain, generally. Given enough time, the engineer might go on to explain the technical aspects that differentiate these two gear motors. If speaking to a layperson, the engineer would begin by explaining that AC stands for alternating…
Advantages of the AC Gear Motor
AC gear motors and DC motors each have their own distinct characteristics, applications and benefits. However, when you need to make a choice between the two, you may find the AC gear motor to be far superior. The following is a look at some of its advantages. Size: An AC gear motor is generally smaller and lighter in weight. Cost: DC motors can be more expensive to purchase and maintain. Durability: AC gear motors are more rugged, particularly in wet, hazardous, potentially explosive and corrosive environments. Speed: AC motor speeds are more precise and can control multiple motors, reach speeds…
Understanding AC Gear Motor Design
AC gear motors are electric motors that use an alternating current. They generally have two parts: the outside stationary stator and the inside rotor. Slip rings or a permanent magnet generate the magnetic field on the rotor. The stator has coils that receive an alternating current, which produces a magnetic field that rotates. An output shaft that’s attached the inside rotor of the AC gear motor acquires torque via the rotating field. The two most common types of AC gear motorsare synchronous and asynchronous motors. AC Synchronous Motors In synchronous motors, the rotation of the output shaft is synchronized with…
