From gear motors to servo motors: Everything you need to know about electric motors in modern drive technology.
What are the differences between AC and DC motors for industrial applications?
AC motors (alternating current), especially three-phase asynchronous motors, are robust and considered the industrial standard for many drive tasks. DC motors (direct current) often provide more precise control characteristics and are used for specific dynamic applications, with modern brushless DC motors (BLDC) combining low maintenance and high efficiency.
How do I select the optimal electric motor for my specific industrial application?
The choice of the appropriate electric motor depends on factors such as power requirements, required speed, precision requirements, environmental conditions, and the specific load profile . ATEK Drive Solutions supports you with comprehensive technical consulting and an online product configurator to find the ideal drive for your needs.
What advantages do brushless DC motors (BLDC) offer in industrial automation?
BLDC motors are characterized by high efficiency, a significantly longer lifespan due to the absence of brush wear, lower electrical interference and an excellent controllability of speed and torque . Therefore, they are ideal for dynamic and precise applications in automation.
How important is the IE efficiency class for electric motors and what does ATEK offer in this regard?
The IE efficiency class (e.g. IE3, IE4 up to IE5) is crucial for reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions. Higher IE classes mean lower energy losses in operation. ATEK Drive Solutions offers electric motors, which meet the current and future efficiency standards and helps you to reduce operating costs in the long term.
Can ATEK Drive Solutions also develop customized electric motor solutions?
Yes, ATEK Drive Solutions specializes in the development of customized special solutions for electric motors, even in small and medium series. Thanks to our modular system architecture and our decades of experience in gear construction, we can tailor drive solutions precisely to your individual requirements .
What role do servo motors play in ATEK’s portfolio for demanding drive tasks?
ATEK’s servo motors offer highest precision in positioning, speed, and torque control. They are essential for high-dynamic applications such as robotics, packaging machines, or machine tool construction, where fast acceleration and braking processes as well as precise motion sequences are required. ATEK combines these high-performance servo motors with suitable gearboxes to complete servo drive systems.
A deep understanding of how different types of electric motors work ist is essential for optimizing industrial processes and enhancing competitiveness. The right motor selection can reduce the energy consumption of specific applications by up to 20%..
The choice of the optimal motor type (e.g. asynchronous, servo, BLDC) and consideration of design aspects such as material quality and degree of protection maximize drive performance and lifespan. The use of motors according to current IE efficiency standards (e.g. IE4, IE5) minimizes energy losses and operating costs..
ATEK Drive Solutions operates as a system provider for the entire industrial drive train and delivers modular system architectures, customized adjustments and comprehensive technical consulting tailored and efficient drive solutions, which lead to a demonstrably improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) .Discover the world of electric motors: How they work, types, applications, and how ATEK Drive Solutions meets your individual requirements.
Electric motors are the heart of many industrial applications. They convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and drive machines, systems, and vehicles. Do you need a tailored drive solution? Contact us at ATEK for personal consultation!
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Understanding the basics: How electric motors are revolutionizing your industry.
Electric motors are central industrial components. Choosing the right drive is critical for efficiency; a wrong motor increases energy consumption (e.g. conveyor system: +20%). A fundamental understanding of these drive units is crucial for competitiveness.
Choosing the electric motor is complex. ATEK Drive Solutions offers system solutions and an online configurator for your electric drive. Expertise and modularity for tailored results.
How does an electric motor work?
It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy through interacting magnetic fields (e.g. car starter). Efficiency is a quality feature for every electric motor.
Core components: stator, rotor, and commutator.
Main components: stator (stationary, magnetic field), rotor (moving, energy output). In DC motors, the commutator switches the direction of current (e.g. drill). Quality/design determines performance/lifespan.
Understanding the role of the commutator.
The commutator ensures rotation through reversing (wear possible). Brushless motors use electronics; DC motors with commutators remain relevant.Decoding how it works: Mastering the core components of electric motors.
The performance of a electric motor depends on its core components. ATEK pays attention to the material and precision of the stator/rotor. Servo motors, a special type of electric drives, require precise parts for dynamics.
Stator: The foundation of power.
The stator (stationary) generates the main magnetic field (magnets/windings). Three-phase asynchronous motors: sheet metal package with windings for rotating fields. Insulation/winding technology is crucial for quality. ATEK uses high-quality materials.
Rotor (armature): The moving part.
The rotor (armature, rotating) performs mechanical work (shaft, iron core, windings/magnets). Squirrel cage: conductive rods. Precision balancing minimizes vibrations/wear.Selecting motor types: Finding the optimal solution for each application.
The choice of the motor type for an electric motor: power, speed, precision, environment. Robotics: servo motor; fans: asynchronous motor. Familiarity with types for optimal solutions in electric drives. ATEK advises on selecting the right one electric motor for your application..
- The choice of motor type is determined by specific application requirements such as power, speed, precision, and environmental conditions.
- A fundamental distinction is made between direct current motors (DC) for control drives and alternating current motors (AC), which are considered the industrial standard for many electric motors .
- DC motors include classic brushed motors, coreless variants for high dynamics, and brushless DC motors (BLDC) that combine controllability and low maintenance.
- Alternating current motors, especially three-phase asynchronous motors, are robust, low maintenance, and variable speed with frequency inverters.
- Special motors such as stepper motors allow for precise positioning, while gear motors are used for high torque at low speeds.
- Understanding the pros and cons of each motor type is crucial for the optimal solution, with ATEK providing consulting support.
Distinction: DC (direct current) and AC motors (alternating current). DC for control drives; AC (three-phase) industrial standard (e.g. machine tools). Every type of electric motor has advantages/disadvantages.
DC motors (DC): classics with modern variants.
DC motors: direct current. Classic: brushes, commutator. Coreless DC motors: high dynamics (medical technology). BLDC: DC controllability, AC low maintenance.
Alternating current motors (AC): The workhorses of the industry.
AC motors are robust electric motors and low maintenance. Three-phase asynchronous motor (squirrel cage) is widespread. Variable speed with frequency inverters. ATEK offers energy-efficient types.
Specialists in detail: Brushless, step, and gear motors.
Special motors: BLDC (brushless, efficient – a form of electric motor). Stepper motors (precise positioning). High torque/low speeds: gear motors.ATEK combines motors with gearboxes. The right combination is crucial.Increase efficiency: Optimize design, material, and standards.
Design/material choice influences performance/efficiency of a electric motor. Air gap stator/rotor: precise manufacturing (ATEK) optimizes it. Small design changes improve the energy efficiency of electric drives.
Electric motors operate most efficiently at 75% rated load. Oversizing (10kW for 2kW) is inefficient. Design of the drive unit according to load profile for energy efficiency. ATEK supports.
Material selection and its impact on losses.
Electrical steel quality in the stator core influences iron losses. High-quality sheets reduce these. ATEK pays attention to material quality.
Winding impregnation for maximum reliability.
Vacuum impregnation protects windings, improves insulation/heat dissipation, and extends lifespan. Marks quality motors.
Efficiency standards: From IE1 to IE5.
IE classes (IE1-IE5) define minimum efficiencies. Higher classes save energy. ATEK offers motors according to current standards. See Purchase aspects for efficient motors..Mastering applications: Targeted use of innovative drive solutions
Electric motors drives diverse applications (from everyday life to industry). Mobile use (electric vehicles): efficiency, starting torque of the drive. Regenerative braking recovers energy. Regenerative braking is an advantage of modern electric motors.
- Electric motors are indispensable in a wide range of applications, from everyday devices to complex industrial systems.
- For mobile applications such as electric vehicles, high efficiency and good starting torque are crucial, with regenerative braking contributing to energy recovery.
- In industry, electric motors they drive critical components such as pumps, fans, and machine tools, with ATEK developing industry-specific solutions for these drive tasks.
- Modern drive systems often require precise torque control to handle high torque spikes without core saturation.
- An important trend is the increasing use of brushless motors (BLDC) due to their higher efficiency and longer lifespan.
- Intelligent motors with integrated sensors (e.g., encoders) enable precise feedback and enhanced control functions.
Industrial: Drives in pumps, fans, machine tools. ATEK develops solutions, e.g., Hygienic Design Motors for the food industry, which have specific requirements for the electric motor adaptation to market needs. Torque control for demanding tasks
Modern machines: high torque spikes by avoiding core saturation. Short-term multiples of the nominal torque (robotics).
Advanced control technology. Fortschrittliche Regelungstechnik.
Innovations: The trend towards brushless and intelligent motors
Trends: Replacing commutator-equipped motors with BLDC (efficiency/lifespan). Intelligent electric motors with sensors (encoders) for precision feedback. ATEK focuses on innovation in every electric motor.Making purchasing decisions: Identifying the ideal electric motor and partner
Purchase of a electric motor: Performance/price, integration, service, TCO. A low-cost drive can be more expensive in the long run. TCO consideration is crucial when selecting an electric motor.
The market for electric motors is complex. ATEK: system provider for drive systems (including Gear Boxes/brakes, e.g., Electric motors with brake). Partner with consulting expertise for your electric motor is advantageous.
What to look out for when purchasing
Purchase criteria for an electric motor: Performance, speed, voltage, IE class, IP protection, environment, application (special shaft?). ATEK implements adaptations. Detailed requirements analysis for the suitable electric drive is important.
ATEK Drive Solutions: Your partner for the complete drive system
ATEK: system provider with experience (Gear Boxes, brakes) and expertise (servo motors) for solutions (e.g., packaging machine drive). Goal: Your success with the right electric motor. Discover electric motors. Partnership from consulting to commissioning your drive unit. Modular system for quick delivery, even for small series. Contact us for your electric motor.