Types of Servo Motors

Servo motors are widely used to control motion in a variety of electro-mechanical industries, from robotics to CNC manufacturing to aerospace technology. Servo motors are part of a closed-loop system, known as a servo motor system, that doesn't use a stepper motor. Servo motor systems consist of several parts namely a control circuit, servo motor, shaft, potentiometer, drive gears (depending on the type of servomotor), amplifier and either an endocer or resolver. Servo motors must have the ability to:

operate at a variety of speeds without overheating;

operate at zero speed while retaining enough torque to hold a load in position; and

operate a very low speeds for long periods witho ut overheating.

The three basic types of servo motors utilized in servo motor systems are:

AC servo motors (based on induction motor designs);

DC servo motors (based on direct current motor designs); and

Brushless servo motors (based on synchronous motor designs).

Brushless motors are similar to AC servo motor since a moving magnet field causes rotormovement.Brushless motors are also similar to PM DC motors since they have predicable linear characteristics.

Is this why the brushless is sometimes called AC brushless and sometimes called DC brushless? It is the method of driving or powering the motor from which the name AC or DC is derived. The method of driving the motor can result in different effects (i.e. different torque delivered even from the same motor!).

Where are Servo Motors used?

Servos are extremely useful in robotics and automation. Servo motors are used across various automation fields specifically where the motor must be able to operate at a range of speeds without overheating, operate at zero speed while being able to retain its load in a set position, as well as operate at low speeds. Servo motors are utilized in industrial machine tools, CNC manufacturing machines and processes, and packaging applications. Robots utilize servo motors because of their smooth commutation and accurate positioning. The aerospace industry makes use of servo motors in their hydraulic systems to contain system hydraulic fluid. The servo motor is relatively small in size, yet very powerful. A servo motor also draws power proportional to the mechanical load.

What Industries are Servo Motors used in?

Servo motors are seen in applications such as factory automation, robotics, CNC machinery, and packaging. The feedback lets the drive know its position, speed, and torque to detect unwanted motion. Pharmaceutical industries are driven by the need to create smaller devices; ones that are easier to operate and function more efficiently.

Fasttobuy offer a wide range of brushless AC and DC motors giving choices on:

torque / speed

operating voltage

feedback devices

inertia levels

cooling options

We also offer a wide range of associated components such as gearboxes, shaft couplings, holding brakes, cable sets, temperature sensors. Please give us a call to discuss your requirements.