While AC induction motors and VFDs are often the go-to choice for speed control applications, several other alternatives are available, from servo motors to AC motors with tachometers. However, brushless (BLDC) motor technology is quickly growing in popularity in compact designs while also offering other advantages that are often overlooked.
Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control, BLDC Motors
Electric motors drive our world, but they can be susceptible to environmental hazards like dust or water. This article explores IP ratings and codes, what they are, how they're tested, and why they're critical for motor durability and reliable performance.
Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Washdown, Application Examples, Motion Control Basics, Conveyors
Motors exhibit noise. The important thing to know is how you distinguish normal noise from abnormal noise, and how to troubleshoot.
Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Speed Control, Gearheads, Troubleshooting
AC motors are the workhorses of industrial automation. They're robust, easy to use, and offer a wide product breadth. What do you do if they stop working, and you don't have a spare?
Topics: AC Motors, Troubleshooting, Motion Control Basics
Tension control is a niche application that is not easy to implement. Using the right type of motor is the first step to success. Hint: you don't always have to use a servo motor.
Topics: AC Motors, Torque Limit (Push Motion, Tension Control)
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, global food prices reached an all-time high in 2022. This case study explains how a vegetable farm in Hokkaido, Japan, improved production efficiency and reduced costs by building in-house automation.
Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control, BLDC Motors, Washdown, Food & Packaging, Case Studies
Increasing power efficiency and minimizing the carbon footprint is the trend these days. Do you know how to calculate CO2 emissions from your electric motors, and which types of motors emit less?
Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control, BLDC Motors
Which type of electric motor do you size for your conveyor, XYZ table, or robot? Before you select one, you must understand the characteristics of each type of motor in the market.
Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Speed Control, Motor Sizing, BLDC Motors, Washdown, Servo Motors, Motion Control Basics, Conveyors
When a voltage is applied to an AC induction motor, it runs at a certain speed. Variable speed requirements for AC induction motors are typically fulfilled by a 3-phase motor and an inverter or VFD. This blog post also introduces another option.
Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control, Motion Control Basics, Conveyors
The differences between single-phase and three-phase AC induction motors don't stop with the input power supply. There are a few things you need to know when using three-phase AC induction motors in an instantaneous forward/reverse operation.
Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control