--- title: Engineering Notes | Gearheads (2) description: Gearheads | ORIENTAL MOTOR U.S.A. CORP. has dedicated over 33 years to establishing a service and support system to better serve customers. It is our goal to provide the best product and service from the design phase, through the sale and beyond. (2) --- [![Oriental Motor U.S.A. Corp.](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OM-logo-200px.jpg?width=200&height=47&name=OM-logo-200px.jpg)](https://www.orientalmotor.com/index.html) - - [Products](https://www.orientalmotor.com/products/index.html) - [Motor Sizing](https://www.orientalmotor.com/motor-sizing/index.html) - [Technology](https://www.orientalmotor.com/technology/index.html) - [FAQ](https://faq.orientalmotor.com/) - [Contact Us](https://www.orientalmotor.com/contact/index.html) - [Stepper Motors](https://www.orientalmotor.com/stepper-motors/index.html) - [Servo Motors](https://www.orientalmotor.com/servo-motors/index.html) - [Industrial Robots](https://www.orientalmotor.com/industrial-robots/index.html) - [AC Motors & Gear Motors](https://www.orientalmotor.com/ac-motors-gear-motors/index.html) - [Brushless DC Motors](https://www.orientalmotor.com/brushless-dc-motors-gear-motors/index.html) - [Linear Actuators](https://www.orientalmotor.com/linear-actuators/index.html) - [Rotary Actuators](https://www.orientalmotor.com/rotary-actuators/index.html) - [Network Products](https://www.orientalmotor.com/network-products/index.html) - [Cooling Fans](https://www.orientalmotor.com/cooling-fans/index.html) - [Encoders](https://www.orientalmotor.com/encoders-sensors/index.html) Engineering Notes ## Engineering Notes by Oriental Motor # Welcome to Oriental Motor's "Engineering Notes" Blog: Products and technology are only valuable when coupled with skilled people and services to support them. Since 1978, ORIENTAL MOTOR U.S.A. CORP. has been building a service and support system to better serve customers. It is our goal to provide the best product and service from the design phase, through the sale and beyond. **Our blog will feature:** - Introduction to new products and technologies - Motion control basics and application examples - Tips for motor selection, programming, and troubleshooting   ## [Motor Sizing Basics Part 2: How to Calculate Load Inertia](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/motor-sizing-basics-part-2-load-inertia) Posted by [Johann Tang](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/author/johann-tang) on Jan 17, 2020, 7:51:53 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.orientalmotor.com/images/technology/fundamental-inertia-equation.jpg)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/motor-sizing-basics-part-2-load-inertia) Other than torque or speed, another factor should be considered when sizing motors.   [Read More](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/motor-sizing-basics-part-2-load-inertia) 5 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/motor-sizing-basics-part-2-load-inertia#comments-listing) Topics: [AC Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/ac-motors), [Stepper Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/stepper-motors), [Alphastep Hybrid Control](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/alphastep-hybrid-control), [Linear Actuators](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/linear-actuators), [Speed Control](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/speed-control), [Motor Sizing](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/motor-sizing), [BLDC Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/bldc-motors), [Gearheads](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/gearheads), [Servo Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/servo-motors), [Rotary Actuators/Index Tables](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/rotary-actuators-index-tables), [Motion Control Basics](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/motion-control-basics) ## [Tips to Minimize Stepper Motor Vibration](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/tips-to-minimize-stepper-motor-vibration) Posted by [Johann Tang](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/author/johann-tang) on Sep 30, 2019, 8:33:27 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Tips to Minimize Stepper Motor Vibration](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hubfs/CVD%20vibration%20comparison-2.jpg)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/tips-to-minimize-stepper-motor-vibration) Stepper motors vibrate.  It's what they do.  To minimize motor vibration, first we need to understand where they come from. [Read More](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/tips-to-minimize-stepper-motor-vibration) 10 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/tips-to-minimize-stepper-motor-vibration#comments-listing) Topics: [Stepper Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/stepper-motors), [Smooth Drive](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/smooth-drive), [Motor Sizing](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/motor-sizing), [VIDEOS](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/videos), [Gearheads](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/gearheads), [Stepper Drivers](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/stepper-drivers), [Incremental Positioning](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/incremental-positioning) ## [A Brief Overview of the AlphaStep Family](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/power-of-the-alphastep-family) Posted by [Johann Tang](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/author/johann-tang) on Aug 28, 2019, 2:37:43 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![AlphaStep hybrid control technology - open vs closed loop](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hubfs/AlphaStep%20hybrid%20control%20technology%20-%20open%20vs%20closed%20loop.jpg)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/power-of-the-alphastep-family) [![AlphaStep Logo](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2284573/8f33e956-0692-434a-9d2d-4ddf3580c668.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2284573/8f33e956-0692-434a-9d2d-4ddf3580c668) The word, "AlphaStep", describes Oriental Motor's patented Hybrid Control technology, which offers improved stepper motor performance by sensing the rotor position and automatically switching between open-loop and closed-loop operation when necessary.  This post explains the unique technologies offered within the AlphaStep family of products and summarizes the numerous integrated options available.  It also can serve as a website navigation guide (video added). [Read More](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/power-of-the-alphastep-family) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/power-of-the-alphastep-family#comments-listing) Topics: [Stepper Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/stepper-motors), [Absolute Positioning](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/absolute-positioning), [Alphastep Hybrid Control](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/alphastep-hybrid-control), [Linear Actuators](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/linear-actuators), [VIDEOS](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/videos), [Gearheads](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/gearheads), [Software](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/software), [Network](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/network) ## [How Easy Is It to Build a Robot?](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/how-easy-is-it-to-build-a-robot) Posted by [Johann Tang](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/author/johann-tang) on Jul 19, 2019, 8:31:19 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hubfs/Top%20image.jpg)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/how-easy-is-it-to-build-a-robot) Robot adoption is increasing in many industries due to global efforts in reducing long term costs, maintaining quality, and freeing up time for humans to do "human" tasks.  For example, by using a robot to clean floors or restock shelves in a supermarket, human employees can spend more time helping or selling to their customers.  A company can either tap into this robotic trend by buying ready-made robots, or by making their own with less cost.  If engineering resources are limited, selecting the right components can reduce the difficulty and time for building a robot. [Read More](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/how-easy-is-it-to-build-a-robot) 13 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/how-easy-is-it-to-build-a-robot#comments-listing) Topics: [Stepper Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/stepper-motors), [Robotics](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/robotics), [Absolute Positioning](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/absolute-positioning), [Alphastep Hybrid Control](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/alphastep-hybrid-control), [Linear Actuators](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/linear-actuators), [Motor Sizing](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/motor-sizing), [VIDEOS](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/videos), [Gearheads](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/gearheads), [Software](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/software), [Application Examples](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/application-examples) ## [Right Angle Gearheads: Why are Hypoid Gears Better Than Worm Gears?](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hypoid-better-than-worm-right-angle-gearheads) Posted by [Johann Tang](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/author/johann-tang) on Apr 17, 2019, 10:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Hypoid vs worm efficiency graph](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hubfs/Hypoid%20vs%20worm%20efficiency%20graph.jpg)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hypoid-better-than-worm-right-angle-gearheads) As efficiency becomes increasingly important, another type of gear is being adopted for right-angle gearheads over the common worm gears. [Read More](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hypoid-better-than-worm-right-angle-gearheads) 4 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hypoid-better-than-worm-right-angle-gearheads#comments-listing) Topics: [AC Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/ac-motors), [Speed Control](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/speed-control), [BLDC Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/bldc-motors), [Gearheads](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/gearheads) ## [Accelerate Design Cycles for Mobile Robots With Standard Features & Functions](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/built-in-features-can-shorten-design-cycles-for-agv/amr-motor-applications) Posted by [Johann Tang](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/author/johann-tang) on Dec 15, 2018, 12:00:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![AGV on factory floor](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hubfs/AGV%20on%20factory%20floor.jpg)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/built-in-features-can-shorten-design-cycles-for-agv/amr-motor-applications) In the market of electric motors, there are products designed for general purpose applications, and there are motors designed for specialized applications, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).  While standard, general-purpose motors work for most applications such as factory automation, sometimes, it may help accelerate your design cycle by going with a motor system that already offers the features that you are planning to design into your machine.  In this post, we will summarize some of these features. [Read More](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/built-in-features-can-shorten-design-cycles-for-agv/amr-motor-applications) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/built-in-features-can-shorten-design-cycles-for-agv/amr-motor-applications#comments-listing) Topics: [Robotics](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/robotics), [Speed Control](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/speed-control), [Motor Sizing](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/motor-sizing), [BLDC Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/bldc-motors), [Gearheads](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/gearheads), [Application Examples](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/application-examples), [AGV/AMR](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/agv-amr) ## [Minimize Conveyor Footprint with Right Angle Brushless Gear Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/minimize-conveyor-footprint-with-right-angle-brushless-gear-motors) Posted by [Johann Tang](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/author/johann-tang) on Oct 1, 2018, 8:31:15 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Motor length and parts reduction](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/hubfs/Motor%20length%20and%20parts%20reduction.jpg)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/minimize-conveyor-footprint-with-right-angle-brushless-gear-motors) Parallel shaft AC gear motors are the standard configuration in the industry.  However, right angle brushless gear motors are gaining popularity for their ability to minimize the footprint of a machine, such as a conveyor.   [Read More](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/minimize-conveyor-footprint-with-right-angle-brushless-gear-motors) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/minimize-conveyor-footprint-with-right-angle-brushless-gear-motors#comments-listing) Topics: [AC Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/ac-motors), [Speed Control](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/speed-control), [VIDEOS](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/videos), [BLDC Motors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/bldc-motors), [Gearheads](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/gearheads), [Application Examples](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/application-examples), [Medical](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/medical), [Food & Packaging](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/food-packaging), [Conveyors](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/conveyors), [Factory Automation](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/factory-automation) [Previous](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/gearheads/page/1) [All posts](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/all) Search ### Subscribe Here! - 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[Vertical Lifts (4)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/vertical-lifts) - [XYZ/Cartesian/Gantry (4)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/xyz-cartesian-gantry) - [AGV/AMR (3)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/agv-amr) - [Bottle Capping (3)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/bottle-capping) - [Cooling Fans (3)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/cooling-fans) - [Service Life (3)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/service-life) - [Laboratory (2)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/laboratory) - [Pumps (2)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/pumps) - [Chemical Mechanical Polishing (1)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/chemical-mechanical-polishing) - [Wafer Handling (1)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/wafer-handling) - [Wafer Pin Lifters (1)](https://blog.orientalmotor.com/topic/wafer-pin-lifters) see all #### About Us Oriental Motor offers an extensive product line-up of about 50,000 different products that provide the optimal motion system. For over a century we have concentrated on technological advancement and product design improvement. This emphasis is evident in the sophisticated devices that we market today. Oriental Motor's sales and service network is international, with offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. #### More Links - [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] Home](http://www.orientalmotor.com) - [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] About Us](http://www.orientalmotor.com/company/index.html) - [\[fa icon="caret-right"\] Contact Us](http://www.orientalmotor.com/contact/index.html) #### Contact Us \[fa icon="phone"\]  1-800-GO-VEXTA (468-3982) \[fa icon="envelope"\]  sales@orientalmotor.com \[fa icon="home"\]  570 Alaska Avenue, Torrance CA 90503 \[fa icon="chevron-up"\]Back to top