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

 

3 Things to Know About the BLV Series Update

Posted by Johann Tang on Mar 15, 2021 12:00:00 PM

The BLV Series is one of two DC-input brushless motor speed control systems we offer.  While a brushless motor with hall-effect sensor feedback provides constant torque, wide speed range, and speed regulation, the BLV driver offers unique functions designed for mobile robots, such as low battery operation and ramp operation.

Read More

Topics: Robotics, Speed Control, BLDC Motors, Software, Network, Troubleshooting

Speed Control Basics: VFD or Triac for AC Induction Motors?

Posted by Johann Tang on Feb 26, 2021 9:09:03 PM

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.

Read More

Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control, Motion Control Basics, Conveyors

Instantaneous Forward/Reverse Operation for Single-Phase and Three-Phase AC Induction Motors

Posted by Johann Tang on Feb 1, 2021 10:04:04 PM

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.

Read More

Topics: AC Motors, Speed Control

What Determines Motor Life?

Posted by Johann Tang on Sep 30, 2020 10:30:00 AM

Knowing how to use a product properly can make a huge difference in its performance and life.  For example, knowing how to maintain cast iron pans properly can make them last longer.  With electric motors, understanding the factors that affect motor life is the first step to extending life and decreasing costs in the long run.

Read More

Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Linear Actuators, Speed Control, Servo Motors, Service Life

Brushed vs Brushless DC Motors: Which is Better?

Posted by Johann Tang on Jul 31, 2020 7:32:03 PM

My first experience using DC motors was for a small elevator for a science project back in school.  Although I had no idea, that day would become only the first day of my experience with motors.

Read More

Topics: Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors

Minimizing the Effect of Load Fluctuations for Mixers

Posted by Johann Tang on Jun 30, 2020 12:00:00 PM

The viscosity change in liquids can vary the torque required for mixing.  For AC asynchronous motors such as AC induction motors, the rated speed is affected by load torque fluctuations, which may cause inconsistency in the final product.  Is there a better motor for the job?

Read More

Topics: Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Gearheads, Washdown, Application Examples

Control Basics: The Difference Between Sink and Source Logic

Posted by Johann Tang on Apr 30, 2020 9:16:14 PM

For someone who has never had experience wiring I/O for motion control, it can be scary the first time.  If devices are not wired correctly, it can cause a range of issues from a motor simply not doing what's expected to irreversible product damage.  I still get that nervous feeling before I press the START button on a demo.  Murphy's Law, anyone?

Read More

Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Speed Control, BLDC Motors, Servo Motors, Motion Control Basics

Motor Sizing Basics Part 4 - How to Calculate Radial Load and Axial Load

Posted by Johann Tang on Mar 31, 2020 7:58:57 PM

Besides load torque, acceleration torque, speed, and load inertia, overlooking certain sizing parameters during the motor sizing process can literally make or break your machine.

Read More

Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Speed Control, Motor Sizing, BLDC Motors, Gearheads, Servo Motors, Motion Control Basics

Motor Sizing Basics Part 3: How to Calculate Speed, Acceleration Torque, and RMS Torque

Posted by Johann Tang on Feb 27, 2020 9:05:40 PM

Now that we understand the calculations behind load torque and load inertia, we're a little closer to motor selection.  You might be wondering why I separated load torque and acceleration torque calculations.  That's because in order to calculate for acceleration torque, load inertia and speed must be calculated first. 

Read More

Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Speed Control, Motor Sizing, BLDC Motors, Servo Motors, Motion Control Basics

Motor Sizing Basics Part 2: How to Calculate Load Inertia

Posted by Johann Tang on Jan 17, 2020 7:51:53 PM

Other than torque or speed, another factor should be considered when sizing motors.  

Read More

Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Speed Control, Motor Sizing, BLDC Motors, Gearheads, Servo Motors, Rotary Actuators/Index Tables, Motion Control Basics

    Subscribe Here!