Electric motors function by using the interaction of an electrical current and a magnetic field in order to produce mechanical force, or energy. Through the use of electrical energy in the form of either an alternating current (AC) or a direct current (DC), electrical motors are capable of powering various types of machinery.
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Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions, Inc.Waterbury, CT 800-243-2715 Haydon Kerk provides access to the broadest range of various motion solutions from a single source for a wide variety of high-tech industries. Our line of actuators offers high performance and exceptional endurance in very small packages, plus canstack and pancake rotary, drives, etc. Immediate standard parts or custom prototypes in a matter of days! Call for electric motors today!
AMETEK Prestolite MotorsKent, OH 330-673-3451 With over 90 years of delivering innovative electric motors, AMETEK is a World Leader in Electric Motor Technology™ for OEMs in floor care, outdoor power equipment, household appliances and industrial automation. Trusted brands include Lamb Electric, Air Watt, Flotek, Infin-a-tek, Advantek, Acustek and Prestolite. We set standards for engineering, design, testing and production excellence.
AMETEK Technical & Industrial ProductsKent, OH 330-673-3452 AMETEK Technical & Industrial Products makes your choice easy when it comes to product selection. With our wide variety in products, many different families are available in standard configurations. We offer an extensive library of models to make sure that all of your electric motors and other needs can be easily met. Visit our website soon to see further information.
Specialty Motors, Inc.Valencia, CA 800-232-2612 Specialty Motors is a designer and manufacturer of a complete line of electric motors. Our product line is extensive, containing both standard and custom options. We are a complete solutions provider, with in-house capabilities that rival some of the largest companies in the industry. Call us today or check out our website for additional information on the services we can provide for you.
MET Motors - Minnesota Electric TechnologyMankato, MN 800-373-3166 Minnesota Electric Technology is an OEM manufacturer of 3.3", 3.6" & 6" diameter PMDC parts: 12 to 240 volts, 1/50HP to 5HP, 400 to 10,000RPM, battery or rectified powered, variable speed and reversible, in standard or custom designs for OEMs worldwide. We design and manufacture custom 6" parts for the U.S. Army. Call MET today for your electric motors solutions!
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While all electric motors provide the same basic function of converting electrical energy to mechanical energy, the method by which they convert the energy can differ greatly. In terms of conversion methods, there are four main types of electric motors: servo motors, synchronous motors, induction motors and electrostatic motors, which are also referred to as capacitor motors. Servo electric motors operate based on a servomechanism (often shortened simply to servo) that utilizes error-sensing feedback to function and make corrections. Servo motors are extremely small electric motors and are often utilized in robotics, such as remote-controlled cars. Synchronous electric motors are a type of AC motor that operate based on a rotating magnetic field that is the result of the motor's rotor and current passing at the same rate. Much like synchronous motors are induction motors, which are fairly identical except that induction motors are asynchronous, even at times being referred to as asynchronous motors instead of induction motors. Induction motors operate based on the principle of electromagnetic induction in which a voltage is produces across a conductor, being the rotor, as it is moving through a magnetic field. Lastly, electrostatic motors are very different than the others, and instead operate based on the principle of the attraction and repulsion of an electric charge. Electrostatic motors are often used in very small-scale applications such as in micro-mechanical systems (MEMS).
Other than the method by which they convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, electric motors are also classified by means of the type of motion. Some common electric motors that fall under those classifications include: 3 phase motors, single phase motors, 12V motors, stepper motors and linear motors. 3 phase motors are typically a type of induction motor, and offer both high efficiency and a fairly simple design. 3 phase motors operate by means of a set of three alternating currents that are used to distribute the newly converted mechanical energy. Also commonly a type of induction motor, single phase motors operate based on a single-phase power source meaning that there is only one source of the electrical current, which is an AC. While still referring to the power source, 12V motors are categorized by the measurement of their power source and not the method of powering. One of the most common types of electric motors, 12V motors operate based on the standard 12 voltages of electric power. Stepper motors, on the other hand, are incredibly similar to three-phase synchronous motors. The main difference between those motors and a stepper motor is that stepper motors do not rotate continuously. Instead, stepper motors must continuously start then stop and start and then stop again and again. Finally, there are linear motors which are basically defined by the type, or really direction, of mechanical energy that they provide. Since a linear motion is motion that occurs over a straight line, linear motors can be defined as electric motors that provide motion over a single plane.
When categorizing based upon the construction of the electric motor, there are two main categories: brushed motors and brushless motors. Brushed electric motors can be easily determined based upon the design of the motor. A brushed motor is typically a type of DC motor, and operates based upon the actions of a wound rotor (also known as an armature), a commutator, and a permanent or wound magnet stator. The motor gets its name from the commutator, which is equipped with numerous brushes. These brushes operate by allowing the current to flow through them and thus arrive at the wound rotor. There are five main types of brushed motors: DC shunt wound motors, DC series wound motors, DC compound motors, permanent magnet DC motors and separately-excited motors. Capable of operation without the use of brushes to transfer the electrical current, brushless electric motors are also most often a type of DC motor. Whereas brushed motors can run into some problems due to their more complicated design, brushless motors eliminated many of those issues. Brushless motors consist of a permanent magnet external rotor, a three-phase coil, a type of sensor and drive electronics. Instead of brushes, brushless motors transfer the current by means of the sensors, called Hall effect sensors.
Electric Motors Terms
- Current whose flow can be changed. Alternating current is commonly
available in single and three forms. |