Motor is ideal for high torque-low speed applications

"EC-powermax 30 [DC motor] is ideal for applications requiring high torque at low speeds - in robotics or in actuators, for example," commented Keith Ellenden, CEO of Maxon Motor UK. "As well as its exceptional power-to-weight ratio, it comes with all the build quality and reliability you'd expect from Maxon - and its price is competitive too." After recently launching its powerful EC-max range of brushless (electronically-commutated) DC motors, Maxon has gone even further and squeezed even more power out of its latest DC motor, the EC-powermax 30 range. The motor measures just 30mm in diameter and weighs 270g. The key to the new design is a host of patented developments. First, the windings in the motor, which are typically a lozenge-shaped knitted coil, have been replaced by a multi-layer winding, very similar to those used in the company's mechanically-commutated drives. This forms a 'grooveless' stator, with no air gaps, which ensures efficient, detent-free operation. It also provides excellent control characteristics, particularly for positioning tasks and is much quieter at high speeds due to the reduction in mechanical vibration. The stationary winding surrounds a powerful, rotating four-pole magnet, equipped with neodymium magnetic material, which replaces the two-pole rotor of the EC-max range. And, to cope with the extra stresses, the motor has a thicker body: the motor shaft diameter is now 5mm rather than 4mm. Larger ball bearings have been incorporated and the number of parts reduced. The result is a motor that is durable, reliable and which has a torque capacity four times higher than EC-max range. The EC-powermax 30 is versatile too. The motor can be combined with Maxon's modular system with 42mm planetary gearheads, digital encoders (up to 1,000 pulse) and brakes. High power, dynamic drive systems can be built using Maxon's DES (Digital EC Servoamplifier) controllers or intelligent positioning units.