Selecting ultra-thin motors
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Learn how to select ultra-thin motors, understand their applications and advantages and the emergence of thin precision torque motors.
Ultra-thin motors can be a big advantage for projects with tight space constraints but also the need for power and precision motion control. Knowing how to select, and when to use, ultra-thin motors can be an important skill to succeed in a wide range of industries. In this post, the fundamentals of ultra-thin motors, their applications and their advantages will be explored.
What is an Ultra-Thin Motor?
An ultra-thin motor is a compact motor typically characterized by a large through hole. These motors are designed to offer the high torque and efficiency while maintaining a large inner diameter, making them ideal for space-constrained environments or where there is a need to pass cables, optic fibres, slip rings, cooling fluids or mechanical parts through the centre of the motor. Despite their slim design, they are engineered to deliver robust performance across a wide range of industries including medical, marine, industrial, robotics, defence and aerospace.
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Which Applications thrive with Thin Motors?
Thin motors are crucial in applications where space is a premium, but performance cannot be compromised. Next, some industries and applications where ultra-thin motors play an essential role are numbered:
- Precision Gimbals & Pedestals: Such applications are notoriously tight on space requirements on both azimuth and elevation drives but also require precision motion control in difficult, outdoor conditions. Ultra-thin motors are often combined with high resolution ring encoders for tracking of distant objects at very low angular velocities.
- Rim drives & thrusters: The basic topology of ultra-thin motors makes them ideally suited to the electric, rim-driven fans and thrusters either for controlled, laminar air-flow equipment or in marine applications for low vibration, quiet propulsion or a zimuth control.
- Medical Devices: Medical equipment such as portable diagnostic tools, exoskeletons, wearable medical devices, and surgical robots require compact designs for ease of use and enhanced portability. Ultra-thin motors allow manufacturers to build smaller, lighter, and more efficient devices.
- Robotics & Unmanned Systems: In modern robotics – and most notably surgical robotics - the need for compact and lightweight components is critical, especially in robotic arms, drones, and autonomous vehicles where every millimetre of space matters.
- Aerospace Actuators: Aircraft and spacecraft actuators benefit from thin motors due to the need for space savings and high power to weight ratio while ensuring reliable performance in extreme conditions.
- Semiconductor manufacturing: The slim design of ultra-thin motors allow for precise and compact designs for semiconductor manufacturing where there are tight constraints on motion control and positional accuracy
- Industrial Automation: Automation systems often have space constraints, especially in high-precision machinery or conveyor systems. Ultra-thin motors help deliver power in confined spaces without sacrificing performance.
Advantages of Thin Motors
The adoption of ultra-thin motors offers several distinct advantages over traditional motor designs. Key benefits include:
- Space Efficiency: The reduced thickness of these motors allows for more compact systems, which is especially valuable in portable or handheld devices. The motor’s large through hole compared to outer diameter makes the designer’s job easier by giving them more space to pass other equipment through the centre of the motor.
- High Torque Density: Ultra-thin motors are designed to provide high torque relative to their size. This makes them ideal for applications requiring powerful performance in a compact package.
- Reduced Weight: By minimizing the motor's profile and size, the overall weight of the device or system can be significantly reduced, which is crucial in industries like aerospace, robotics, and medical devices.
Thin Precision Torque Motors
Thin precision torque motors are a specialized category of ultra-thin motors that offer enhanced torque performance while maintaining a thin design.
- Direct-Drive Systems: Thin torque motors can be used without a gearbox for some designs, leading to simpler, more efficient mechatronics. This not only reduces maintenance but also improves accuracy and system responsiveness.
- High-Precision Motion: Applications that demand precision, such as gimbals, robotic arms or surgical robotics, benefit from the smooth, accurate motion control provided by thin torque motors.
- Silent & Smooth Operation: These motors typically operate with minimal noise and vibration, making them ideal for use in environments where quiet operation is essential, such as in healthcare or laboratory settings.
- Durability: Despite their compact size, thin torque motors are engineered to withstand high levels of stress and operate reliably under demanding conditions.
Ultra-thin motors offer high performance in a compact package. With their ability to deliver high torque, precision, and reliability, they are increasingly used in industries ranging from medical devices to robotics and aerospace. When selecting an ultra-thin motor, it’s essential to consider factors such as torque requirements, size constraints, and application-specific demands to ensure optimal performance.
For those seeking to enhance their systems with state-of-the-art, space-saving, efficient motor technology, ultra-thin motors are the perfect solution for pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Dr. Nicolas Giraudo
Chief Commercial Officer
Fossegrenda 1,7038 Trondheim, Norway