Feature

Why did maxon recently introduce a range of frameless motors?

There are several benefits to using frameless motors that include reduced space envelope, reduced mass and a lower parts count. These are all interlinked and can be key factors in numerous applications.

18/12/2018 15:48:11

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Using a frameless motor, the customer can design this into the assembly, without the need of a shaft coupling device to transmit the rotational movement from the motor shaft to the driven element. The shaft will pass through the bore of the
rotor and will be one single piece. This will reduce the overall length by a significant factor, as well as removing potential failure modes.

On a housed motor a portion of the overall length is required for the bearings and location features. Depending on
the application there are then further bearings to support the driven element of the assembly. By using a frameless motor, the design engineer can use one set of bearings to support the shaft, which is both the motor shaft and the driven element,
removing the need for duplicated sets of bearings. Again, this reduces the part count, reduces the space envelope and removes some potential failure modes.

From these simple changes the engineer has more control over the overall size of the assembly and has more flexibility
on the package size. By removing the need for couplings and duplicated sets of bearings the part count has reduced. The result is a unit with a smaller housing and less parts which means a lighter package.

Read the full article in the January issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.