Feature

Making room for smaller devices: The benefits of miniature motors

The trend for miniaturisation continues to be relevant, as many industries are driven to reduce weights and footprints in order to save space and improve user experience. Modern surgical tools, for example, are being made smaller and lighter to improve precision, while enhancing user comfort and safety.

30/11/2022 17:32:02

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Here, William Mason, Managing Director of maxon UK and Ireland, discusses how small motors are driving innovation across three sectors: medical, intralogistics and aviation.

Medical

Medical devices vary greatly in size and weight, from active implants, weighing between 20 and 50g, to larger, heavier surgical tools. Because of this, each device
will have its own motor requirements. For example, active implants must withstand the high salt concentrations inside the human body. Meanwhile, surgical tools need motors with high-power
densities and without gears, to limit vibration and noise.

Despite these differences, one thing remains the same: the need for small motors. In fact, it is
now possible to manufacture motor controllers smaller than a postage stamp, adding extra control modules where necessary to enhance the capabilities and precision.

Read the full article in DPA's December issue

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.