Feature

Ensuring the lifetime of a DC gearmotor with systematic reliability testing

From industrial power tools to surgical robots, a motion solution that delivers high power density in a small package is a common requirement. However, integrating a gearmotor means that an assurance of reliability is crucial.

31/03/2023 11:05:24

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When the operational life exceeds the duration allowable for testing, a systematic approach to reliability demonstration testing (RDT) can provide OEMs with 95 percent certainty that the gearmotors will meet
or exceed their required run time. Here, Utpal Rabha, Lead Engineer at Portescap, explains the RDT procedure.

DC gearmotors are designed to meet the torque requirements of specific tasks, while ensuring
compact dimensions. With an assembly of a brush or brushless DC motor, the device combines a gearbox that optimises torque, speed and efficiency requirements. This enables a gearmotor to reduce output
speed, while increasing torque to the required level, achieving this with a more compact diameter compared to using a higher-rated individual motor alone.

With the additional gearbox mechanism, it’s imperative that
the design of the gearmotor is sufficiently reliable for the duration of its required use. To ensure resilience in real-world conditions, reliability demonstration testing (RDT) is required.

Read the full article in DPA's April 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.