When it comes to the practical applications of metal fabrication, milling, and precise metalworking, servo motors become an integral part of closed looped systems and accurate position control.
In this article we will be uncovering and understanding the following topics:
● What is a Servo Motor?
● How does a Servo Motor Work?
● What are the different types of Servo Motors?
● What are Servo Motors Used For?
● What are the Benefits of Using a Servo Motor?
● Where can you buy a Servo Motor?
With that being said, let's delve into the topic at hand.
What is a Servo Motor?
When looking at the basic definition of a servo motor, a servo motor is inherently a closed looped system that consists of a few key components. Among these include control circuit, servo motor, shaft, amplifier and encoder/resolver. With these components, a servo motor utilizes the supplied current and voltage to produce torque and velocity which allows the motor to rotate parts of a machine with a high degree of precision and accuracy. The servo motor also relies on a sensor for positioning feedback in order to make seamless and efficient movements.
How does a Servo Motor Work?
The servo controller sends low voltage control signals for factors such as position, torque, and speed to the servo amplifier. These commands are amplified to high power which allows the motor to use them. Electrical pulses are then sent from the sensor back into the amplifier, in which the amplifier utilizes these signals and information to adjust and control speed and rotor positioning. The servo motor (also known as servo controller) has a critical job of not only closing the system when necessary but also by constantly interchanging data with the servo amplifier to immediately adjust factors such as speed, torque, and position accordingly. In order to minimize components, oftentimes many manufacturers provide a combined servo motor that is embedded alongside a servo amplifier, in order to make the exchange of data between the two components more seamless.
What are the Different Types of Servo Motors?
When looking at servo motors it's important to understand the options and various types that are available at your disposal. Among the different types of servo motors include the following
DC Servo Motor
Are controlled by DC currents. They are ideal for handling smaller current surges and are therefore better equipped for smaller and more precise practical applications. A DC Servo Motor consists of a DC motor, gearbox, electronic circuit, feedback control loop, and feedback potentiometer. These servo motors can react extremely fast to commands and are capable of highly precise motions. Despite this, they may require more frequent maintenance than their counterpart AC motors
Ac Servo Motor
Are controlled by AC currents. Unlike DC motors, AC motors are capable of withstanding much higher current surges and are more practical for industrial applications. These motors contain an encoder which provides the potential for closed loop feedback and control. They are also capable of providing accurate control and are designed to provide significantly more torque capability. These servo motors are most commonly used in CNC machining.
What are Servo Motors Used For?
Servo Motors have many industrial and commercial applications. Some examples of these applications include the following:
Robotic Applications (Servo Motors are used to facilitate precise robotic movement and control)
Metalworking and Fabrication (Servo Motors are used to facilitate precise motion for milling, lathes and bending for metal fabrication)
Antenna Position Systems (Servo Motors are used to facilitate precise antenna positioning via precision in azimuth and elevation)
Machining tools where high level of accuracy is required
Efficient and renewable energy applications where performance and efficiency are needed
Beneficial for conveyer and handling systems where speed, accuracy and high levels of torque are required.
What are the Benefits of Using a Servo Motor?
Now that we know what a servo motor is and what they are used for, it is critical to understand the advantages of using one. With that being said here are just a few of the most notable benefits of using a servo motor in your respective industry:
High efficiency (Minimal waste because of the high level of precision and accuracy and higher output relative to smaller size)
Closed loop control (Allows for accurate results and seamless positioning feedback)
High speed (Allows for higher and faster performance)
High level of torque control (Allows for easy application and potential to accomplish tasks such as pressing, holding, pushing and twisting motions at very precise torques)
Minimal vibration and resonance (Allows for quiet operation and smooth running)
Small in size
Highly reliable
High acceleration
Where Can You Buy a Servo Motor?
Now that you understand what a servo motor is as well as the benefits and general applications, now we can discuss where you can look to buy one. Fortunately at Gizmo Machine Tools, we currently have a wide array of options if you are looking to buy a servo motor.
As a Canadian corporation we service internationally in buying, selling and trading of machinery. With over 18 years of experience in the manufacturing industry our company focuses on providing customers with an alternative to expensive new machinery, when tooling up for a job or replacing existing capital equipment.
If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to contact us today and we would love to help!