maxon expands high-torque, high-speed BLDC motor range

Precision drive system manufacturer maxon has expanded its high speed and high torque brushless DC (BLDC) motor series to extend capabilities for applications that demand a compact footprint and low weight. The new 22mm diameter BLDC motor in maxon’s ECX PRIME series increases nominal torque to 69.1mNm with high-speed operation up to 30,000rpm. ECX PRIME motors feature a rigid speed-torque characteristic that optimises control for precision applications.

The new ECX PRIME 22 joins a 16mm diameter motor in the ECX PRIME series that can generate 25.3mNm at 40,000rpm, plus a 6mm diameter variant that achieves 0.57mNm at 50,000rpm. The ECX PRIME series is available in a power range between 1.6W to 100W, presented in motor lengths from 19.9mm to 60mm.

The ECX PRIME brushless DC motors have been designed to achieve high speed and high torque with a rigid speed-torque characteristic. This means the motor can maintain its speed with optimum stability when the application load increases. This advantage makes ECX PRIME series motors well suited to applications that demand precise control. The ECX PRIME 22’s low inertia of 11.5gcm2 also assists in achieving a dynamic reaction.

Equipped with high-quality magnets, the ECX PRIME series features a four-pole design that optimises torque density, and the new ECX PRIME 22 achieves its 69.1mNm torque rating while weighing just 153g. The four-pole construction supports the motor’s rigid speed-torque constant, and also enables the motor to maintain high torque generation even at high speed. The ECX PRIME 22 has a speed/torque gradient down to just 12.3 rpm/mNm.

Smooth torque generation is another advantage of the four-pole design, which is enhanced by maxon’s ironless design. The ironless winding maintains ripple-free torque delivery to optimise control, removing the cogging torque inherent to iron core motors.

Combined with high quality magnetic return material, the highly efficient ironless winding also achieves low losses, including low heat generation, which increases reliable performance and extends lifetime.

The ECX PRIME 22, along with the ECX PRIME 16, is also available as a sterilisable version, making it suitable for medical hand-held devices, and the motor can be autoclaved up to 1,000 times. In addition, the ECX PRIME 22 is available with ceramic bearings for operation within cleanroom or vacuum environments.

maxon can customise ECX PRIME motors while customers can quickly configure the motors to order online. A gearhead and sensor can be added, and to create a complete drive system, ECX PRIME BLDC motors can be combined with a maxon ESCON2 speed controller or a maxon EPOS4 position controller. maxon also provides multi-axis controllers to coordinate larger systems.

“maxon’s ECX PRIME series of brushless DC motors have been specially designed for applications that need both high torque and high speed, and the new ECX PRIME 22 extends torque output while achieving a really compact, lightweight design,” says maxon UK & Ireland Managing Director, Will Mason. “To assist drive system specification and integration, maxon’s UK & Ireland engineers can provide application developers with the support they need.”