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Look for consistency from the DC gear motor

The electric motors for automobiles are generally the DC gear motor. This is because they are consistent and long-lasting. But DC electric motors for cars are not the only application. These DC gear motors work well in vending machines as well as business equipment, cordless tools and more. The voltage for these DC gear motors can range from 12 to 24 volts, and the torque range from 25 to 5000 mNm.

I recommend: Buhler Motor and Motor Tech are two manufacturers of DC gear motors.

Let DC power systems give you power on the go

DC power systems are handy tools for portable devices like crash carts. They are also wonderful in that you can have them custom-designed by the manufacturer to fit your company's needs. You can decide the number of outlets handles, test points, meters and more.

I recommend: Acopian Technical Company and Power Magic are two of the many manufacturers of DC power supplies.

Apply DC servomotors for industrial power

DC servo motors are different from electric motors in automobiles in that they stop on a dime yet provide strong, consistent power. They're in use in computers, and 'closed loop control systems' as well as other DC motor applications.

I recommend: BDI and Industrial Drive Components are two manufacturers of the DC servomotors. The MathWorks has an interesting article about estimating the parameters of a DC servo motor.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Direct current (DC) motors are valuable tools that work for many applications. If you do not find a DC electric motor that doesn't exactly fit your needs, contact the manufacturer. You will find that the manufacturer will work with you to create custom direct current motors that will better meet your company's needs.

1. Define the general intended design application to the supplier, tell the manufacturer whether you are designing electric motors in automobiles or to power a small electrical appliances.
2. Check the spec sheets and go over the details with your design team.
3. Get several quotes to keep product development costs at a minimum.
   

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Take an initial broad based approach in DC power systems selection

While in the R&D phase of product development, keep your options open on what type and size DC motor you'll select for production. For instance, when designing systems with electric motors for automobiles, many specs will change throughout product development and even into the production phase of the project.

I recommend: Thomas Publishing Company gives you the most extensive products available to engineering, manufacturing and research and development departments. You can even find a local supplier by narrowing your search to your state. GlobalSpec is an engineering catalog search tool that allows you to select the best possible matches by limiting the listing specifications. You'll need to register to use the site, but the process is relatively quick.

Narrow your selection to a few DC motor producers

There are a number of different manufacturers that specialize in a specific type of DC motors. Find manufacturers and distributors that specialize in your size and power of motor. Share with their sales associate the application and discuss proper options. You may also want to check the spec sheet to be sure it produces adequate horsepower and current requirements.

I recommend: If you are looking for small appliance DC motors, a great resource is Motor Technology. They can custom make a DC motor for your project with the motor it needs. If you need a larger powered DC motor for manufacturing or other applications, try Bison Gear and Engineering Corp. They can custom build a DC motor to your specs as well.

Get several quotes from your DC motor suppliers

Once your motor specs are well defined in the project, you'll want to approach several manufacturers and/or suppliers for price quotes meeting your specs. Contact the sales staff and request a price plan for initial purchase price and high volume discount pricing.

I recommend: Anaheim Automation has a convenient online quote request form. Another DC motor maker, maxon precision motors, takes a more personal approach. They provide contact information for the regional service providers. You may want to contact an associate and discuss your needs, then send your spec sheet.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to check the manufacturing companies longevity in the business. You don't want to design electric motors for autos, then find out during the production phase that the producer of the motor is out of business.

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Explore applications for a DC gear motor

The DC gear motor is prized because of its torque and power. You can find that they are the electric motors for autos, as well as the DC motors opening and closing great glass roofs at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois. The DC gear motor comes in various torques and speeds, which allows you to match the torque needed to the task. For example, the torque for the electric motors in automobiles would not be the same as the one opening the Lincoln Zoo's roof.

I recommend: Two manufacturers of the DC gear motor are Bison Gear and Engineering and Bodine Electric.

Let DC power systems provide power for you when you're on the go

DC power systems work for portable devices like portable cash registers, wireless computers, printers, scanner carts and more. Often, these systems include DC-to-DC inverters, inverters for DC-to-AC, built-in chargers and other options. Some of the DC power systems are for use underwater at limitless depths.

I recommend: Two providers of DC power systems are CameronDC and Storage Battery Systems.

Rely on DC servomotors for heavy duty applications

These direct current motors are designed to withstand demanding requirements of industrial motion control. They can be for use in brakes, shafts, tachometers, connectors and more. They also have a long life, despite the ruggedness of their applications.

I recommend: The Electric Motors Reference Center has a good definition of servo motors, as well as their application. One of the many manufacturers of DC Servo motors is Baldor.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  DC motors are an excellent tool that can serve you well. Contact the manufacturer for more information.

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Voltage

Voltage, when used in the context of direct current motors, is a term used to measure the amount of electromotive force. This, when applied to the DC motors conductors, will go on to produce a current, allowing the motor to run and operate.

I recommend: Voltage, as it is functional for DC motors, is discussed at SocietyofRobots.com. The site also discusses the fact that DC motors have a voltage rating related to the amount at which they most efficiently run.

Commutator

The commutator is a part of the direct current motor armature. Commutators allow for the electrical current in the motor to be switched to different armature windings. The proper sequence of this switching results in the creation of motor torque. Additionally, commutators allow for the transmission of the electrical current to the moving armature. This is done through the brushes that ride on the commutator.

I recommend: Information about commutators is revealed at Electronics-Manufacturers.com.

Brush

A brush in a DC motor is the current conducting material. These are often made of graphite or a combination of graphite and some other material advantageous to the conduction of current in DC motors. Brushes also form an electrical connection which stems from the motor's armature to the power source.

I recommend: Brushes and commutators as utilized in DC motors are both explained and illustrated at GSU.edu.

Field

The field is a stationary part found in DC motors. They are commonly made up of permanent magnets placed inside the motor at strategic locations.

I recommend: Magnetic fields of DC motors are explored more in-depth at FSU.edu.

Armature

An armature is the rotating part DC motors, which rely on a brush to conduct currents.

I recommend: NI.com offers a detailed explanation of armatures in DC motors.

Direct current

A DC motor relies on a direct current in order to function. This is the power supply made available to the motor through the use or application or batteries, generators or some other rectified source utilized for special purposes and applications.

I recommend: For additional information on what a direct current is, how it is useful and what it can do, visit NDT-ED.org and GreenFacts.org.