If you're in the manufacturing industry, you might have heard of the term "servo motor". But what exactly is it, and how does it work? Understanding how a servo motor functions is important in determining which type of motor to use for your automation needs. In this blog post, you'll learn more about the technicalities of servo motors, even if you're not especially tech-minded.
A servo motor is a motor that is designed to perform precise movements and control mechanisms with accuracy and repeatability. It is a type of electric motor that uses a feedback mechanism to determine its precise position or speed.
What are Servo Motors Made Of?
The primary components of a servo motor include the motor, drive, and controller. Each of these components is comprised of several smaller parts. The motor itself is built with a rotor, stator, and motor casing, usually made from steel or aluminum. In the rotor, permanent magnets made of rare-earth materials such as neodymium are used. The stator houses the copper windings that respond to the electric current. The drive, which sends power to the motor, largely consists of power transistors and a heat sink, typically crafted from aluminum or copper. Last but not least, the controller, which modulates the motor's power and speed, is made up of a microprocessor and other electronic components, mounted on a printed circuit board. The materials used here include silicon for the microprocessor, and various metals and plastics for the board and associated circuitry.
How Does a Servo Motor Work?
Understanding the working of a servo motor involves understanding its response to signal input and how this leads to motion. Here's a step-by-step explanation:
- Receiving Signal: The process begins when the controller sends a signal to the servo motor. This signal is a particular kind of pulse-width modulation signal, where the length of the pulse corresponds to a specific position the motor should move to.
- Processing the Signal: Upon receiving the signal, the servo drive interprets it. It determines the desired position from the pulse width.
- Moving the Motor: Once the drive has interpreted the signal, it sends the required amount of current to the motor. The motor then moves to the desired position, as instructed by the drive.
- Position Feedback: As the motor moves, a feedback mechanism (usually a potentiometer or encoder) measures the exact position of the motor. This information is sent back to the controller.
- Error Correction: The controller compares the actual position of the motor (from the feedback mechanism) with the desired position (from the original signal). If there is a difference (an error), the controller sends a new signal to the motor to correct it.
- Continuous Adjustment: This process of sending signals, moving the motor, providing feedback, and making corrections continues at high speed, often hundreds or thousands of times per second. This allows the servo motor to maintain precise control of position, velocity, and/or torque, depending on the needs of the application.
By performing these steps in rapid succession, the servo motor can maintain extremely precise control over its position, which is what makes it so valuable in applications where precision and repeatability are key.
A Focus on Kollmorgen Servo Motors and Drives
There are a few brands that manufacture servo motors, but Kollmorgen regularly comes top of the list. In particular, Kollmorgen servo motors and drives are known for their high precision, which is essential for many industrial applications such as robotics, medical devices, and aerospace. Kollmorgen also offers various options for customization to meet specific automation needs. Kollmorgen’s AKM and AKD servo motors are particularly notable, as they exhibit a rare combination of compactness, power density, and flexibility, making them ideal for a diverse range of applications.
Another advantage of Kollmorgen servo motors is their efficiency. The company offers eco-friendly products that are designed to reduce energy consumption while minimizing carbon footprint. They have incorporated advanced technologies like permanently magnetized motors, which operate at higher efficiency rates and reduce the overall cost of the machine while delivering a more sustainable performance.
Kollmorgen servo motors and drives are also renowned for their reliability. They are designed to perform in harsh environments and can withstand the rigors of industrial use. Their robust designs make them resistant to damage, wear, and tear, which translates to less downtime and maintenance. Additionally, these motors also have a long lifespan, which makes them a more cost-effective option compared to other types of motors.
Overall, the Kollmorgen servo motors and drives are a premium choice for industrial automation, offering unmatched precision, efficiency, and sustainability. The AKM and AKD servo motors, in particular, are ideal for applications that require high accuracy, repeatability, and flexibility. Their reliability and robustness make them an excellent choice for industrial applications that require continuous operation.
What are Servo Motors Used For?
Servo motors find extensive applications across various sectors due to their precision, reliability, and efficiency. This includes robotics, where they provide the exact level of control needed to perform precise movements - from the nimble movements of a robotic arm assembling a car in an automobile factory, to the accurate positioning of a surgical robot performing a delicate procedure.
Servo motors are also used in industrial production lines, where they control the speed and direction of conveyor belts. Their precision allows for the exact placement and movement of products, enhancing efficiency and reducing waste. In the manufacturing sector, servo motors are critical in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, where they enable precise control of cutting, milling, and shaping operations.
Servo motors are essential components of industrial automation, and if you work in industry, it's essential to understand how they work in detail. In particular, Kollmorgen servo motors and drives are among the best in the market, offering unmatched precision, efficiency, and reliability. They are suitable for a wide range of applications, and their customization options provide businesses with the flexibility they need. Essentially, servo motors help to keep industrial processes moving and on track with reaching production goals.