It is a misleading concept to believe there is a fit-it-all solution to provide just the right propulsion in any user system. Servo motor applications are limited as well, even though the mechanisms are widely praised for precision, reduced footprint, and a range of similar enticing rewards.
Knowing the limitations and strengths of the technology, including as compared to other engines, is a sure way to avoid wrong decisions. So, what are the reasons to pick a servo over an induction motor or a stepper?
Particular by design, servos inherently possess features and properties distinguishing them from the rest of electric actuators. The table below contains a comparison of three most commonly used electromotors—servomechanisms, steppers, and induction drives.
Cost is another consideration playing a significant part in the selection process. Integrating a servomechanism into an application is perhaps the most expensive option. Both induction and stepper motor technologies are cheaper.
An induction engine is a perfect fit where position or speed feedback is not essential, velocity is constant, and the equipment has to handle substantial loads, up to 30-40 HP. Their higher inertia due to a larger footprint turns out to be a pro in such tools as a crusher. Historically, the devices have been used in material transportation conveyors, rotary tables, fans and other unsophisticated setups.
A stepper is cost-efficient, though inferior to a servo motor in precision. Such devices function at their best at low RPM and acceleration rates. Typical applications include medical and biotech hardware, security and defense solutions, semiconductor production.
Servos excel at accuracy, resolution, and repeatability. When fitted with gearboxes, the drives produce ultra-high torque. Closed-loop motion control makes it possible to retain loads at preset angles as long as necessary. However, to attain the effect, the device has to adjust the motor location continuously, which entails extra power consumption. The devices are cost-intensive because of the sophisticated underlying technology, but the price differential tends to reduce over years. Typical applications suitable for driving with servo motors are systems operating at high velocity and acceleration rates, where the positioning accuracy requirement overweighs the price consideration.
Apart from the above general description, it is possible to name a number of distinct domains where servomechanisms have proved to drive efficiently various hardware components. Look up the table to find out if your system or machine is one of them.
Domain: Robotics | Details of executed operations/ Benefits: In the field, servo actuators are employed in a variety of tasks: to move robot joints, to operate work tools, or to rotate wheels of self-propelling machines. Designed products vary from hobby models to giant industrial robots. With micro or nano modifications, inventors create robotic hands with dexterity of movements close to a human limb. Latest inventions include collaborative solutions sharing a common workspace with a human being.
Domain: Industrial automation | Details of executed operations/ Benefits: In the domain, applications cover various machinery, such as filling and packaging, metal and wood cutting, trimming, and contouring, as well as CNC and machines used in the textile industry.
Domain: Entertainment | Details of executed operations/ Benefits: Solar tracking and antenna positioning . Specialized software calculates proper coordinates for a panel to soak up sunlight energy or an antenna to receive high-quality signal and commands the engine to go the position.
Other known applications controlled by servo motors include printing hardware, ejection mechanisms in disk drives, as well as automatic door release. The actuator type, tailored to special hygiene and compliance requirements, is spreading across pharmaceutical and food-processing industries.
The reasons to consider integrating an RDrive servo are as follows:
RDrive products were developed as an original product under the PULSE project—to function as actuators in the robot by Rozum Robotics. Now, the engines are sold as a separate lineup comprising five models in different sizes. In addition, flexible customization options are available, extending their usage to more domains—both industry- and commerce-oriented.
We will send you the ROI calculator for PULSE75 within the next 24 hours.