Electric motors are used in several industries around the world. For example, they are used in mills, factories and stamping plants. Whether you facilitate a utility or run a production line that assembles products on a large scale, many of these machines run 24/7.
The importance of reliable motors becomes even more apparent when you think about how much money and time can be wasted if the motor stops working. As a result, all machines need to be equipped with motors designed for the high-powered, high-speed operation at hand.
For most in the industry, servo motors are the solution. If you'd like to learn more about servo motors and the pros and cons of using them, keep reading below:
What is a servo motor?
Electric motors are used in multiple industries around the world, but did you know there is more than one type of motor available? Do you know the difference between a servo motor and an induction motor?
Induction motors have been a staple of the industry for decades. They are a low-cost solution that is perfect for single-speed applications. However, induction motors have several drawbacks. For example, they are not universal. This is where servo motors come in. Not only are servo motors better suited for most machines, but there are several other benefits to using them.
Advantages of Servo Motors
As we mentioned above, there are several advantages to using servo motors. Some of the advantages include:
- They're more accurate - Servo motors are preferred for industrial use. This is because they are more accurate and can be easily changed to suit the application at hand.
- They're fast and flexible - Servo motors are an excellent choice for those who need speed, accuracy and flexibility. Unlike most other types of motors, servo motors come with adapters.
- They have fewer drawbacks - Servo motors are considered far superior to stepper motors and pneumatic actuators. Unlike servo motors, stepper motors and pneumatic actuators have several drawbacks, including fixed displacement and lack of motion.
- Servo motors are usually preferred over other types of motors.
- Performance - Servo motors can offer users the ability to go far beyond performance.
- They are more economical - In the past, servo motors were expensive to purchase, but the costs associated with purchasing servo motors have dropped rapidly over the past few years. While these motors are still more expensive than other types of motors, the price gap has been narrowing. This means that servo motors are now a very affordable option.
Disadvantages of Servo Motors
While there are many advantages to using servo motors, there are also some disadvantages that you need to be aware of. Some of the disadvantages include:
- They are not suitable for all applications - some applications require pneumatic actuators or steppers to work properly
- They are not easy to repair - few manufacturers in the world have the equipment or skills needed to repair servo motors
While servo motors have a variety of applications and use cases in a range of industries, that doesn't mean they are always ideal for the job. One of the worst things that can happen when choosing a motor is choosing one that is not suitable for the job you are completing. As with any type of motor, servo motors have several pros and cons. While there are more pros than cons associated with servo motors, it's still important to weigh your decision carefully before making a choice.