3 Tips for Choosing a Spindle Motor for Your Application

Any carpenter will tell you that you need tools to get a job done right. But you can’t simply pull out any tool to finish a job correctly. You wouldn’t use a buzz saw to carve delicate woodworking in a mantle, nor a chisel to cut a piece of lumber in half.

The same is true in the manufacturing world. You may know that you need a spindle for your purposes, but choosing the right power source for it will help ensure you get the job done right. Following these tips for choosing a spindle motor for your application will help you make that call for your company.

Consider the Different Motor Types

The first step to making any choice is to know what your options are. You can divide the types of spindle motors into two categories: stepper and servo.

Stepper Motor

Stepper motors are the simpler of the two types. They work on an open-look system that requires magnets; as such, this option is less expensive and tends to work better on smaller-scale operations.

Servo Motor

Servo motors operate on a more complex closed-loop system. This system uses a controller that utilizes feedback for a more powerful, accurate machine.

Know the Difference Between Torque and Horsepower

It’s natural to be concerned with how much power a motor has. The challenge comes when there are two different stats related to a machine’s power: torque and horsepower. Knowing the difference will give you a better picture of what a motor is capable of.

• Torque measures the rotational force generated by the motor.
• Horsepower measures the rate at which a machine does work.

As far as choosing a spindle motor for your application goes, torque is generally more important to be aware of than horsepower. Calculating horsepower requires you to know the torque, and the torque gives a better picture of the machine’s power.

Determine the Necessary Spindle Speed

While torque measures how much rotational force a motor can determine, it doesn’t express how fast the spindle rotates. And different jobs require different levels of speed. For instance, jobs that require small-scale drilling or micro-tooling require high torque and high speeds compared to larger-scale projects.

Having the right tool for the job is essential. That’s why Industrial Automations has a selection of used AC spindle motors to make sure you have the right motor for your company’s operations.