The Servomotor - for Precise Control
A servomotor is a motor that, with the help of control electronics, allows for continuous regulation of speed, torque, and position. This enables fine and dynamic movements. The motor is always connected to a servo controller, which converts signals and ensures precise control. Servomotors consist of a synchronous motor, asynchronous motor, or a direct current motor. The term "servo" comes from the Latin word "servus," meaning servant or slave, referring to the earlier use of motors as auxiliary drives. Nowadays, however, they are often used as main drives when high dynamics are required.
How a Servomotor Works
A servomotor system consists of a servomotor, a feedback system, and a servo controller that drives the motor. Based on the applied voltage and current, a torque and speed are generated. Together with the servo controller, software-based programming allows for impressive precision. This enables exact regulation of torque, position, and speed, and allows for dynamic adjustment to the desired movement, facilitating the implementation of complex processes. Due to its operation, the motor is very energy-efficient.
Indispensable - Effective Cooling of the Servomotor
Motors are heavily utilized, making effective cooling very important. Cooling can be achieved in various ways, such as by air, oil, or water. Air cooling has the disadvantage of being very maintenance-intensive. If not cleaned regularly, the cooling performance decreases and the machine can fail in the worst case. Additionally, air cooling requires a lot of space. Water cooling, on the other hand, is less maintenance-intensive and more space-saving. Cooling with oil has somewhat lower cooling performance compared to the other options.
For demanding applications, water cooling is the optimal solution.
Control of the Servomotor by Servo regulator
A servomotor operates as part of a closed-loop control system that provides torque and speed. These are specified by a servo regulator, which uses a feedback system to close the control loop. The feedback system provides information such as current, speed, or position to the servo regulator, which adjusts the motor action according to the set parameters.
Achieving Dynamic Movements Through High Precision
The advantages of servo control are the high precision and exact regulation of position. Machines with servo drives can implement complex processes and highly dynamic movements
From Shipbuilding to E-Mobility – The Many Applications of a Servomotor
Servomotors find applications in almost all areas of manufacturing, such as:
- Packaging machines
- Textile processing
- Conveyor technology
- Plastics industry
- Printing technology
- E-mobility
- Shipbuilding
- Energy technology
- Metalworking
- Pharmaceutical industry
FAQS – Frequently Asled Questions about servomotors
Where are servomotors used?
- Packaging technology
- Robotics
- Machine tools
- Handling systems
- Sheet metal processing
- Paper processing
- Conveyor technology
What types of servomotors are there?
Servomotors can be classified into synchronous and asynchronous motors. Additionally, there are AC and DC motors.
AC servomotors are operated with supply voltages generated by rectifying an alternating voltage.
DC servomotors, on the other hand, can be operated directly with a low voltage up to approximately 48 VDC.
What is the difference between a stepper motor and a servomotor?
The two motor types differ in their operation. Stepper motors are controlled via an open-loop system and convert electrical signals into angular or linear displacement. A stepper motor also has a lower rotational speed and is generally more affordable.