BR Torque Motors

Get To Know Our BR Series High-Torque, Multi-Pole Brushless Motors

Industrial businesses of any size require improved motion performance. That aim has been especially central to the widespread adoption in recent years of torque motors.   
 
This direct-drive technology of brushless permanent-magnet synchronous motors is now the solution of choice for a range of applications, including robotic joints, multi-axis tracking, and GPS-based automated vehicle steering and traction, and more.   
 
Although the basic design of direct-drive motors - permanent magnets on the rotor and copper coils on the stator - is well established by now, torque motors are under continuous development to deliver even more value to your operations.   
 
Introducing the BR Series  
As this technology becomes increasingly dynamic, the potential for torque motor applications continues to grow. In certain applications, such as in robotics, high-torque multi-pole brushless motors that are compact ("pancake") in nature, provide unique performance characteristics that are critical in realizing system designs. The BR Series from Infranor embodies this industry need. 
 
Built to achieve accuracy for high-precision applications, the multi-pole brushless motor of the BR Series for robotics was originally developed for direct-drive use in exoskeletons. Targeting a high torque-to-weight ratio, this motor offers high torque at a reasonable rotation speed. Other features include solid and hollow shaft, low center of gravity, small volume, and high efficiency which allows for long life in battery-powered systems.  
 
Torque motor applications keep growing  
Direct-drive technology is widely acknowledged as the foremost solution for meeting the demands of modern machines. Although all rotary motors produce torque, torque motors derive their special designation from the fact they have been electromagnetically designed to produce a lot of torque at low speeds.   
 
That particular quality has made them an ideal alternative to traditional drive motor-transmission combinations or to hydraulic systems when high torque at low speeds is desired (examples: injection mold machines, presses, extruders).  
 
Reasons for widespread adoption  
Equipped with mechanical features that enable you to fasten them directly to your payload, the design of brushless torque motors excels in direct-drive simplicity and efficiency. Combined with a robust, compact design, they deliver benefits, such as:   

• Lowered total cost of ownership: Fewer mechanical parts minimize maintenance and system costs. The brushless design eliminates contact between rotor and stator, removing another source of mechanical wear, which, in turn, leads to improved reliability and longer lifespans.
• Ease of integration: The ability to swiftly leverage torque motors have been essential to their proliferation. Some motors feature a large hollow shaft which means they can easily integrate cables, cooling tubes, and other equipment needed for your application. Machine designers also enjoy enhanced flexibility since the torque motor can be configured as a kit motor and therefore works well with bearings, payload, and feedback devices.
• Customization options: The versatility of direct-drive torque motors enables you to get the most out of your equipment. Featuring a variety of diameters, axial heights, special mounting hardware interfaces, and custom windings, torque motors help you maximize performance. Although the ability to generate torque at low speeds is often in focus, these types of motors can also deliver high torque over a wide range of speeds.

 
Peak vs. continuous  
Unlike standard motors, torque - not power - determines the size and selection of torque motors. The peak torque establishes the greatest torque that the motor can physically produce; continuous torque, in contrast, specifies the maximum torque that the motor can give constantly. The application's duty cycle ultimately determines whether it is dependent on peak or continuous torque designs.  
 
Benefits of a high-pole torque motor   
For space-constrained applications or applications that demand lightweight with high torque, consider the benefits of a high-pole torque motor. Lightweight and pancake-like in appearance, it delivers very high torque and superior efficiency. These features make it especially well-suited for high-volume applications such as direct drive, exoskeletons, OEMs, indexers, robotic arms, and wheel hubs (Mobile AGV). 
 
Applications across a range of industries  
While the industries that now leverage torque motors manufacture a wide variety of products, they typically made the switch for similar reasons - they selected torque motors to boost the performance and quality of their operations. To take a few examples:  
 
Medical and Supply Chain industries  
Robotic exoskeletons - wearable devices or "power suits" designed to restore human performance - have not only revolutionized the lives of paraplegics. Distribution centers, warehouses, and factories also leverage the technology to protect workers and reduce healthcare and disability costs.  
 
Exoskeletons commonly rely on high torque motors since they meet requirements like lightweight design, extended battery life, and the ability to work under load. (As mentioned above, Infranor's multi-pole brushless motor from the BR Series, for instance, was originally developed for direct-drive use in exoskeletons targeting a high torque to weight ratio. They offer high torque at a reasonable rotation speed.)  
 
Machine Tool industry  
The machine tool industry was quick to adopt torque motors. Drawn by the larger selection of sizes compared to traditional gear motors and the more affordable maintenance regimen, managers saw an opportunity to realize efficiency gains.   
  
Electronic assembly and Semiconductor industries  
Error-free operations are the key to success in the electronics and semiconductor industries. To edge ahead of the competition, manufacturers need to combine the effort to minimize mistakes with speed, accuracy, and flexibility. The introduction of torque motors has helped them meet such goals. Featuring high torque and high precision, torque motors are central components of electronics and semiconductors fabrication equipment. 
 
Energy industry
The drive toward sustainability has fueled innovation in the energy industry - as well as the adoption of torque motors. Now used in a variety of renewable energy applications, such as wind and water turbine generators, the technology has become synonymous with efficiency improvements. At the same time, motor makers are exploring ways to build on the direct-technology design to keep power losses as low as possible.   
 
Do you have questions for us? We combine the best in engineering and design for high-quality production-level motors and drives. Our goal is to improve your machine's performance. Contact us today.