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What is a Frameless Torque Motor?

Frameless torque motors are high-torque, direct-drive motors designed without a housing or shaft, offering exceptional flexibility for customized applications. Their specialized structural allows for direct integration into the mechanical system of equipment, enabling seamless and compact assembly. Owing to their frameless design, these motors are especially well-suited for applications requiring compactness, lightweight construction, and high power density. Typical use cases include industrial robotics, aerospace systems, medical equipment, and industrial automation. frameless torque motors In this article, we will explore key aspect of frameless torque motors, including their structure, advantages, applications, and how to evaluate whether they are the right solution for a specific engineering project.

Structure of Frameless Torque Motor

A frameless torque motor features a structure without a traditional housing or shaft and consists of two core components: the rotor, which generates torque to produce rotational motion, and the stator drives the rotor through electromagnetic field generated by its windings. Unlike conventional motors, frameless torque motors eliminate the needs for a housing and mounting frame. The term "Frameless" refers to the ability of the rotor and stator to be directly integrated into the transmission mechanism of the target system. This form of integration streamlines the mechanical structure, enabling more optimized motor sizing and weight configuration based on specific application requirements. Frameless torque motors

Working Principle of Frameless Torque Motor

Frameless torque motors operate on the same principle as traditional electric motors: when current flows through the stator windings, it generates an electromagnetic field that interacts with the rotor's permanent magnets to produce rotational torque and rotate the rotor. The low-speed, high-torque characteristics make them well-suited for applications requiring precise low-speed control. Compared to traditional motors that rely on gear or belt transmissions, the direct-drive design of frameless torque motors ensures smoother, quieter operation.

Key Advantages of Frameless Torque Motors

Compact Design: Frameless construction enables seamless integration into applications, allowing engineers to optimize space by embedding the motor directly into the machine structure. High Torque-to-Weight Ratio: Frameless torque motors deliver high torque relative to their compact size and weight, making them ideal for portable or weight-sensitive applications. Higher Efficiency and Reliability: The direct drive design of the frameless torque motors eliminates the need for gearboxes, belts or pulleys, resulting in reducing energy loss and lower maintenance requirements. Thermal Management Advantages: Frameless torque motors are ideal for custom cooling solutions. Without an external housing, engineers have the flexibility to design specialized cooling systems that more effectively manage heat. Customization Flexibility: Engineers can select or customize frameless motors to meet specific application needs. Key parameters such as diameter and winding configuration can be customized to suit a wide range of operating conditions.

Common Applications of Frameless Torque Motors

Frameless torque motors are a typical choice for applications requiring high precision, compact design and high torque output. Their primary application areas include: Applications of Frameless Torque Motors Robotics: With their high torque output, smooth motion and precise control, frameless torque motors serve as the core driving force behind industrial and service robots performing complex tasks. Aerospace: The lightweight and high power density characteristics make it suitable for aviation-grade application such as drone rotor drives and flight control systems. Medical Devices: Frameless motors are used in medical equipment to power robotic surgical systems and other precision instruments that demand compactness and accuracy. Industrial Automation: Frameless torque motors enable precise motion control in automated machinery and are especially well-suited for high-torque, low-speed applications (such as machine tool feed systems). Electric Vehicles (EVs): EV manufacturers utilize frameless torque motors to ensure an optimal balance between vehicle acceleration performance and energy utilization through high efficiency and high torque characteristics.

How to Choose the Right Frameless Torque Motor for Your Application?

When choosing a frameless torque motor, there are several factors to consider: Torque and Speed Requirements: Evaluate the torque and speed demands of your specific application. Frameless torque motors excel at delivering high torque at low speeds, clearly understanding these requirements will help you select a suitable motor configuration. Thermal Management: Assess the operating environment and cooling requirements of your application. Ensure the motor can meet the system's thermal demands and apply appropriate cooling methods such as forced air or liquid cooling when necessary. Size and Installation Space: While frameless torque motors offer great versatility, physical size constraints may impact integration. Accurately measure the available space and consult motor specifications to ensure a proper fit.

How to Install a Frameless Torque Motor?

A frameless motor consists of a stator and a rotor. The stator is installed on stationary component, while the rotor is mounted on the rotating part. Bearings are usually used to support the stator and the rotor, ensuring precise coaxial alignment between the two components. 1. Stator Installation: The stator of a frameless motor is usually installed using adhesive bonding, shrink fitting combined with adhesive, or axial mechanical fastening. The mounting component is generally made of non-magnetic, thermally conductive metal materials. Aluminum alloy is recommended. Note: The stator housing and the outer diameter should include positioning steps, with a recommended height is 0.5mm~1.0mm. After the stator is installed in the housing, there should be a minimum clearance of ≥1 mm between the stator winding ends and the housing. If adhesive bonding is used, the fit between the stator's outer diameter and the housing inner diameter should follow the adhesive manufacturer's guidelines. It is recommended to include a glue storage groove on the housing, with a width to 0.5~0.8 times the stator core height and a depth of 0.05mm~0.13 mm. For axial mechanical fastening, a pressure plate should be used to secure the stator to the housing, and screw tightening torque should comply with the standard for the selected screw specification. When using adhesive bonding or axial mechanical fastening, a sliding fit is recommended between the stator outer diameter and the housing inner diameter. For shrink-fit installations, an interference fit is recommended between the stator outer diameter and the housing inner diameter. 2. Rotor Installation: The rotor of a frameless motor is usually mounted using adhesive bonding or interference press fitting. The shaft onto which rotor is installed is generally made of non-magnetic metal, and non-magnetic stainless steel being the recommended material. Note: A positioning step should be present between the motor rotor and the shaft, with a recommended height of 0.5mm~1.0mmm. The rotor and the shaft can be installed using a clearance fit combined with adhesive bonding, or through a slight interference fit combined with a thermal shrink fit. The temperature of the rotor shrink fit should be less than 100℃. If a press-fitted tool is used for rotor installation, the applied force must not be exerted directly on the permanent magnets.

Why Choose a Frameless Torque Motor?

Frameless torque motors offer distinct advantages in performance, structural dimensions, and system integration flexibility. This technology delivers exceptional value in application requiring high torque output, precise motion control, and compact design. By eliminating the constraints of traditional motor housings, frameless torque motors enable engineers to reimagine spatial and power requirements, enabling simultaneous optimization of power density, weight, and space efficiency. Whether you are developing medical robots for delicate surgical procedures or developing high-torque, low-speed industrial equipment, frameless torque motors provide a versatile and efficient solution. Their high performance, compact form factor, and extensive customization potential make them a preferred choice across industries. Serving as a foundational platform for the next generation of intelligent, high-performance equipment.

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