Rare earth motors offer more power in a compact package

Rotalink are now offering a rare earth motor/gearbox option within their DC motor range on their 24mm RE2440 model. This rare earth motor option is particularly effective in applications where a large linear force is needed from a narrow actuator, such as door latches and window openers. However, rare earth motors can also be effective wherever low noise, high power density, long life, or small size are important as they offer greater power at lower speed when compared with other types of brushed motors of the same volume. These benefits are achieved largely thanks to the utilisation of very thin Neodymium magnets and high density windings. Rare earth magnets are typically two to three times stronger than ferrite or ceramic permanent magnets used in other types of motors and this ultimately achieves a superior power to weight ratio which enables the use of smaller, lighter motors, whist providing a higher performance. Rotalink’s PG24 inline gearbox provides 8W of mechanical power from a space just 24mm in diameter. Rare earth motors are also quieter than their brushed counterparts. The RE2440 model available from the company provides 5W of continuous power, increasing to 8W intermittently and thanks to a robust gearbox, this power can be fully utilised at speeds ranging from 30rpm up to 100rpm. The motors are particularly effective in providing linear forces and have proven successful across a range of applications including door locking mechanisms, wind turbine generators, computer hard disc drives, audio speakers and magnetic resonance imaging devices.