BEI Kimco meets challenging robotics application requirements with three high torque density frameless motor designs

BEI Kimco, a brand of Sensata Technologies, is developing new motor designs to meet the torque loads and size requirements in the rapidly growing robotics industry.  The company recently met demanding Brushless DC (BLDC) Motor needs for use in a multi-axis assembly robot for semiconductor and other light manufacturing applications.  

Key to the robot’s design specifications was a motor that would support peak torque loads ranging from 85 oz-in to 531 oz-in within the highly compact frame sizes of 2.6”, 3.0” and 3.8” in O.D. The compact size of each motor design was necessary to fit within the articulating robot wrist, elbow and shoulder axis.  Additionally, the motor needed to be robust enough to handle continuous duty cycles.  

To meet these essential performance needs, BEI Kimco developed the DIP26-08, DIP30-11 and DIP38-13 frameless motors.  Utilizing the most advanced simulation and modeling software, optimal torque/thermal performance was achieved under continuous duty operation.  All three motor designs incorporate new rotor magnet material configurations which have only recently become available for volume applications. This enables a more simplified, cost effective manufacturing process.  

“Motors used in modern day assembly robot and material handling equipment applications must be extremely reliable and cost efficient,” says Matt Lesniak, Sensata Technologies VP of Industrial Solutions.  “The robotic technologies previously developed for use in military and aerospace applications are now being successfully used in new industrial applications. New material sourcing and cost efficient manufacturing options are now making it economical for these types of products to be adapted for use in a variety of industrial and medical applications.”