Advancements in miniature and micro brushless DC motors

Launched in 2015 the 4mm diameter brushless DC motor EC4 and the 4mm diameter micro ceramic planetary gearhead GP4, have represented the benchmark for high performance miniature brushless DC motors since their release. Originally released with a long and short version in 1W and 0.5W the Ironless winding motors have enabled new medical markets for remotely operated surgical devices, implants and medical tools. Now after five years at the forefront of mini motor technology the EC4 is being phased out and replaced by the new ECX4. Last orders for the EC4 will be taken on the 31st October 2020 and last deliveries will be the 28th February 2021. The ECX4 is immediately available and is part of an all new line up of DC motors, gearheads and 4mm encoders. The new 4mm DC motor is also available in two lengths with power improvements up to 1W and 1.6W. The new motor has a slightly longer and thicker shaft and can be customised with different windings and cable options. The DC motors can achieve 50,000rpm and can accelerate to these speeds in 1ms. Low noise, vibration and winding inertia are synonymous to maxon and the ECX4 is no exception. For speed and torque adjustment to suit the application requirements the new 4mm planetary gearheads feature improved tooth profiling, greater torque capabilities, are available in 2,3 and 4 stages with ceramic components for longer lifespan and can control input speeds down from 40,000rpm. They have customisable shaft specifications via the maxon configuration software and can be assembled and shipped to order in 11 days. Finally, and most importantly, is the first 4mm diameter encoder release to market. With this new encoder the customer has the ability to select resolutions from 1 to 256cpt. When combined with the ECX4 the encoder lines are incorporated into the DC motor and hall sensor cable and the encoder will only increase the motor length by 2.7mm. This encoder advances the possibilities of further medical device miniaturisation where fine position control is required.

For more information contact maxon motor Australia tel. +61 2 9457 7477.

© 2020 by maxon Group Australia