Choosing the correct motor for an application can be a challenge. Many options exist including servo, electric, hydraulic and stepper. The decision on motor choice is based on the multiple specs they offer. Many considerations are factored in, including precision, torque, efficiency, speed and more. Multiple articles reference electric, stepper, and hydraulic motors, but the line blurs when talking about servo motors.
What are Servo Motors?
Servo motors are self-contained devices that rotate a part of a machine through its output shaft with great precision and efficiency. It is part of a closed-loop system composed of a controller, a motor, an amplifier, and sensors. The motor’s shaft can be moved to a specific angle or position since it features a sensor for positional feedback. This sensor emits a signal into the amplifier providing the position of the shaft. The amplifier forwards the signal to the controller, which determines if the position is the desired one. After confirming, the controller emits a signal back to the motor to correct the position of the shaft.
Benefits of Using Servo Motors
Servo motors continue gaining in popularity due to three main factors: Precision, Torque, and Efficiency.
- Precise Control and Accuracy: The servo motor receives a control pulse (or movement command) on average every 20 milliseconds, even if the order is to remain in the same position.
- Torque: When you command the servo motor to move, it will do so to your selected position. From then on, it will hold that position even if external forces push against it.
- Efficiency: Servo motors are inherently designed to be highly efficient over a wide operating range. The servo motor reaches more than 88% efficiency at 40% of its torque.
Other “Key” Advantages of Servo Motors:
- Precise Control and Accuracy
- Lightweight and portable
- High power output relative to size and weight
- Highly monitored control due to its closed-loop structure
- Quiet operation
- Highly Reliable
- Fast acceleration
- Small-sized
Applications of Servo Motors
There are multiple applications where you can use servo motors to take advantage of their numerous benefits. These are just a few:
- Robotic Industry
- Automation Industry
- Aviation
- Manufacturing Industry
- Food Services
- Pharmacy
Why We Use Servo Motors
For spray foam insulation, the most critical factor for performance is providing a stable 1:1 ratio throughout the spraying process. When mixing the two materials in the gun just before spraying, the volume ratio between both materials must be the same to guarantee a consistent and robust foam. If the mix is skewed to one side or the other, the foam will not perform correctly. Since the material volume needs to be as precise as possible, servo motors were the clear choice when selecting how to build our IntelliSpray IS40™ Proportioner. This way, we can offer True Ratio Control with an accuracy higher than 99% thanks to the Servo Motors.
Contact Us For More Information
Whether you are a sole operator, have a small crew, or multiple rigs running daily, our spray foam insulation machine maximizes your most important asset: your reputation. The Carlisle IntelliSpray™ IS40 reduces the risk of off-ratio jobs, is easy to operate, built for durability, gets jobs done faster, and increases your bottom line.