Not every motor is designed for grinding!
12/04/2024
More than just mounting an angle grinder
How hard can it be? We just strap an angle grinder onto a cobot and boom — automated grinding!” For the pragmatic, no-nonsense thinker, that statement sounds pretty appealing. Don’t overcomplicate things. Surely this works as well, right?
Unfortunately, in reality it’s a bit more complex. In this article, we explain why a tool designed for manual grinding is not the best solution for use on a cobot or robot.
Unfortunately, in reality it’s a bit more complex. In this article, we explain why a tool designed for manual grinding is not the best solution for use on a cobot or robot.
Technology
An industrial sanding motor is often a servo motor. These motors have no brushes and include an encoder, which allows the controller to know the exact angular position of the spindle at all times. However, they are more expensive and require an external controller. In addition, they are considerably more expensive than a universal electric motor.
An angle grinder has a universal motor, usually with carbon brushes, but brushless versions are increasingly coming onto the market, especially among the better brands.
An angle grinder has a universal motor, usually with carbon brushes, but brushless versions are increasingly coming onto the market, especially among the better brands.
Universal motors and servo motors are two different types of electric motors, each with their own unique characteristics and applications.
Here are some of the main differences between these two types of motors.
Universal Motors: This type of motor has a high speed and good starting torque, but the speed control is less accurate. The speed of universal motors can vary with the load, which means they are less predictable.
Here are some of the main differences between these two types of motors.
Universal Motors: This type of motor has a high speed and good starting torque, but the speed control is less accurate. The speed of universal motors can vary with the load, which means they are less predictable.
Servo Motors: These motors are known for their excellent speed control and positioning accuracy. They are equipped with feedback systems such as encoders or resolvers that continuously monitor the exact position of the motor shaft, allowing them to be controlled with extreme precision.
Construction and Use
Universal Motors: Simple in construction and capable of operating on both AC and DC. They are commonly found in portable power tools due to their ability to reach high speeds.
Servo Motors: These are more advanced in design and typically contain a brushless DC motor (BLDC) combined with a feedback mechanism. They are used in applications that require high precision, such as robotic systems, CNC machines and other automated equipment.
Costs and Complexity
Universal Motors: Generally cheaper and less complex than servo motors. This makes them a cost-effective choice for applications that do not require precise speed or position control. In a cobot application, a tool equipped with a universal motor can be a perfectly suitable solution.
Servo Motors : Significantly more expensive and more complex due to their precision components and the requirement for a control system to manage the feedback loop. These higher costs are justified by the advanced control and precision they provide.
To summarise
The choice between a universal motor and a servo motor depends heavily on the specific requirements of the application, taking into account factors such as cost, complexity, accuracy and the environment in which the motor will operate.
The servo motor does not suffer from these limitations, but it is considerably more expensive and more complex to implement. Overall, this type of motor is better suited for achieving a high level of automation.
The angle grinder is much cheaper than a servo motor and is very easy to implement. However, mounting is not straightforward because it has no mounting holes or flat surfaces. Its service life is significantly shorter, and the available torque is limited to a narrow speed range, which reduces its usability. Automating tool changes is also not feasible, although some suppliers offer systems that swap the entire power tool.
The servo motor does not suffer from these limitations, but it is considerably more expensive and more complex to implement. Overall, this type of motor is better suited for achieving a high level of automation.
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