Power tools have become an indispensable part of our lives, aiding us in various tasks from drilling to cutting effortlessly. Behind their efficient functioning lies a crucial component: the motor. While there are different types of motors suitable for power tools, such as brushed DC motors and brushless DC motors, the universal motor stands out as the preferred choice for most power tools. In this blog, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this preference, exploring the structure, working principles, characteristics, and the suitability of universal motors in power tools.
Structure and Working Principles of Universal Motors
Universal motors, known for their simplicity, consist of essential components including the stator, rotor, brushes, and commutator. When in operation, electric current flows from the power source into the stator windings, generating a magnetic field that drives the rotation of the rotor.
Simultaneously, the current in the field winding also contributes to the magnetic field, enhancing the motor’s power output. This design results in universal motors boasting high rotational speeds and substantial starting torque, making them ideal for power tools.
Characteristics of Universal Motors
Torque Characteristics
Universal motors exhibit significant starting torque and stable torque throughout operation, ensuring efficient performance of power tools.
Speed Characteristics
The rotational speed of universal motors varies with changes in load. As the load increases, the speed decreases; however, these motors have a wide speed range, making them adaptable to different working conditions.
Efficiency
Universal motors strike a balance between cost and performance when compared to brushless and brushed DC motors. This balance results in high efficiency and extended operational lifespan, making them a preferred choice for many power tools.
Applicability
Due to their high starting torque, high power output, and fast rotational speeds, universal motors are suitable for applications requiring rapid operation and heavy starting loads. Additionally, their relatively simple design and low manufacturing costs ensure a favorable balance between economic viability and practicality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the prevalence of universal motors in power tools can be attributed to their advantageous characteristics such as high speed, lightweight, significant starting torque, and high efficiency, coupled with relatively low manufacturing costs.
While different power tools may opt for motor types based on specific requirements, universal motors remain the top choice in most cases. Their reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness make them indispensable in powering the tools that simplify our daily tasks.
Lamnow Customized Universal Motor Laminations
We offer 0.1mm -1mm thickness non-grain oriented, grain-oriented, cold rolled motor lamination steel, and 25-micron amorphous metal alloys to produce high-quality lamination stacks.
In our factory, we have multiple stamping machines, laser cutting machines, wire cutting machines(such as low-speed, middle-speed, and high-speed), winding machines, injection molding machines, and epoxy power machines.
Lamnow customized universal motor stator and rotor laminations are widely used in power tools and household appliances, such as mixers, food processors, vacuum cleaners, hand dryers, washer dryers, juice extractors, eggbeaters, soybean milk machines, electric drills, angle grinders, sander, electric saw, etc.
FAQS
What is a universal motor?
A universal motor is a type of electric motor that can operate on either AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) power. It is commonly used in power tools due to its high power-to-weight ratio and compact size.
What are laminations in a universal motor?
Laminations in a universal motor refer to thin sheets or plates of magnetic material (usually electrical steel) stacked together to form the core of the motor’s stator and rotor. These laminations help reduce energy loss due to eddy currents and improve the motor’s efficiency.
How do the characteristics of laminations impact the performance of a power tool?
The characteristics of laminations, such as material composition, thickness, and stacking arrangement, can significantly influence the motor’s efficiency, power output, and noise levels. Well-designed laminations help optimize magnetic flux distribution, minimize core losses, and reduce vibrations, resulting in smoother operation and better performance of the power tool.
