DC motors for precision monitoring, metrology and testing

For any product or process, ensuring quality is crucial. From the very start of the product’s journey as the raw material all the way to the finished goods, maintaining standards throughout allows manufacturers to offer the very best. Semi and fully automatic testing devices are available to conduct the required inspection, featuring highly precise drive electronics.   

EMS offers a range of brushed and brushless DC motors, gearheads, encoders and more to meet the demands of any metrology or testing application. Find out more below. 

DC motors and 3D measuring technologies

Metrology is the science of measurement. In an industrial context, metrology is responsible for ensuring high quality and precision during product manufacture. This is achieved through the verification of measurement instruments and their calibration, as well as careful review of produced goods. 

When it comes to quality checking a finished product, a visual inspection performed by a human or automated camera may be sufficient. But this isn’t always the case. Products with cavities can be difficult to study with traditional visual imaging systems. And in applications where achieving a perfect fit is crucial to the success of the product — such as gears and crankshafts in the automotive sector — a more comprehensive testing method is required. 

This comes in the form of 3D measurement technologies, such as coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Both contact and non-contact forms of measurement are available, chosen depending on the material’s properties and the level of testing needed. A probe or stylus is moved to defined points on the test object, providing measurements to an accuracy of within one micron. Achieving measurements to such accuracy requires small DC motors that can work to the same level of precision. 

Precision measurement 

Precise dosing pumps play an essential role in automating a variety of processes. Responsible for applying a range of different materials, including lubricants, soldering pastes and sealants, these pumps must apply a specific amount in exactly the right place every single time.  

In order for these pumps to be easily integrated into production systems and processes, they must be as compact as possible. This is achieved using small, powerful drive systems that can provide the best possible dynamics while maintaining precision and control. 

Material composition analysis

There are many types of non-destructive material composition analysis methods available, including laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and spectrophotometry. These optical analytical devices study the way materials interact with light to determine their composition. 

Optical devices rely on a host of DC motors to manipulate apertures and filters, and to focus lenses and mirrors with absolute precision. Compact size is crucial to the miniaturisation of these instruments, particularly in handheld devices.  

Material properties testing 

Before any production process can begin, it’s vital to ensure that the raw materials are up to scratch. The hardness of a material is one of its key properties, and there are many procedures that can be used to test this. 

For example, components made from elastic polymers may be tested simply by pressing a probe onto the component with a defined force. Compact DC-servomotors are responsible for controlling the applied force and must do so with minimal vibration to avoid disturbing the measurement. 

Recommended drive systems

Brushless DC motors

Offering a significant power to weight ratio, brushless DC motors allow access to high torques while maintaining a compact size. With smooth, dynamic running and long service lifetimes, they’re ideal for many precision monitoring and measuring applications.  

EMS is the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor of brushless DC motors for market leading suppliers including FAULHABER and KAG. Find out more about EMS’ range of brushless motors here. 

Motion Controllers

For the most crucial of positioning tasks that also require a high resolution, the inclusion of a motion controller is highly desirable. EMS offers a range of FAULHABER motion controllers, designed for use with a variety of DC, linear and stepper motors. Available with a variety of interfaces including RS232, CANopen or EtherCAT, these controllers can be easily programmed to suit a variety of applications. 

Case studies

Dosing pump 

The miniaturisation trend extends across all industries, but the ever-increasing product sizes are a challenge to automation technology. ViscoTec Pumpen- u. Dosiertechnik GmbH required small, powerful drives for its dosing pumps, to achieve increased integration with other products with no loss of performance or precision. 

Read the full case study here. 

With more than 30 years of experience supplying the market across the UK and Ireland, EMS has vast experience in specifying and supplying actuation systems for all applications, including those within the monitoring, measuring and testing sectors. To discuss your application and which type of motor will best meet your requirements, get in touch with a member of the team today.