Motors — AC, Servo / BLDC, Brushed DC, Stepper, Linear
Specify torque/speed, voltage, environment, and feedback. We source across multiple manufacturers and present the best-fit options with lead times.
Motor Types — What’s the Difference?
AC Induction
Use alternating current to create a rotating magnetic field that induces torque in the rotor. Simple, rugged, and cost-effective. No brushes or magnets—just windings and steel.
Best for: pumps, fans, conveyors, blowers, and general industrial motion.
Servo (AC/BLDC)
Closed-loop motors with encoder feedback for precise speed, torque, and position control. Offer high dynamic response, smooth rotation, and exceptional accuracy.
Best for: robotics, CNC machinery, and high-performance automation.
Brushless DC (BLDC)
Permanent-magnet rotor with electronic commutation. High efficiency, low noise, long life, and low maintenance compared to brushed types. Compact with excellent torque-to-weight ratio.
Best for: portable automation, AGVs/AMRs, medical devices, and small pumps or fans.
Brushed DC Motors
Traditional design with brushes and a commutator. Simple control via voltage or PWM. High starting torque, but limited lifetime due to brush wear.
Best for: test rigs, low-cost actuators, adjustable tools, and legacy automation systems.
Stepper Motors
Move in discrete angular steps, allowing open-loop position control without feedback. High holding torque and repeatability at low speeds, but reduced torque at higher RPMs.
Best for: indexing tables, pick-and-place, dispensers, and light gantry axes.
Linear Motors
Direct-drive electromagnetic actuators that generate linear motion without screws, belts, or couplings. Offer zero backlash, smooth force output, and micron-level accuracy.
Best for: semiconductor stages, metrology, and high-speed precision automation.
Compare Motor Technologies
| Motor Type | Control Method | Feedback | Torque Characteristics | Speed Range | Precision / Accuracy | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Induction | Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) controls input frequency | Open-loop (optional feedback) | Moderate starting torque; good continuous torque | Wide (depends on poles & VFD) | Moderate | Very low; no brushes or magnets | Fans, pumps, conveyors, general motion |
| Servo (AC or DC) | Servo drive with closed-loop control | Encoder / Resolver feedback | High torque at all speeds; excellent acceleration | Wide (0–5000+ RPM typical) | Very high (±1 arc-min possible) | Low; bearings/encoders only | Robotics, CNC, packaging, precision axes |
| Brushless DC (BLDC) | Electronic commutation via driver | Optional Hall / Encoder | High torque-to-weight ratio; smooth torque | Wide (up to 20,000 RPM) | High | Very low; no brushes | AGVs, medical, compact automation |
| Brushed DC | Direct voltage or PWM | Open-loop | High starting torque, decays with wear | Limited (typically <5,000 RPM) | Low–moderate | High; brush and commutator wear | Actuators, low-cost tools, test rigs |
| Stepper | Pulse and direction signals (open-loop) | None (optional encoder) | High holding torque at low speed; torque drops at higher speed | Low–medium (<1000 RPM typical) | Moderate (1.8°–0.9° step typical) | Very low; no brushes | Indexing, pick-and-place, small gantries |
| Linear | Servo amplifier or linear drive | Encoder / scale feedback | High continuous thrust; no transmission loss | Depends on stroke and force constant | Extremely high (micron-level) | Low; no mechanical contact | Semiconductor stages, inspection, precision automation |
| Gearmotor | Same as base motor (AC, DC, or servo) | Optional | Multiplied torque, reduced speed via gearbox | Reduced (by gear ratio) | Depends on motor type | Moderate; gearbox lubrication | Conveyors, turntables, material handling |
What to Specify
Motor Type?
Select based on control, torque, and precision needs.
- Stepper/DC: simple, open-loop or low-cost solutions.
- AC Induction: simple, rugged, cost-effective.
- Servo/BLDC: high-performance, closed-loop control.
Voltage & Control?
Match motor voltage to your drive or controller (12–48 V DC, 120–480 V AC common). Confirm drive compatibility, feedback type (encoder, Hall, resolver), and motion command interface (analog, pulse, fieldbus, EtherCAT).
Torque & Speed?
Define load torque, inertia, and speed range to size correctly.
High torque → larger frame or gearbox.
High speed → low pole count or direct drive.
Balance continuous vs. peak torque for thermal safety.
Rule of thumb: when in doubt, specify the lowest-voltage, smallest-frame motor that meets peak torque at 80% rated speed—then validate inertia match and drive compatibility. We’ll confirm sizing, duty cycle, and margin.
FAQ
Build Your Motor Spec
AC Motors, Brushless Motors, Brushless Motors, Linear and Gearmotors. Fill what you know — your Spec ID updates live and we’ll cross to manufacturers.