Servo Motors
How does one explain a servo motor? Well, it can be defined as a simple electric motor that is controlled by a distinct angular rotation, through the aid of an additional servomechanism. They are essentially a blend of multiple electronic parts, including the universally popular DC and AC motors. They are used in closed loop processes that register their position feedback to regulate the overall rotational speed.
Nonetheless, these motors are a massive aid in an array of extensive industrial applications for controlling functions. For industrial purposes, they are inculcated in machine tools, packaging, factory automation, material handling, printing converting, assembly lines, CNC machinery, automated manufacturing, and several other robotics applications. Some of the notable areas where servo motors are used are in consumer products, ranging from remote-controlled toys to monitoring the function of CD or DVD players (where a motor sets the tray into motion). These are just a couple of common examples to explain it’s importance – however, it must be noted that, apart from these devices, there are several applications of these in our day-to-day lives.
In its fundamental form, Servo Motors utilise DC motors and align them respectively through a potentiometer. It moves at a rapid speed, until and unless it is directed not to by an order transmitted by the controller. Such types of servo motors are highly recommended in radio-controlled elements such as model aircraft, toy cars, and drones. The servo motors implemented in an industrial commercial setup facilitate both positioning and speed sensing. They also enable proportional-integral-derivative control algorithms, which allow the engine to position itself swiftly without any default since the speed of the shaft can also be monitored.
Servo Drives
A servo drive can also be referred to as an amplifier due to its capacity to extract the control signals from all controllers and escalates it to give out a pre-defined amount of voltage and current of the motor. Servo drives are utilised in functions such as robotics, automation, CNC machining, and manufacturing semiconductors.
There are numerous types of servo drives, the most prevalent one being the torque-mode amplifier. It accepts and then transforms the command signal from the controller into the distinct motor current. They offer a diverse range of benefits, such as enhanced positioning, greater speed, and productive motion control.
Some of the usual applications of servo drives include CNC machining, industrial automation, and robotics, and other industrial processes as well.
Like servo motors, their significant benefit setting them apart from DC or AC motors is the integration of motor feedback. The function of this feedback is to aid in recognising any disruption in the accuracy of the command motion. Servos have a respectable lifecycle when used at a regular speed, in comparison to the typical AC wound motors. In industrial or commercial setups, both servo motors and servo drives are equally vital and used for regulating positions and monitoring speeds. Whether one is in need of a system with increased torque compared to their stepper motor or just accurate control on a whole, servo drives will definitely meet their needs.