Using AMCI's Motor Sizing Tool

Unlike traditional methods, AMCI’s motor sizing tool offers accurate and efficient feedback to determine the optimal motor size for your application. AMCI’s tool simplifies the motor selection process, saving time and resources for engineers and businesses. With customizable options and user friendly interface, our tool ensures reliable motion control solutions for any application.

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What it Looks Like:

Check out AMCI’s Motor Sizing tool here.

How it works:

There are many mechanisms used alongside industrial motors, such as rack and pinion tables, rotary tables, lead screws, and belt drives. In order to correctly size a motor for the application, each component of the mechanism needs to be accounted for. AMCI’s tool simplifies motor selection by calculating inertia, torque, and motion requirements based on your specific parameters, offering curated motor options tailored to your needs.

Moment of Inertia: Measures rotational resistance

This parameter measures the resistance of an object’s change to its rotational velocity. Inertia determines how difficult it is to change the speed or direction of rotation. For instance, when an object is at rest, its moment of inertia is zero. When an object in standstill experiences a change in speed or direction, the object’s moment of inertia changes accordingly. This is essential for accurately sizing motors, as it directly influences the motors’ ability to overcome inertia and accelerate loads.

For most applications, an inertia ratio between 5:1 and 10:1 is sufficient. For systems that demand high performance or high accelerations, an inertia ratio of 2:1 or 1:1 is more appropriate. When the inertia ratio exceeds 10:1, it is important to be mindful of any mechanical changes. Some systems may require the use of a transmission system (such as a gearbox or pulleys) to accommodate the inertia reflected on the motor.

Torque: Determines rotational force

Torque is the rotational force of an object around an axis. Torque is crucial for determining the motors’ ability to overcome resistance and drive the load. There are two components that make up the total torque of an application. First, load torque accounts for the resistive forces acting on the motor, such as friction or gravity, while acceleration torque is the additional rotational force needed when accelerating or decelerating the load. By calculating both components of torque, users can select motor’s that deliver the necessary rotational force to meet the application’s demands.

Movement Profile: velocity, acceleration, position, and time

Understanding the movement profile is one of the most critical components when sizing a motor. The total torque of an application is dependent on whether the motor is running at a fixed speed or moving between positions. The velocity, distance, acceleration, gear ratio, and time to move determine the RPM (revolutions per minute). The RPM and the load inertia are used to calculate an application’s acceleration torque.

Selecting A Motor:

It’s time to select a motor! AMCI’s motor sizing tool is designed to simplify the process, save time, and provide a confident solution. Users provide specifications about the mechanism and operating parameters; then the motor sizing tool calculates the inertia, torque, and speed. This information is then compared with a catalog of motors and provides users with several motor options suitable for their application needs.