Servo motors – find manufacturers and suppliers

Servomotors are precisely controllable electric motors that have been developed for applications where exact positioning, speed and torque control are required.

They are used in industry, robotics, automation and many other areas. Unlike simple motors, servo drives always work in combination with a control loop, sensors and control system that continuously monitors and adjusts their movement.

Below you will find how servo motors work, the main types of servo motors, their areas of application and the advantages of using them:

How servo motors work:

Servo motors typically consist of three main components:

1. Motor, DC, AC or brushless motor, which generates the mechanical motion.
2. Sensor technology, e.g. encoder, resolver or potentiometer, which detects position, speed or torque.
3. Controller/regulator that compares the setpoint and actual values and adjusts the motor current so that the desired movement is implemented precisely.

The basic principle is a closed control loop:

1. The controller sends a setpoint signal, position, angle, speed.
2. The sensor continuously measures the actual state and reports it back.
3. The control system corrects deviations immediately, thereby achieving a high level of accuracy.

This allows positions to be approached with pinpoint accuracy, torques to be set precisely and movement profiles to be implemented dynamically - even with changing loads.

Types of servomotors:

1. AC servo motors:
   AC servos are particularly powerful and usually have a brushless design.
   They are suitable for industrial applications with high speeds and forces.
   They are durable and low-maintenance.
2. DC servo motors:
   Direct current servos (often brushed) have a simpler design and are more cost-effective.
   This type is suitable for applications with lower power or in mobile systems.
3. Brushless servo motors (BLDC servos):
   These motors have no carbon brushes, which reduces friction losses and increases service life.
   They offer high efficiency and are suitable for continuous operation or dynamic applications.
4. Linear servo motors:
   Instead of a rotary motion, they directly generate a linear motion.
   They are used in high-precision positioning systems or CNC machines, for example, when a conversion from rotary to linear motion is not required.
5. Miniature servos:
   Small servo motors for model making, drones or compact robotics applications.
   They are lightweight, inexpensive and available in standardized sizes.
6. Industrial servo drives / integrated systems:
   These systems combine motor, gearbox, controller and communication, e.g. via fieldbus, in a compact housing.
   They are used in modern production and automation lines.

Use of servo motors:

1. Robotics:
Joints of industrial robots, cobots and autonomous systems are moved precisely by servo motors.

2. CNC machines:
Machine tools use servo drives for precise feed and positioning movements.

3. Automation technology:
Conveyor belts, sorting systems and automatic assembly machines rely on servo drives for flexible, programmable movements.

4. Medical technology:
In surgical robots or laboratory automation systems, servos provide precise and controlled control.

5. Model making and aviation technology:
Servos control the rudders, flaps or landing gear of model aircraft and drones.

6. Camera technology and optics:
Lens focusing, zoom drives and image stabilizers use mini servos.

7. Packaging and printing machines:
There they enable fast format changes and precise movements at high cycle rates.

Advantages of servo motors:

• High precision: exact control of position, speed and torque thanks to closed control loops.
• Fast dynamics: Rapid acceleration and braking processes, ideal for cyclical or highly dynamic processes.
• Flexibility: Motion profiles can be easily programmed and adapted.
• Efficiency: Brushless servos offer high efficiency and low maintenance.
• Stability under load: Control compensates for disturbances so that positions are maintained even under changing loads.
• Integration into modern control systems: Compatibility with fieldbuses and Industry 4.0 systems allows easy integration into complex systems.
• Compact design: Many servos integrate motor, sensors and electronics to save space.
• Durability: Brushless systems in particular have a very long service life and low operating costs.

Servomotors are the heart of modern drive technology when precise, dynamic and programmable movements are required. Their closed-loop control, diverse designs and high efficiency make them suitable for a wide range of applications - from robotics and CNC machines to medical technology. If you are looking for reliability, precision and flexibility, servo drives are a must.

Below you will find an overview of the most important criteria that you should pay attention to when purchasing servo motors:

When buying servo motors, there are important factors to consider to ensure that the motor is suitable for the application in question.

• In order to purchase the right servo motor for the application, it is important to keep a close eye on the technical specifications.
• Determine the required torque (static/dynamic) and thus the required power of the motor.
• Check the maximum achievable speed for your application.
• Make sure that the operating voltage is compatible with your control system.
• Select a motor with efficient power consumption.
• The motor's moment of inertia is decisive for its dynamics and precision
• The motor must fit mechanically into the intended system.
• Determine the feedback system suitable for your needs: incremental or absolute encoder for precise position detection.
• Check compatibility with fieldbuses such as CANopen, EtherCAT, Profibus or Modbus.
• Determine the appropriate level of controllability for speed, torque or position control.
• Ensure that any existing control system can optimally control the motor.
• Determine the type of shaft required for the connection to the downstream mechanics: smooth shaft, feather key or splines.
• High-quality bearings extend the service life and reduce maintenance costs.
• Ensure that the motor is suitable for the operating conditions. If the motor operates in harsh environments, protective measures are required.
• Vibration & shock resistance are important factors in dynamic or mobile applications.
• Observe the required protection class (IP protection) depending on the operating environment (e.g. IP65 for industrial applications).
• Pay attention to the manufacturer's certifications: CE, UL, ISO 9001 or special industry certificates for automotive, medical technology or aviation.
• The supply of spare parts and technical support are important for industrial applications.
• Compare the purchase costs with the operating costs: an energy-efficient motor can be cheaper in the long term.
• Give preference to maintenance-free or low-maintenance motors. Quality and features should match the budget.
• Check whether the manufacturer offers maintenance packages or extended warranties.
• Bear in mind that standard models are often available more quickly than customized solutions.
• Long delivery times can delay the production process. If there is a regular need, strategic stockpiling can make sense.
• If special shaft shapes, additional sensors or special protective coatings are required, the supplier should be able to provide these.
• Also look out for brakes, emergency stop functions or redundant feedback systems for critical applications.

When purchasing servo motors, numerous technical, economic and logistical aspects must be taken into account. Close coordination with manufacturers and suppliers as well as a thorough requirements analysis help to find the optimum solution for the respective application.

Servo motors can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Servo motors from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.