An Overview of DC Motors

DC motors are rotary electrical devices that are designed to convert direct current (DC) into mechanical energy. They are available in different types, each of which is equipped with an electronic internal mechanism or electromechanical internal mechanism that is responsible for changing the direction of the current in the motor. For instance, some of the most popular designs are permanent magnet, shunt and stabilized shunt, series, and compound wound variations.

Despite there being so many types, DC motors adhere to the same operational principles and are made up of the same parts. In terms of operation, a conductor carrying the current is placed within a magnetic field, and the power applied through the conductor allows the motor to rotate. Whether the magnetic field is in the rotor or stator serves as the basis for varying designs. With regard to their composition, DC motors are made up of a few key components.

DC Motor Parts

There are eight main parts that all DC motors have, those of which include brushes, armature windings, field windings, poles, as well as the DC motor commutator, stator, rotor, and yoke.

  1. Brushes work with the commutator to form a bridge between the static electrical circuit and the rotor.
  2. Armature Windings are available in lap or wave winding types.
  3. Field Windings are made of copper wire and circle around the slots carried by the Pole Shoes.
  4. Poles have two parts: The Pole Core and the Pole Shoe, both of which are fixed together by hydraulic pressure and are attached to the Yoke.
  5. DC Motor Commutators are split rings made of copper segments.
  6. Stators receive the power supply.
  7. Rotors create the mechanical rotation of the unit.
  8. Yokes are magnetic, cast iron or steel frames that protect the unit.

DC Motor Types

In this section, we will cover four primary types of DC motors, each of which have different strengths and weaknesses.

Permanent Magnet Motors

To make a field flux, permanent magnet motors (PMDC motors) apply a permanent magnet. Additionally, they create a great starting torque with good speed regulation, making them ideal for low horsepower applications.

Shunt Motors

The field in this motor type is connected in parallel with the armature windings and provides great speed regulation.

Series Motors

Series motors have a wire that is wound over and over, creating the current of the armature. While they have great starting torque, they cannot regulate speed. Moreover, if they run without a load, they can be damaged, which is not good for variable speed drive applications.

Compound Motors

Similar to shunt motors, compound motors have a shunt field that is separately excited. They have great starting torque but display issues with speed regulation; thus, they experience issues in variable speed drive applications.

Conclusion

As DC motors are found in a wide range of applications, including hydraulic pumps, children’s toys, electric cars, robots, and more, top-quality options are integral to ensuring many operations run smoothly. NSN Parts Hub is a leading supplier of electronic parts, DC motors, electrical connectors, and other related items. With over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find products on our database, customers can easily source everything they need.

As our network of distribution centers spans across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, we provide expedited shipping services to domestic and international customers alike. Kickoff the procurement process with a competitive quote on any featured item(s) and see how NSN Parts Hub can serve as your strategic sourcing partner. For additional questions about our other offered services, call or email us at any time; we are available around the clock!


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