Maxon Motors Launches New Line of DC Drives

Swiss motor company Maxon Motors has launched a new range of configurable DC (direct current) drives; the new DCX motors, GPX gearheads, and ENX encoders can be configured and ordered completely online, according to the company.

“We have invested all our know-how in the Maxon DCX program,” said Maxon CEO Eugen Elmiger. “By optimizing the subassemblies and using high-performance magnets, we succeeded in making the new drives smaller and more powerful. Simultaneously, we have developed new production technologies and significantly improved existing processes.”

For example, the DCX 35L, with a diameter of 35 millimeters (mm), has a speed/torque gradient (4 revolutions per minute/milli newton meter, or rpm/mNm) close to that of the existing RE 40 DC motor (40 mm diameter, 3.5 rpm/mNm). Also, because the drives can be configured and ordered online, delivery time is faster, the company claims.

The DCX 22 S has stainless steel or graphite brushes, can be equipped with standard preloaded ball bearings or sintered bearings, and covers a large voltage range with six different ironless windings. With the new housing, almost all mechanical configurations are reportedly possible. For instance the flange can be equipped with different fastening screw threads and mounting centering options. The DCX motor is also available in a very short configuration without flange for use in small spaces. The length and diameter of the drive shaft can be selected, with or without a face. The DCX motors can also be ordered with or without cables. Cables are available in various lengths and with plugs.

The GPX gearhead consists of individually configurable gear stages and is reportedly more silent and robust than older versions. The gearhead interface is laser-welded to the DCX motor. The GPX gearheads also come with a configurable flange. The shaft is available in different lengths, with or without a face, with cross-holes or a key.

The ENX Quad encoder is a single-pulse, two-channel encoder used for speed and direction detection. According to Maxon, the encoder’s discharge protection network, reverse polarity protection, and cable strain relief makes it ideal for simple closed-loop tasks. The ENX Easy is a three-channel encoder designed for high-precision position and speed control. The cables of the ENX encoder are configurable in seven lengths, from 50 mm to a maximum of 1,000 mm.

The new motors are used primarily by the medical technology and robotics industries.

“These new configurable drives provide our customers with direct access to the Maxon development,” said elmiger. “With just a few clicks of the mouse, it is possible to configure own powerful DCX drives with reliable and fast delivery date confirmation. Detailed product data can be viewed online immediately, and 3-D data for the configuration is available for downloading.”

Maxon Motors is based in Sachseln, Switzerland, but runs its U.S. operation from Fall River, Mass. Some of the applications for the company’s motors are handheld devices for surgery and dentistry, robotics, and semiconductor equipment. Maxon also operates facilities in San Mateo, Calif.; Camas, Wash.; and Madison, Wis.