1. What is Motor Torque?

Torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force. In motor applications, it's the twisting force that the motor generates to drive a load. The required torque depends on the load, the distance from the axis of rotation (radius), and the gear ratio of the system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the torque equation:

Where:

• \( Load \) — Force applied (in Newtons)
• \( Radius \) — Distance from axis of rotation (in meters)
• \( Gear\ Ratio \) — Ratio of input to output gears (dimensionless)

Explanation: The equation calculates the torque required at the motor shaft to drive a given load at a specified radius, accounting for any gear reduction in the system.

3. Importance of Torque Calculation

Details: Proper torque calculation ensures you select a motor with adequate power for your application. Underestimating torque requirements can lead to motor failure, while overestimating can result in unnecessarily large and expensive motors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter load in Newtons (1 kg ≈ 9.81 N at Earth's gravity)
• Enter radius in meters (convert from mm by dividing by 1000)
• Gear ratio is input rotations : output rotations (e.g., 10:1 reduction = 10)
• For direct drive (no gears), use gear ratio = 1

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I have multiple motors driving the same load?
A: Divide the calculated torque by the number of motors sharing the load equally.

Q2: How do I account for friction and efficiency losses?
A: Multiply the calculated torque by a safety factor (typically 1.2-2.0) to account for these losses.

Q3: What's the difference between static and dynamic torque?
A: This calculator gives static torque. For dynamic torque (acceleration), you need to consider inertia and acceleration rate.

Q4: How does torque relate to motor power?
A: Power (Watts) = Torque (Nm) × Angular Velocity (rad/s). You need both torque and speed requirements to properly size a motor.

Q5: What if my load isn't purely rotational?
A: For linear motion converted to rotational (e.g., lead screws), you'll need to calculate the equivalent torque based on the mechanical system.