1. What is Motor Torque?

Torque is a rotational force that causes an object to rotate about an axis. In motor applications, it's the twisting force that the motor generates to drive a load. The required torque depends on the load force, the radius at which it's applied, and the gear ratio of the system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the torque formula:

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 formula calculates the torque required at the motor shaft to drive a given load at a specific 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 can lead to motor failure, while overestimating can result in unnecessarily large and expensive motors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter load in Newtons (convert from kg if needed: 1 kg ≈ 9.81 N)
• Radius should be in meters (convert from mm if needed: 1000 mm = 1 m)
• Gear ratio is input rotations divided by output rotations (e.g., 10:1 gearbox = 10)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I have multiple gear stages?
A: Multiply the gear ratios together. For example, two 5:1 gearboxes in series would use 25 as the total gear ratio.

Q2: How do I account for friction?
A: The basic formula doesn't include friction. For more accuracy, multiply the result by a safety factor (typically 1.5-2) to account for friction and other losses.

Q3: What's the difference between torque and power?
A: Torque is rotational force (Nm), while power is the rate of doing work (Watts). Power = Torque × Angular Velocity.

Q4: How does this apply to linear motion systems?
A: For systems like lead screws, convert linear force to torque using the screw's pitch or radius.

Q5: What about acceleration torque?
A: This calculator gives continuous torque. For acceleration, you'll need to add inertial torque based on the system's moment of inertia and desired acceleration.