Torque Equation:
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The motor torque requirement is the amount of rotational force needed from a motor to move a given load at a specified radius, accounting for any gear reduction in the system. It's a critical parameter in motor selection and mechanical design.
The calculator uses the torque equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the torque needed at the motor shaft after accounting for any gear reduction in the system.
Details: Proper torque calculation ensures the selected motor can handle the mechanical load without stalling or overheating. Undersized motors may fail prematurely, while oversized motors are inefficient and costly.
Tips: Enter load in Newtons, radius in meters, and gear ratio (1 if direct drive). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What if I don't have a gear system?
A: Use a gear ratio of 1 for direct drive systems (no gear reduction).
Q2: How do I convert lbs to Newtons?
A: Multiply pounds by 4.448 to get Newtons (1 lb = 4.448 N).
Q3: What's a typical gear ratio range?
A: Common gear ratios range from 1:1 (direct drive) to 100:1 or more for high-reduction applications.
Q4: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Yes, it's common practice to multiply calculated torque by 1.2-2.0 to account for friction, inefficiencies, and load variations.
Q5: How does this relate to motor power?
A: Power (Watts) = Torque (Nm) × Angular Velocity (rad/s). You'll need both torque and speed requirements to properly size a motor.