Can gears increase Holding Torque of a stepper motor?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of using gears on the holding torque of a stepper motor, particularly when the motor is stationary. Participants explore whether gears can enhance holding torque and the implications of using gears versus high-torque motors.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if gears can increase holding torque when the motor is not rotating, suggesting that they believe there may be no advantage.
  • Another participant asserts that torque can be increased even when the motor is stationary, indicating a belief in the applicability of the same principles used during rotation.
  • A request for scientific references is made, highlighting a desire for authoritative sources to support claims about torque and gears.
  • A participant references the torque equation, suggesting that understanding the relationship between force and distance is sufficient without needing external references.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of using gears, including the cost of bearings required for additional gears, leading to a question about the best trade-off between using a high-torque motor without gears versus a low-torque motor with gears and bearings.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the choice between high-torque motors and gears may depend on the specific application, suggesting that holding torque is not the only consideration for motor use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether gears can enhance holding torque when stationary, and there is no consensus on the best approach regarding motor selection and gear use.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of using gears and bearings, but the conversation does not resolve the trade-offs involved or the specific conditions under which each approach may be preferable.

phys_student1
Messages
104
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I know you can use gears to increase the torque of a motor while it is rotating, but what about when it is still? Will the holding torque be any different from the case without gears?

I expect that there won't be any advantage, but want to make sure.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
You can increase torque without rotation, too. It is the same concept.
 
Interesting, can you guide me to a scientific reference (book, magazine, or any 'scientific' website) ?
 
I mean, you don't need a reference. You just need to know
[tex]\vec{M} = \vec{r} \times \vec{F}[/tex]
 
Thanks I know it.
But if I can always use some gears to increase torque then why would I ever buy an expensive motor with high holding torque? Because it is simpler?
 
I also have another question.

Using gears with the motor will require the use of bearing. For two additional gears there will be some four bearings to support. The bearing themselves are not cheap. What is, then, best trade here? Going with high torque motor w/o gears or low torque w/ gears and bearing?
 
abumofeed said:
Thanks I know it.
But if I can always use some gears to increase torque then why would I ever buy an expensive motor with high holding torque? Because it is simpler?
Well, then you need a gear with high holding torque. In addition, I don't think holding is the only thing the motor should ever do - otherwise you can just fix the stuff to the floor/wall/ceiling.
What is, then, best trade here?
I think that really depends on the application.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K