Orbital shaker - DC servo or stepper motor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the selection of a motor type for building an orbital shaker intended to operate continuously at approximately 100 RPM. Participants explore the suitability of DC servo motors, stepper motors, gearmotors, and AC induction motors, considering factors such as heat generation, weight, torque, and efficiency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that servo and stepper motors may be excessive for applications requiring a single speed and recommends considering a gearmotor instead.
  • Another participant advises against brush motors for continuous operation, proposing a brushless DC (BLDC) servo motor to minimize heat generation.
  • There is a suggestion to consider an AC induction motor with an eccentric mass for the application, particularly if speed variation is needed.
  • Some participants mention the possibility of using an old vinyl player as a simple solution if a fixed RPM is acceptable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the most suitable motor type, with no consensus reached on the best approach. Some advocate for gearmotors, while others prefer BLDC or AC induction motors, and there are suggestions for alternative solutions like using a vinyl player.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of each motor type's efficiency, torque requirements, or specific operational conditions, leaving some assumptions unaddressed.

Lluis
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Hi,

I wish to build an orbital shaker (a bigger version of these examples:
https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-lab-shaker

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2983846

As my aim is that it will work continuously for months around 100rpm what is preferred in aspects of heat and weight on top of it, DC servo or stepper motor? High torque? Any other parameters to consider?
Thanks
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Welcome back to PF. How did your Scotch Yoke Mechanism work out from back in July? :wink:

Lluis said:
TL;DR Summary: How to change Scotch yoke mechanism parameters in order to calculate slider movement

I design out of curiosity this Scotch yoke mechanism (left image) based on a scheme (right image).
 
It came out nice. Thanks
 
Servo and stepper motors are overkill for applications that run at a single speed. Look for a gearmotor (search the term). A gearmotor is a motor combined with a gear reducer. A quick search found this on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721T1PXQ/?tag=pfamazon01-20
Gearmotor.jpg


I have no idea if this one meets your needs, nor do I have any knowledge of its quality. It's just the first one that popped up on a search for gearmotor with 100 RPM output. Given the low price, you might consider just buying it (or a similar one), and find if it works.
 
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Lluis said:
As my aim is that it will work continuously for months around 100rpm what is preferred in aspects of heat and weight on top of it, DC servo or stepper motor? High torque? Any other parameters to consider?
Avoid brush motors if you want continuous operation. Find a BLDC servo motor that will do the work needed without generating too much heat.

Avoid stepper motors, unless you need precision positioning. Steppers are not the most efficient way of converting energy.

I would consider a common AC induction motor, driving an eccentric mass. If I needed speed variation, I would use a variable speed drive.
 
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Likes   Reactions: DaveE
Lluis said:
It came out nice. Thanks
Glad to hear it. It's common courtesy to reply to threads that you start where you get good help. That did not happen in your previous thread; hopefully you are able to reply in this thread with your thoughts on the responses you've received. :wink:
 
If fixed RPM is OK then ... well, I would start with an old vinyl player :doh:
 
Rive said:
If fixed RPM is OK then ... well, I would start with an old vinyl player :doh:
With a belt drive to change up to 100RPM? :smile:
 
Thanks a lot for the infornation
 

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