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Most machines require a prime mover to initiate motion by converting energy from one form to kinetic energy of a drive shaft. The source energy may be electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, steam etc etc. Machine used for this conversion process are listed on this page
Note: More details and pictures of all motor types below are to be found at the links below table
| Drive Type | Description |
| 3-phase AC-Electric Induction |
Used for the majority of industrial drives. With a 50Hz supply synchronous = 3000RPM/ Number of pole pairs. Inverter controls have enabled low cost speed control. |
| DC- Electric Permanent magnet |
Small,compact. More expensive than AC drives. Accurate speed control possible. Used mostly for speciality application. |
| Servo | Generic name for motors designed for accurate speed and/or position control. Speed measurement used to enable accurate speed control. Requires special control circuit. |
| Stepper | One pulse from a digital device creates one step (an incremental shaft rotation) of the motor. Very accurate control of speed and position. A stepper motor system does not need any type of feedback device to control position, which brings down the system price. |
| Hydraulic Motor | Compact drives providing high torques and a wide speed range. Close control of speed possible. Driven by high pressure hydraulic oil circulation (210 bar +). External power pack required. Used extensively in industry and for heavy duty vehicles, JCB, Earthmovers etc. Variations include piston, vane, gear etc. Hydraulic motor is similar to a hydraulic pump |
| Pneumatic Motor | Small high speed drive system (3000 RPM +). Requires pressurised air supply. (about 7 bar). Poor control of speed and torque. Generally fitted with gear reducers. Mostly used for hand tools. |
| Petrol/Diesel I.C Engine |
High speed, high power, noisy, polluting. Mainly used for driving cars/vehicles and tools. Overall probably the most widely used drive. |
| Steam Engine | First industrial drive. Now used for more specialised application. |
Links to Motors
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Last Updated 25/07/2008