dpenney
Electrical
- Jun 15, 2003
- 11
I am developing a prototype for what I hope to be an OEM application that involves motion control with constant reversing and variable speed (only about 1/4HP required).
I definitely want to use an electric motor (as opposed to pnuematic, hydraulic, etc.) and it seems like a 3-phase induction motor with a regenerative VFD will be best suited for reliability (no brushes) and cost (so I thought).
But after checking some prices for off-the-shelf, they are much more than I expected. I had originally thought that given the cost of power tools (I understand these use brushed universal motors) as low as $10, I expected to be able to buy what I wanted for $30 or less. I can't find any single quantities for less than $80 and assuming that quantity buying would bring that down 25%, $60 would make my intended product too expensive...
My questions:
1) Am I in the right ball park for 3-phase induction motor costs?
2) If so, why are induction motors so much more expensive than universal motors? They both have no magnets and I understand quality insulation, etc., but 8X worth?
3) Am I missing some obvious electric motor solution that I should be considering?
Thanks,
Dan
I definitely want to use an electric motor (as opposed to pnuematic, hydraulic, etc.) and it seems like a 3-phase induction motor with a regenerative VFD will be best suited for reliability (no brushes) and cost (so I thought).
But after checking some prices for off-the-shelf, they are much more than I expected. I had originally thought that given the cost of power tools (I understand these use brushed universal motors) as low as $10, I expected to be able to buy what I wanted for $30 or less. I can't find any single quantities for less than $80 and assuming that quantity buying would bring that down 25%, $60 would make my intended product too expensive...
My questions:
1) Am I in the right ball park for 3-phase induction motor costs?
2) If so, why are induction motors so much more expensive than universal motors? They both have no magnets and I understand quality insulation, etc., but 8X worth?
3) Am I missing some obvious electric motor solution that I should be considering?
Thanks,
Dan