Frequently Asked Questions
What control can I use for my motor?
Our Control Selection Guides can help you select an optimal control:
Which Bodine motors are CE approved?
Most AC and PMDC motors and gearmotors, the INTEGRAmotors, and most speed controls
carry the CE mark. For model-specific details, please contact our
customer service department,
or download the PDF version of
our catalog.
Does Bodine manufacture explosion-proof products?
We have reviewed the design feasibility for converting some of our standard designs into explosion-proof versions.
Minimum order quantities apply.
Please contact your local Bodine
sales representative.
Does Bodine manufacture brake motors?
Yes, Bodine has manufactured custom motors and gearmotors with mounted brakes for many decades.
Minimum order quantities apply.
Please contact your local Bodine
sales representative.
Which motors/gearmotors are reversible?
All motors and gearmotors shown in
our catalog are reversible.
To prevent gearing damage, most gearmotors require a full stop before reversing.
What is obtainable torque?
Obtainable torque is the maximum output torque (peak torque) for a gearmotor.
Gearmotors may be operated at these levels only for brief periods due to thermal
or mechanical limitations.
Can continuous duty motors/gearmotors be used intermittently?
All rated torques shown in
our catalog are for continuous operation.
Continuous duty products can be used intermittently. Operation at loads higher
than nameplate ratings is possible for short periods as long as there are rest
periods for cooling. Loads higher than obtainable torque for gearmotors are
never recommended. The temperature of the motor should be monitored during
testing to make sure it is not overheating
Where is the winding type shown?
The winding type is shown on the heading of each selection table for each product.
It is also included in the Bodine Frame Type as a 2 letter code. On a motor, it is
the last 2 characters. For example, Bodine Frame Type 42A5BEPM is a "PM" or Permanent Magnet.
On a gearmotor, it is the 2 characters before the dash (-). For example,
Bodine Frame Type 34R6BFCI-W2 is a "Cl" or Permanent Split Capacitor Motor.
The Technical Discussions at the beginning of each section in
our catalog provide more information
on the characteristics of the winding types in the section.
Can Single speed motors and gearmotors ever be operated as adjustable speed?
Three phase (PP), 3 phase synchronous (YP), and some Permanent Split Capacitor (Cl) designs may be operated
as adjustable speed with suitable controllers.
Is an adjustable speed system ever appropriate for a single speed application?
Adjustable speed systems are sometimes appropriate for single speed applications.
If the desired speed is not known or not offered in a single speed product, an
adjustable speed system may be set to the desired speed. For a low volume requirement,
this approach will normally be more cost effective than changing ratios or making up
special gearing.
What is a "synchronous" motor?
A synchronous motor is an induction motor that operates directly from AC power
and rotates at an exact multiple of the line frequency. Common synchronous induction
motor speeds on 60 Hz are 1800 and 3600 RPM.
What is IP-44?
IP number is an international system for rating enclosures. An IP-44 rating is roughly
equivalent to NEMA 12 for dust and water resistance.
What is meant by the term self locking?
Self locking refers to the tendency of some gearing to resist movement when
the gearmotor is at rest and the load is attempting to move. An example is
a load on a conveyer belt trying to drive the system backwards.
Which gearheads are self locking?
Parallel shaft gearheads and right angle gearheads with low ratios are generally
not considered to be self locking. Right angle gearheads with ratios greater
than 20:1 are often considered to be self locking. They will resist movement
up to their torque rating. As the gearing nears the end of its useful life or
if it is subjected to overload conditions, it may wear to the point where it is
no longer self locking. Self locking gearing is not a recommended method for
preventing movement in applications where this movement may cause injury or damage.
An external brake is recommended for those applications.
Which products may be operated with the shaft vertical?
Motors without gearing and K-2 gearmotors may be operated in any position.
See Gearmotor Mounting Positions on page
ii of
our catalog.
What will happen if a 60 Hz induction motor is operated on 50 Hz?
A motor designed for 60 Hz operation will run at 5/6 rated speed on 50 Hz. For example,
a motor rated 1700 RPM on 60 Hz will run at 1400 RPM on 50 Hz. Bodine 60 Hz type Cl motors
will run hotter on 50 Hz. The motor temperature should be monitored during testing to
make sure it is not overheating. 60 Hz versions of Bodine type Sl motors should not be
operated on 50 Hz.
Can more than one motor be operated from a single control?
Operation of more than one motor from a single control is not normally recommended (PMDC or BLDC).
However, when cost is a primary concern, a multiple motor/single control system with either permanent magnet motors
and control or 3 phase motors and control may be successfully implemented. More than one AC three-phase,
inverter duty motor/gearmotor may be operated with a single AC speed control (=inverter, = adjustable speed drive),
as long as the sum of the motor currents does not exceed the rated output current of the control. Motor speeds
should not fluctuate as long as the motors are not overloaded and the sum of the motor currents does not exceed
the rated output current of the control.
What is radial load?
Radial load is a force pushing or pulling the side of the output shaft. It is shown in the diagram (at right) as
Fr.
Exceeding the allowable radial load for a motor or gearmotor will cause premature wear of output
shaft bearings and gearing and could cause the shaft to break. Fr may be the result of a weight
on the shaft, belt tension or torque transmitted through a belt, chain, gear, or certain flexible
couplings.
Our catalog shows the permissible radial load
for each motor and gearmotor. In calculating these values, the following assumptions were made:
- The radial load is in the worst case direction, i.e. pushing or pulling the shaft sideways.
- The motor or gearmotor is delivering rated torque.
- The radial load was applied at distance "d" from the hub or mounting surface. Higher radial loads may be applied closer in on the shaft. Lower radial loads are permitted further out on the shaft.
Flexible couplings are often used to avoid radial load. Most flexible couplings are
designed so that they do not transmit radial load, however this should be verified by the
coupling manufacturer.
What is axial load?
Axial load is a force on the output shaft into or out of the motor or gearmotor.
It as shown in the diagram (at right) as
Fa. Exceeding the
allowable axial load for a motor or gearmotor will cause premature wear of output shaft
bearings and gearing.
Our Small Motor, Gearmotor and Control Handbook (ISBN: 9994675133) is intended
to provide design engineers with the basic information they need to successfully
and safely select and use these products in their applications. Service technicians,
teachers, students, and machinery operators also find this reference material
helpful. Over the past fifty years, tens of thousands of copies have been purchased
and are in daily use.
Download PDF (5,686KB)
