From Talleres MAF, manufacturer of housings and parts, we tell you the history of the electric motor and what are its components?. If you are curious and eager to learn, this is for you.
Beginnings of the DC electric motor
The beginnings of the electric motor date back to around 1740 with the experiments of Andrew Gordon and Benjamin Franklin, who described the principles of the electric motor.
However, it is Michael Faraday who is considered to be the inventor of the electric motor. He was a British physicist who studied electromagnetism and electrochemistry. His first discoveries were electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism and electrolysis.
In 1821, with his experiment, the Faraday disc, he discovered rotational motion by a repetition of a magnetic field. Faraday’s disc consists of a direct current dynamo with a conducting disc that rotates in a plane perpendicular to the magnetic field, uniformly and statically.
From this point on, electric motors have progressed further and further.
The history of the alternating current electric motor
In addition to the direct current electric motor, there is also the alternating current electric motor.
The alternating current motor was invented by Galileo Ferraris around 1885. This Italian physicist and engineer dedicated his life to the study of alternating current, although he came to the conclusion that motors that worked with alternating current would have no place on the market.
Later, in 1888, Nikola Tesla invented his own induction motor, which led to the industrial development of motors. Today we know this type of motor as an alternating current motor.
What are the parts of an AC electric motor?
First of all, you should know that this type of motor is the most commonly used in industry. For example, for cars, machinery, household appliances, etc.
And now, let’s go to its parts.
Stator
It has a coiled part that generates a magnetic field. And this coiled part is connected to a terminal board. Part that we will see later.
Rotor
The rotor, which has a shaft to transmit the force generated by the motor, is usually wound in the case of the most powerful motors. Or, on the other hand, it can be a magnet. The magnetic field generated by the wound part of the stator makes the rotor rotate. When it is wound, it also has brushes and rings. The brushes rub against the rings and make electrical contact.
Housing
Houses and protects all the parts of the motor. It is therefore very important that it is of the highest quality.
Bearings
The bearings help the rotary motion by preventing shaft friction.
Fan
Cools the motor windings so that they do not reach high temperatures and can operate efficiently.
Terminal board
This is where the alternating current is connected. That is, to the electrical installation.
Parts of a DC electric motor
DC electric motors are much more precise than AC electric motors. For this reason, they are used in cases where much greater control and precision are required. This is the case, for example, for a numerically controlled lathe, and for electronics, for example a robotic arm of a production line machine.
Stator
It can be wound or be a magnet. If it is wound, a magnetic field is generated that makes the rotor rotate. If it has a magnet, it is the rotor that generates the magnetic field.
Rotor
It has a shaft. It can be wound or it can be a magnet. If it is wound, it has rings and brushes.
Housing
The higher the quality of the casing, the better protected the motor will be. This part has the function of protecting and housing all the parts of the motor.
Bearings
Minimises friction between parts and facilitates rotational movement.
Fan
The cooling of the engine is key to its proper functioning. And the fan ensures that the motor does not reach a high temperature.
Now you know the history of the electric motor and its components. At Talleres MAF we manufacture the parts and/or housings you need for your electric motors. We offer customised solutions; which one do you need? Contact our team and we will be happy to help you. We are waiting for you!