Oriental Motor Small AC Motors: A Technical Overview
Publish Date: 06 November 2025
Have you ever stopped to wonder what makes a massive assembly line flow with smooth, relentless consistency, especially when the space for equipment is so tight? The answer lies in the Small AC Motor.
These compact powerhouses from Oriental Motor aren't just motors; they are highly engineered components designed to be paired with gearheads for torque multiplication and managed by intelligent controllers for flawless regulation.
To truly master FA, engineers need to understand how these motors, their attachments, and their controllers work in harmony. Let's explore the power and precision of Oriental Motor's AC solutions.
Overview of AC Motors: The Workhorses of Automation
AC (Alternating Current) motors are the go-to power source for automated equipment because they are so easy to operate—just connect them to an AC power supply, and they're ready to run!
Oriental Motor has taken this si
Features That Make AC Motors Simple and Effective
1. Easy Connection and Operation
AC motors come in two main flavors, depending on your power source:
Single-Phase Motors: Used with a standard single-phase power supply. They require an included capacitor to start and run. *
Three-Phase Motors: Used with a three-phase power supply. They do not require a capacitor and can be connected directly to the power supply. *
2. Speed Defined by Frequency
The basic rotational speed (synchronous speed) of an AC motor is dictated by the power supply frequency and the number of poles. Since most of Oriental Motor’s products have 4 poles, their theoretical speed is:
- 50 Hz: 1500 r/min
- 60 Hz: 1800 r/min
Crucially, the actual operating speed slightly decreases under load. For practical purposes, Oriental Motor sets the rated speed of its products to approximate these real-world conditions: 1200–1300 r/min at 50 Hz and 1450–1600 r/min at 60 Hz. This precise rated speed is what you should use for detailed device calculations.
3. Power Sized for the Job
Oriental Motor offers a wide range of motors to match any load torque. Their products are systematized by size and output, featuring frame sizes from 42 mm to 104 mm and output power from 1 W to 200 W. This variety ensures you can select the motor precisely according to your load torque requirements.
Precision in Motion: AC Speed Control Motors
While standard AC motors run at a fixed speed, AC Speed Control Motors introduce a layer of flexible performance, acting like a dimmer switch for your automation engine.
This system is achieved by combining a standard induction or reversible motor with a tachogenerator (an AC generator) built right into the motor's rear end.
The System Explained
This motor is paired with a dedicated speed controller (control circuit).
1. Setting the Pace: You set the desired rotational speed using a simple speed potentiometer or an external DC voltage signal.
2. Sensing the Speed: The built-in tachogenerator constantly sends a feedback signal representing the motor's actual speed.
3. Controlling the Voltage: The speed controller compares the set speed with the feedback speed. It then adjusts the voltage applied to the motor, which precisely controls the motor's rotation speed to match the command signal.
Features of AC Speed Control Motors
- Stability Under Load: These motors can maintain a set speed even when the load torque changes. The system constantly monitors and corrects the voltage to keep the rotation steady within the safe operating range.
- High Strength Gearhead: Motors often incorporate the KII Series gearhead, known for its high permissible torque and strength. Special heat processing (carburization) is applied to the gears to increase durability, making them suitable for high-demand applications.
- User-Friendly Control: Series like the US2 and DSC offer digital setting and display features. The US2 Series is particularly lauded for its simplicity—just connect the power and adjust the speed using a potentiometer.
These speed control motors maintain the simplicity and quality of standard AC motors while providing the necessary functions for flexible speed adjustment, making them an indispensable tool in advanced factory automation.
