The German mechatronics specialist Wittenstein has developed a high-torque servo actuator that, it claims, is about half the length of a conventional geared motor. The TPM+ Power actuator is available either in a single-stage version suitable for rack-and-pinion applications, or a two-stage version for rotary drive tasks.

The IP65-protected actuator (above), which can deliver up to 1,600Nm of torque from a 30mm-long version (or 50Nm from the smallest 149mm-long version), incorporates a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a high pole number and a high copper fill in the slots. High-quality, thin stack materials limit losses due to eddy currents, and cogging is said to be “scarcely noticeable”.

The gearhead uses helical teeth for smooth running. Noise levels are said to be 6dB lower than earlier straight-toothed gearheads.