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3 Phase Motors

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A 3-phase motor refers to an electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion mechanism that can convert an input of 3-phase electrical power to produce an output of mechanical energy. Read More…

3 Phase Motors 3 phase motors are a type of electric motor that operates based upon a three-phase electrical load, which is a common form of electric power transmission.
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Leading Manufacturers

Stratham, NH  |  844-338-8114

We manufacture motors, motion control and rotating products for OEMs. The electric motors obtainable through us include AC motors, AC/DC motors, brushless DC motors, stepper motors.

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ElectroCraft, Inc. $$$

Monroe, WI  |  608-325-9161

Since our inception in 1932, Carter Motor manufactures AC universal motors, small motors, DC universal motors, DC permanent magnet motors, DC shunt wound motors and gearmotors, and many others. All of our products are designed and assembled here in the USA. Our team is here to help you determine the best motor to fit your application and to ensure the process is efficient and stress-free. We are...

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Carter Motor Company $$$

Brooksville, FL  |  352-799-2599

The products of Composite Motors, Inc. all undergo the same AS9100 certified design, manufacture and testing protocol. These products include Brushless DC motors, motor drivers, Lithium Ion batteries and Battery Management Systems, gear motors and linear actuators. All products are made in the USA from raw materials. Visit our website to learn more and to view our newest products.

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Composite Motors, Inc. $$$

Elma, NY  |  716-652-2000

We began over fifty years ago designing and supplying aircraft and missile components. Over the last fifty years we have grown into the company we are today manufacturing custom fractional horsepower motors and other motors for our customers around the world. We were established in 1951 and ever since then we have been offering excellent customer service that the competition cannot match! We want ...

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Moog Inc. $$$

Addison, IL  |  630-628-8080

Addison Electric, Inc., which originally opened its doors in 1980, began as a company focused on the needs of the customer. Since then, little has changed in that respect. Commitment to the customer has been one of the main driving forces of our company. Believing in top notch support and a desire to stock the items you need has led our company to be one of the largest and most reliable in our...

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Addison Electric, Inc. $$$

Racine, WI  |  262-632-2794

Welcome to Motor Specialty! Since 1947, we have been designing and manufacturing custom universal motors for machine tool, medical, dental, agricultural and a number of other industries. We are also capable of providing dependable shunt wound fractional and integral horsepower motors. Our motors may be enclosed or open, with reversible rotation and internal or external brush structures. At...

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Motor Specialty Inc. $$$
placeholder image ElectroCraft, Inc. Carter Motor Company Composite Motors, Inc. Moog Inc. Addison Electric, Inc. Motor Specialty Inc.

What Is a 3-Phase Motor?

The motor consists of a rotating rotor and a stator. The stator winding receives the 3-phase supply of electrical energy and drives the rotor windings through electromagnetic induction.

3-Phase Motor

How 3-Phase Motors Function

As the 3-phase stator winding receives a balanced supply of 3 phase electrical energy, a rotating magnetic field is produced in the motor. The rotating magnetic field rotates around the stator at a synchronous speed that is denoted by:

Synchronous speed = 120 f / P

Where f is the frequency of rotation and P is the number of poles.

3 Phase Motor Working Principle

Since the rotors carry a current and are in the magnetic field produced by the stator winding, they experience a mechanical force. The combined forces experienced on all the rotor conductors result in a torque which drives the rotors in the direction of the rotating magnetic field.

Types of 3-Phase Motors

There are two main types of 3-phase motors: the squirrel cage and the slip ring motors. The differences are mainly based on rotor windings.

Squirrel Cage Motor

The structure of this rotor assembly resembles the shape of a squirrel cage. The construction is simple and rugged and consists of a cylindrical laminated core rotor with slots on the external periphery. The squirrel cage has rotor bars instead of the expected rotor windings.

Squirrel Cage Rotor

The bars are made of aluminum, copper, or brass. The rotor bars are welded or braced with the end rings for mechanical support. Normally the bars are short-circuited to add external resistance to the circuitry. This type of motor does not use slip rings or brushes, making construction simpler and very robust.

Slip Ring Motor

Slip ring induction motors are also referred to as wound motor rotors. It consists of a laminated cylindrical core with slots on the outside periphery and the rotor winding placed within them. The winding is wound so the number of poles in the rotor winding is equal to the stator winding. The end terminals of the rotor windings are then connected to the slip rings. An external resistance can be connected easily to the rotor circuit through the brushes and slip rings. This is important in controlling the speed and torque of the motor.

Slip Ring Motor

Applications of 3-Phase Motors

Slip ring motors are usually used for devices like plunger pumps, cranes, conveyors, crushers, or elevators. In addition, slip ring induction motors are commonly used for loads that need a very high initial torque and usually for cases where the starting current is low. They are also ideal for the carriage of loads that require speed control and altering the spin rate. Squirrel cage motors have a normal initial torque with a high starting current. The motors are commonly used in appliances like electric blowers, fans, and centrifugal pumps.

Crane Motor

Advantages of 3-Phase Motors

  • 3-phase motors have a simple and rather rugged construction. Once set up, they do not require extensive maintenance and are therefore less expensive.
  • 3-phase motors have very high efficiency and a favorable power factor. Thus, for a given load, they draw fewer volt-amperes.
  • 3-phase motors also have a self-starting torque.
  • These types of motors, if accurately set, can be left out to work automatically without the need for human control but rather scheduled maintenance after a specified duration.
  • Typical examples are the case of conveyor belts and building elevators that can function automatically without constant control.
  • Single-phase systems can yield pulsating power, but 3-phase systems yield a more stable power supply.

Choosing the Correct 3-Phase Motor Supplier

For the most productive outcome when purchasing a 3-phase motor from a 3-phase motor supplier, it is important to compare several 3-phase motor suppliers using our directory of 3-phase motor companies. Each 3-phase motor supplier has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with them for more information or request a quote. Review each 3-phase motor business website using our proprietary website previewer to get an idea of what each company specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple 3-phase motor companies with the same form.

3 Phase Motors Informational Video

 

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