maxon motor brushless DC motor for use in a vacuum

maxon motor has released a brushless DC motor suitable for use in an ultrahigh vacuum.

The 22 mm, 24 V brushless DC motor is an off-the-shelf solution for an application that traditionally requires high levels of customisation. The stainless steel, SmCo magnet-based brushless motor features low outgassing and can be baked out at 240°C. It is also vibration tested to MIL-STD810F.

Scientific and vacuum applications for DC motors are varied, an example being the Watt balance — a machine developed to compare masses with electrical values in a vacuum. The balance seeks to use Planck’s constant to redefine the kilogram in terms of voltage and current. The vacuum-capable motor has allowed scientists to build a 3-axis robot, providing the necessary mass movements for the experiment.