Common Air Motor Terms:
Air Consumption
This is the volume of compressed air that a motor uses at it’s nominal speed and at a specified air pressure. Commonly measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm).
Axial Load
The force that is applied in the same direction as the spindle. Exceeding the manufacturer’s specified maximum load will reduce the lifetime of the bearings and possibly the motor.
Idle Speed
The speed that a motor will run at when there is no load and sufficient air flow. Measured in rpm.
Nominal Power
Nominal Power is the maximum power produced by the motor at a specified air pressure. It is normally measured at half the idle speed. Measured in watts (W) or horsepower (HP).
Nominal Speed
The motor speed where the motor reaches its maximum power. This is normally half of the idle speed and is measured in rpm.
Nominal Torque
The torque produced at half the idle speed or the maximum torque of the motor.
Power
Is a measure of the amount of work done per second. The faster and the higher the torque - the more power is produced. An air motor will produce a different amount of power depending on the load that is applied to it. Power is measured in watts (W) or horsepower (HP). The power of a pneumatic motor peaks at half it's idle speed (Nominal Speed).
Radial Load
The force that is applied perpendicular to theto the spindle. This is measured at a certain point on the spindle. Exceeding the manufacturer’s specified maximum load will reduce the lifetime of the bearings and possibly the motor.
Stall Torque
The torque that a motor produces just before it stops when it is slowly braked. This can be anywhere between 1.5 and 2 times the Nominal Torque
Start Torque
The torque that a motor produces at start up. This torque varies depending on the vane position and should be quoted as the minimum guaranteed start torque. The start torque can be between the nominal torque up to 1.5 time the nominal torque.
Torque
The turning force of the motor. 10Nm will balance a 1kg weight on a 1 meter radius reel.
