Clean motors: New maxon medical motors can be sterilised in an autoclave
Clean motors: New maxon medical motors can be sterilised in an autoclave
Keywords: Motors, Medical, Food
maxon motor, a leading manufacturer of precision drives and systems,seeks to increase its prominence in the medical equipment market with the introduction of three sterilisable motors.
The 6, 16 and 22 mm electronically commutated (brushless) motors have been adapted from existing maxon products to cope with the extreme conditions experienced during sterilisation in an autoclave (Plate 7).
This, the most common sterilising method used at present, involves repeated bombardment with saturated water vapour at 134°C; under a pressure of 2.3 bar, for at least 20 min.
Plate 7Built to survive – the new maxon medical motors can be sterilised in an autoclave
Already renowned for the robustness of its components, maxon has coated the magnets and motor bodies, added extra insulation to the coil wires and used a higher grade of stainless steel for the shafts to counter this hostile environment. The use of internal Hall sensors, instead of vulnerable external sensors, is a further key to the motors' ability to survive.
Equipment using these brushless motors is much quieter and cleaner than the alternative of “air tools” using air turbines. Moreover, its electric cables (if present, i.e. if the tool is not being battery operated) are much more flexible than air lines.
The drive's grooveless stator, formed from maxon's patented winding,ensures precise speed selection with no detent. In conjunction with the integral Hall sensors, this produces a very responsive, highly controllable servodrive.
Like all maxon brushless motors, the sterilisable units will reach the speed required very quickly at relatively low voltages. In fact, they are capable of up to 100,000 rpm. Depending on the function of the device, high turning speeds can either be applied directly to the task or converted into high torque via a fully compatible maxon gearhead. As a result, the motors are suited to a wide spread applications. Other advantages of the brushless construction include low inductance, high overload capacity, long service life and no contamination from brush material.
The drives also have a high power to size and weight ratio, which makes for easy handling of tools and incorporation into compact designs. In fact, the 6 mm model is one of the tiniest in the company's world-leading range of micromotors.
Applications for the new products will include a variety of cutting,grinding and drilling machines. Chiropody, bone surgery and dentistry are just some of the fields in which they are sure to bring benefits.
“maxon has already done a lot to help advance medical technology– and we would like to do more,” says Keith Ellenden, CEO of maxon motor uk. “Our specialist advisers are always available to help designers identify the perfect component for any application. The support we offer also extends to modifying our “off-the- peg” components, where necessary, and developing tailor-made solutions to design problems.”
For more information on maxon's products and services, contact: maxon motor uk ltd, Maxon House, Hogwood Lane, Finchampstead, Berks, RG40 4QW. Tel: 01189 733337; Fax: 01189 737472; E-mail: sales@maxonmotor.co.uk. Further technical details are also available from the maxon Web site: www.maxonmotor.co.uk
