DC motors are the most widely used type of motor with initial costs typically less than AC systems for low-power units. DC motors can be used for a wide range of applications from small tools and appliances, through to electric vehicles, lifts and hoists, conveyors, turntables and industrial machinery where a constant low speed torque is needed. For more information, please see our comprehensive DC motors guide.

DC Motors speed can be controlled by varying the supply voltage and are available in a wide range of voltages, however the most popular type are 12 V and 24 V, with some of the advantages being:

• Easy installation
• Speed control over a wide range
• Quick Starting, Stopping, Reversing and Acceleration
• High Starting Torque
• Linear speed-torque curve

Types of DC Motors

There are two common types of DC motor, brushless and brushed. In both brushless and brushed motors, magnets drive the spinning (rotary) motion of the motor shaft.

• Brushed Motors: These are a more traditional type of motor and are typically used in cost-sensitive applications, where control systems are relatively simple, such as in consumer applications and more basic industrial equipment.
• Brushless Motors**: These **alleviate some of the issues associated with brushed motors such as short life span for high use applications and are mechanically much simpler in design (not having brushes). The advantages of brushless motors are longer life, little maintenance and high efficiency (85-90%). These types of motors are generally used in speed and positional control with applications such as fans, pumps and air compressors, where reliability and ruggedness are required.
• Geared Motors: These are DC motors that combine a DC motor with a gearbox to achieve high torque at low speeds making them ideal for precise control and high torque applications.
• Servo Motors: These are used where precise control of angular or linear position is required, velocity and acceleration in mechanical systems in areas such as robotics and other applications where controlled movement is required.

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