Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: Builder1 on July 19, 2008, 02:33:50 PM

Title: Rotary solenoids vs motors
Post by: Builder1 on July 19, 2008, 02:33:50 PM

Hello All,

I would like to know the differences between a rotary solenoid and a motor. According to my research, they pretty much perform the same actions. The high torque of the rotary solenoids is what's gotten me interested in them. They are relatively cheap and quite powerful for their size. So I have just two questions for anyone who has ever used one before.

1) Can a rotary solenoid be used inplace of a motor?
2) Which one lasts longer, solenoid or motor?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Builder1

Title: Re: Rotary solenoids vs motors
Post by: izua on July 19, 2008, 02:40:47 PM

No, you can't substitute one for the other. A solenoid has a limited path. If it's a standard one, the path is linear. If it's rotary, the path describes an arc.
On the other hand, a motor spins continuously.

Rotary solenoids are a good choice for replacing unhacked servos, for example (although you need positioning logic). Much more precision can be gained with a rotary solenoid compared to a servo, though.