Resources

Motion, Drive & Actuation

Servo Motor Selection Guide

Prepare torque, speed, voltage, encoder, brake, reducer and documentation inputs before requesting servo motor quotes or files.

Who should use this

Robotic arm, cobot, humanoid joint, lab prototype and automation teams comparing servo motor options for a known axis.

Hardware decision

The guide helps separate axis load, motion profile and documentation needs before a SKU quote, drive review or controlled CAD request.

Prepare before RFQ

Bring motor type, continuous and peak torque targets, speed, load inertia, duty cycle, acceleration and deceleration, motion profile, voltage rail, encoder, brake, reducer, cable routing and drive communication constraints.

Use this guide for RFQ preparation Start related hardware review

When to use this guide

Start here if the hardware question affects sourcing, files or RFQ review.

  • You know the robot axis type but still need to compare motor frame, brake, encoder or reducer options.
  • The purchase request depends on torque, speed, voltage, duty cycle or cable harness requirements.
  • You need to request datasheets, 2D drawings or STEP/STP files without assuming every supplier file is public.

Key engineering decisions

Axis load and motion profile

Record payload, inertia, acceleration, speed range, duty cycle and holding requirements before comparing torque numbers.

Feedback, brake and communication

Confirm encoder type, resolution expectation, brake need, power-off holding case and EtherCAT, CANopen or pulse-dir drive communication.

Electrical and thermal limits

Capture voltage, peak and continuous current, ambient temperature and thermal derating assumptions.

Reducer and harness dependency

Note gearbox ratio, mounting envelope, cable exit direction, connector type and moving-joint routing.

RFQ preparation checklist

Include these inputs before asking for quote or document review.

  • Motor type and axis type
  • Continuous torque, peak torque and speed target
  • Load inertia or payload estimate
  • Duty cycle, acceleration and deceleration
  • Motion profile
  • Voltage, current and thermal derating
  • Encoder, brake and EtherCAT / CANopen / pulse-dir requirements
  • Reducer, cable harness and required file dependency

Engineering file considerations

Document access depends on file type and review context.

  • Public product data can support early screening.
  • Original STEP/STP, complete 2D drawings and supplier drawings may require controlled access review.
  • Servo selection does not guarantee final robot performance; final validation remains with the customer and system integrator.
Review Engineering Files workflow Read Access Policy

Not covered by this guide

Servo drive tuning or controller commissioning
Final motion performance guarantee
Final machine safety or axis validation

Ready to attach this guide to a real request?

Use the guide checklist to submit one RFQ with product, file and subsystem context. Controlled access may apply to STEP/STP, native CAD, full drawings and supplier-sensitive records.

Use guide for RFQ preparation