Hey everyone! I'm looking for a DC motor that can provide high torque—at least 1 kg—while operating at low RPMs for a haptic feedback application. I'm aware that adding a gearbox can increase torque, but it typically introduces a lot of backlash, which I want to avoid. I've also considered true linear motors, but they're hard to find outside of large industrial uses. Most linear actuators seem to have significant backlash due to their worm gear designs. Does anyone have suggestions or alternatives?
3 Answers
You might want to look into torque motors or specialized servo motors (not the typical RC ones). They are designed specifically for high torque at low speeds with more poles and unique pole shapes. Just a heads up, they can be pricey though!
Have you thought about using a stepper motor with microstepping? They're great for producing high torque at low speeds and really effective these days, especially with the quiet microstepping controllers available. Just remember to specify torque in N-m instead of kg!
If you're open to it, you could also explore DC gear motors aimed at robotics. Some models are designed to reduce backlash significantly, though the right choice might require some research.

Thanks for the tip! The stepper motors I've tried are tough to turn by hand. Do you know if there are some that can move more freely?