Marposs Corp., a manufacturer of measurement, inspection and test technologies, recently introduced the e.d.c. AST320/W, an automated system for testing the windings, coils and stators of electric motors in production environments.
The shift from the internal combustion engine to batteries and electric motors is, in automotive terms, monumental. But, there is no denying that it's a challenge that manufacturers and suppliers are tackling head on.
Electric motors have been used in industry for more than 150 years. Siemens AG has been making them at its plant in Bad Neustadt, Germany, for 80 of those years.
During a recent visit to this bright, open, state-of-the-art factory, I took a turn on the line assembling one of DEWALT’s hottest products, the 20-volt MAX XR three-speed cordless drill and screwdriver, which is powered by a brushless motor and a 5 amp-hour lithium-ion battery.
Today’s automobiles contain dozens of electric motors. They adjust the mirrors, position the seats, aim the headlights, provide heating and cooling, and raise and lower the windows. In fact, a luxury car might have as many as 120 electric motors of various sizes.