Servo Motors

Servo motors have been around for a long time in the engineering world. They’re self-contained electric devices that rotate or push parts of a machine with precision. No matter the application, it’s likely to need at least a few servos.

At RS, we stock thousands of servo motors, including 12v servo motors, that are ready to be shipped the same day. We offer robust products designed by leading manufacturers including Omron Automation, Schneider Electric and Panasonic.

Read on for more information on servo motors, their benefits and all the different applications they can be used for.

What are servo motors?

Servo motors are in many of the items we use on a daily basis. For example, electronic devices such as DVD and Blu-ray Disc players use them to extend and retract the disc trays. They’re small in size but pack a punch in terms of power and functionality. Servo motors are also extremely energy efficient, which is why they’re used so regularly.

These innovative features mean that they’re used inside everything from radio-controlled toy cars and airplanes to robotics and in-line manufacturing. Inside the servo motor you’ll find a DC motor potentiometer and a control circuit. The motor is attached by gears to the control wheel and as the motor rotates, the potentiometer’s resistance changes. This means you’re able to precisely regulate how much movement there is in the application.

There are a couple of different types of servo motors to look out for when buying the parts for your project. Here, we’ll explain the differences so you can choose the right one.

What types of servo motors are there?

There are two types available – AC and DC servo motors. An AC servo motor can handle much higher current surges and is typically used in industrial machinery. DC servo motors are not designed for high current surges and are usually found in much smaller applications. If you’re looking to compare servo motor prices, generally DC servo motors are less expensive than their AC counterparts.

You may also find servo motors that have been built specifically to handle continuous rotation. These are more commonly used in robots to keep them moving. They feature two ball bearings for reduced friction. Whether you’re looking for a small servo motor or a large servo motor, you’ll find exactly what you need at RS.

What are servo motors used for?

Whether you’re building a remote-controlled airplane or are manufacturing an elevator, walking robot or grippers, you’re likely to have a number of servo motors working away inside. As they’re small in size, have built-in control circuitry and have good power output, they’re popular in engineering.

You’ll also find DC servo motors in in-line manufacturing, where high repetition and precise work is needed. They’re also common in pharmaceuticals where the environment is harsher and the potential for corrosion is high.

Why choose RS for your servo motors?

At RS, we stock a varied range of small servo motors and large servo motors and we’ve made it easy for you to narrow your search to the type you need. The search function enables you to filter by features such as nominal voltage, input power, speed and bearing type, so you can easily use this to find the exact match for the job you are working on.

We are the premier authorized distributor of 12v servo motors and other models in North America. We stock leading industry names including AMETEK Pittman, RS Pro, SAB and Panasonic. You are investing in a durable, long-lasting product when you choose RS.

Should you have any questions, our team is on hand to help. Get in touch and we can guide you through the products. You can also find advice in our expert hub.