Describe both axes and the payload
Give the payload mass, centre of gravity, inertia and permitted movement for pan and tilt separately. Include cameras, sensors, brackets and moving cables. A balanced payload presents a different gravity load from one mounted away from the tilt axis.
State the required speed, acceleration, pointing accuracy and settling behaviour. Explain whether the unit positions between moves, tracks continuously or must reject disturbances. Define the environmental and installation requirements without assuming a component’s isolated IP rating establishes the protection of the complete assembly.
Consider the joint as an assembly
A frameless torque motor can provide a compact direct-drive arrangement, but the machine designer supplies the bearing structure, rotor support, retention and thermal path. A geared arrangement can change motor torque requirements, with different backlash, stiffness and friction considerations.
The frameless integration checklist separates these responsibilities. Encoder selection should include installed accuracy, resolution, interface, mounting tolerances and update requirements. The highest bit count is not automatically the best solution.
Plan the hollow centre and rotating connections
A hollow shaft may need to carry optics, cables or a rotary joint. Record the usable bore after all components are installed, not only the motor’s nominal internal diameter. If pan rotation is continuous, define the power and data channels that must cross the rotating interface.
Ethernet, video, RF and fibre channels need appropriate rotary components. A general signal circuit should not be assumed to carry any chosen protocol. Discuss slip ring and rotary-joint options while establishing the axis envelope, not after the bearings and motor have been fixed.
Illustrative application questions
For a hypothetical inspection camera, ask whether image capture occurs while moving or after settling. That changes the importance of smooth velocity and vibration during exposure. For an intermittently positioned sensor, the same mechanism may have a different duty and cooling requirement. Neither example is a customer installation or a product performance guarantee.
Send a sketch, payload and centre-of-gravity estimate, axis travel, continuous-rotation requirements and available power. We can discuss a coordinated motor, encoder, drive and slip ring enquiry, then identify the exact component checks and supply options.
Product ranges to discuss
These are starting points from the catalogue, rather than a confirmed selection. Options within a series vary; an engineer must check the exact configuration.
TI Series In-Runner Frameless Direct Drive Torque Motors
In-runner frameless torque motors from 65 to 410 mm stator OD with 8-64 poles, low profile and large through-holes; windings tailored to target speed.
Specifications and enquiry →VLP
Harsh-environment hollow-shaft Electric Encoder with higher shock/vibration tolerance; tested to MIL-STD-810.
Specifications and enquiry →ER Series Through Bore Slip Ring
Through-bore slip rings with a hollow centre so shafts, pipes or cables can pass through, carrying power, signal and fieldbus data. Standard bores run from 12.7 mm to 100 mm and custom bores are offered.
Specifications and enquiry →Turn the requirement into an enquiry
Send the application, quantities and deadline, plus any existing model codes. We can discuss the original part, alternatives or a matched package. Compatibility, availability and supply arrangements are confirmed for the specific enquiry.
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