BEI Technologies is investing in ThinGap
Motor Technologies, the US-based developer of a
novel, high-efficiency motor that dispenses with conventional
windings and slotted laminations. The investment is
part of an agreement that also covers the development,
manufacturing and marketing of the motors.
ThinGap's proprietary electromotive wireless coil and
armature technology is said to result in brushed and
brushless motors with higher efficiencies and power
densities than conventional designs.
BEI vice-president Gregg Stokely describes the ThinGap
technology as being "truly unique" and says
it has the potential "to redefine efficiency and
servo bandwidth". He predicts that the novel motors
will "become a disruptive technology in marketplace,
with our experience and investment".
Doug Crawford, ThinGap's chief marketing officer, says
that ThinGap plans to make use of BEI's marketing and
manufacturing capabilities to accelerate sales of the
motors. "ThinGap will utilize BEI optical encoder
feedback products and drive electronics for many motor
and servo applications," he adds.
At present, ThinGap's manufacturing capacity is limited
but there are now plans to move to high-volume automated
production of the motors, which are intended for applications
such as robotics, power tools, air bearing spindles
and machine tools.
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