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Air motor or electric motor ?

Damien our air motors Product Marketing Manager, will share his thoughts

Damien Feller - expert head zoom

Have you ever considered a pneumatic air motor as the best option to power up your new machine? I think that pneumatic motors are offering reliable and strong advantages towards a versatile range of application.

Damien Feller , Air motors Product marketing Manager
Air motor or electric motor

Air motor or electric motor: which offers the best performance?

If you’re looking for a new motor, I will not blame you for automatically considering an electric motor. But are you sure it’s the best option for your application, and are you aware of the advantages of pneumatic air motors? For example, did you know they are easier to install and maintain?  

In many applications they outperform electric motors, delivering better durability, efficiency, versatility and safety. Ultimately this means you can operate more productively and profitably and it’s certainly worth considering. 

The perfect choice for heavy-duty applications

Air motors are more rugged and robust than electric motors since there are no sensitive electronics. This is key for heavy-duty applications. Not only do air motors withstand dust, humidity, moisture and temperature extremes, but they are also unaffected by vibrations.  

Additionally, air motors are more reliable and don’t overheat if stopped under load. They can be stalled indefinitely without overheating or sustaining any other damage. 

Easy to install and operate 

When it comes to installation, operation and maintenance, it’s much easier for an air motor than electric motors as there are no complex wiring or controls. You can simply connect and disconnect to the air supply as needed and the output automatically adjusts to match the applied load. The motor’s speed is easily regulated using simple flow-control valves and torque can be easily managed by altering the pressure.  

Pneumatic motors are naturally robust and resistant to aggressive environments, and therefore, they are easy to integrate without overprotection. The pneumatic motor technology does not heat nor spark, making it easy to adapt in an ATEX environment. 

Weighing up the benefits 

While electric motors do offer some advantages, namely, they are a more cost-effective solution if there is no existing air system in place, and they deliver higher precision and accuracy, can you afford to overlook air motors?  

They provide the perfect solution if your industrial plant has an established air network, and you need a more durable design without precision and accurate speed control. 

Ultimately there is no one-size-fits-all solution. By carefully considering the requirements of your application; and being fully aware of all the options, you can make an informed decision on the best technology for your application. Read more about how to select the right air motor in our Expert Corner and check out our online air motor selector.

Check our technical guides