The model RS-550SH brushed DC motor from Shenzhen Kinmore measures 35.8x57mm. It meets CE, REACH and RoHS.

Improvements continue in traditional products as suppliers increase output of advanced types.

China makers of DC motors leverage the line’s wide application range to pursue brushless units while enhancing further the quality of mainstream brushed kinds. They look to keep benefiting from rising requirement in the household appliances, automotive, industrial and medical, electric tools, RC toy, military and aerospace sectors.

Companies highlight greater efficiency and reliability, reduced noise and longer life span. In the mature brushed category, they tap better magnetic materials to optimize electromagnetic performance, and carbon brushes and ball bearings to bolster reliability and extend operating life. To turn out quieter motors, manufacturers are improving carbon brush and commutator assembly. They factor in speed, current, spark and vibration as well.

Spurred by the industry trend, China makers are raising the turnout share of brushless units. The variant now represents about 40 percent of TT Motor (Shenzhen) Industrial Co. Ltd’s total yield, and will reach 3 percent at Shenzhen Power Motor Industrial Co. Ltd by end-2014. The latter portion will rise to 5 percent the following year from 2 percent at present. Most models in the local selection are based on NdFeB.

To ensure consistent product quality, China suppliers adopt automation, which also boosts manufacturing efficiency while cutting costs, and conduct strict QC. Shenzhen Power’s factory is equipped with magnet, enameled wire and lamination stator testers, commutator surface measuring instrument and a 3D projector.

Companies are confident of achieving steady sales growth, encouraging some to expand production capacity. Shenzhen Power is looking to reach 20 percent higher revenue in coming months, and expects a 10 percent rise in 2015. The maker will increase its monthly capacity by 50 percent to 4.5 million units in end-2015, when its industrial park begins operating. The 41,000sqm facility in Fenggang, Dongguan in Guangdong province boasts 74,000sqm building space and a 46,000sqm workshop. At present, Shenzhen Power can handle 3 million units a month. TT targets a 10 percent improvement in sales by year-end.

China is the largest manufacturing base for the line, responsible for about 60 percent of global output. More than 1,000 suppliers make up the pool, the majority of which are local businesses. Most are in the Pearl River and Yangtze River Delta regions, particularly in the coastal provinces of Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Europe and North America are their key export markets.

Brushed units still lead supply

Owing to their mature technology and low price, brushed kinds continue to dominate the local line. These come in permanent-magnet and electromagnetic variants, with the former accounting for over 90 percent of yield.

Permanent-magnet units are categorized further based on the adopted materials such as rare-earth, ferrite and AlNiCo. Ferrite releases rule with about 90 percent share of output in this grouping.

Electromagnetic counterparts are classified by excitation mode. These are series-, shunt- and compound-wound units, and separately excited versions.

Shenzhen Kinmore Motor Co. Ltd’s selection consists entirely of permanent-magnet brushed DC motors. At Shenzhen Power, such products represent 98 percent of output and brushless variants the remainder. Ferrite models constitute 90 percent of both suppliers’ brushed turnout, and rare-earth units the rest.

In terms of applications, 30 percent of the former maker’s releases are for home appliances, 20 percent for industrial uses, and 15 percent each for the automotive and medical sectors. Electric tools and toys each have a 10 percent allocation. Half of Shenzhen Power’s units are for the appliances segment, and the remainder split between medical and fitness equipment and electric tools.

As for TT, about 60 percent of its DC motors are brushed kinds and all adopt ferrite magnets. These target mainly the household appliances, automotive, electric tools, security and medical products, and instrumentation fields.

Suppliers accommodate customization, covering speed, torque and voltage. They also accept modifications on cabling, wiring, connectors and shafts.

The key materials used in the manufacture of DC motors include enameled copper and electric wire, magnetic inputs, bearings, metal and plastic. Companies obtain them locally or from foreign providers when specified. Usually, such latter requests cover bearings and carbon brushes.

Makers will keep prices unchanged despite climbing labor cost and yuan valuation to attract more orders.

Related report:
AC motors: Manufacturers buoy mature line

Product gallery

Ningbo New Guanlian Motor Electronic Co. Ltd
(China)

Model: 78ZYJ
Description: Worm gear drive; 48rpm no-load speed; 1/90 reduction ratio; 220V rated voltage; 60A rated, 24A no-load current; 20 to 21W rated power output; for winches

Shenzhen Kinmore Motor Co. Ltd
(China)

Model: RS-550SH
MOQ: 5,000 units
Delivery: 35 days
Description: Brushed type; 3.18mm shaft diameter; 35.8x57mm; for home appliances, power tools, automotive applications; CE, REACH, RoHS; custom orders accepted

Shenzhen Power Motor Industrial Co. Ltd
(China)

Model: WRS-7912PM
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $3.50
Description: High-voltage xx type; 11,089rpm speed; 132.3mN•m torque; 230V, 50Hz, 1.21A; for hand blenders

TT Motor (Shenzhen) Industrial Co. Ltd
(China)

Model: TEC3650
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 25 days
Price: $8.84
Description: Brushless type; 3,000 to 5,500rpm full-load speed; 19.6 mN•m torque; 24V; 6 to 11W power output; customizable shaft; 36x50mm; for hair dryers, optical and medical equipment