Printed Motors & Vinyl Records ... More alike than you'd think?

"I was in a meeting a few weeks back and I compared flat armature (pancake) motors to vinyl records. I said they both used to be a big player in the 70’s and 80’s, dropped off a little and now they seem to be back (vinyl actually outsold CDs last year for the first time since 1987)

In the world of engineering and technology, the pursuit innovation often leads to the abandoning a seemingly “archaic” technology. One example of this is the pancake motor. A near silent motor working in the background of contemporary engineering. While its name might not resonate with everyone, the flat armature motor is quietly back and shaping the future of various industries with its unique capabilities

In essence, the flat armature motor is a type of electric motor that utilizes a flat coil design to produce motion. My colleague Nick Revels wrote an excellent potted history of the pancake motor for PMW Dynamics here and it’s certainly worth a read

Unlike traditional motors, which can be bulky and space-consuming, the flat armature motor's streamlined build allows for compact integration into various devices, ranging from household appliances to industrial machinery. The flat armature motor's efficiency and precision have made it a preferred choice for applications where size, speed, and reliability are of utmost importance. Combined with it’s rapid acceleration and top speed it can be a powerful little motor in the right application

So, where do vinyl records come in here? Well, both have their die hard fans (in my case, a fan of both) and while they may seem nostalgic they do have certain advantages over their more modern counterparts. Granted, they are not suited for every environment (Vinyl in car stereo? Obviously, no..) but with the right application they are the better fit

Audiophiles will tell you that Vinyl “sounds better” and likewise a pancake motor can fit into use cases where you cannot fit a standard motor such as a high EM environment (Such as MRI Scanners) or you may need rapid acceleration. A pancake motor can get to it’s maximum speed from a standing start within a quarter turn

The flat armature motor's versatility extends across multiple domains, including robotics, automotive technology, and consumer electronics. In the realm of robotics, the compact design of flat armature motors allows for seamless integration into various robotic systems, enabling precise and agile movements that are essential for delicate tasks (pancake have zero cogging) and intricate operations.

As technological advancements continue to redefine the possibilities of engineering, the future of flat armature motors appears promising. The integration of flat armature motors into emerging fields such as renewable energy and aerospace technology holds the potential to revolutionize the way we approach sustainability and space exploration. Their compact design, coupled with their exceptional power output, positions flat armature motors as key components in the development of innovative solutions for a sustainable and interconnected future

In conclusion, the resurgence of flat armature motors signifies a convergence of tradition and innovation, much like the enduring allure of vinyl records even in the era of digital streaming. Older does not mean obsolete and both of these technologies continue to drive progress across diverse industries, their legacy stands as a testament to the timeless pursuit of precision, elegance, and efficiency in engineering and technology"