When working with customers, we often encounter these common requirements for motor selection:
"The smaller the size, the better; the higher the torque, the better; the lower the noise, the better; the cheaper the price, the better."
While these demands seem reasonable, in reality, they often lead to unmatched motors, unstable product performance, increased costs, and even negatively affect the final product’s market performance.
How to scientifically select the right gear motor for your product?
Lihua Motor has summarized years of engineering experience to provide you with a practical selection guide, illustrated with typical real cases to help you better understand.
Size is the foundation of motor selection. Please clarify the following:
Maximum allowable installation space (such as motor diameter and length)
Screw installation positions, spacing, and depth
Output shaft shape and dimensions (D-shaft, flat key, pin holes, etc.)
Suggestion: In product design, reserve reasonable assembly space to allow more motor options. The tighter the space, the fewer motor models can fit.
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| 12mm Diameter Gear Motor | 16mm Diameter Gearbox Motor | 20mm Diameter Gearbox Motor |
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Want to custom your gear motor,contact Lihua Motor Now! |
| 25mm Diameter Gearbox Motor | 37mm Diameter Gearbox Motor |
Case 1: Noise Control in Smart Curtain Motor
In smart curtain products, using a permanent magnet DC silent motor combined with a quality track system, the measured operating noise is as low as 20.7 dB, almost imperceptible.
This success shows how reasonable mechanical space design and motor parameter matching play a key role in noise reduction and significantly improve user experience.
Key electrical parameters include rated voltage, current, torque, and speed. Although many customers initially request "the bigger the torque, the better," excessive torque can damage mechanical structures, accelerate wear, or cause motor overheating and burnout.
Suggestion: Clearly define the actual load requirements, use tested voltage, current, and operating conditions as references, and cooperate with the supplier to confirm the most suitable motor model.
Noise sources are often not only from the motor itself but also from structural resonance, improper reduction ratio, or incorrect installation methods.
Factors affecting noise:
Higher motor speeds tend to increase noise
Helical gears < spur gears < planetary gears < worm gears (from low to high noise)
Metal gears usually produce more noise than plastic gears
Case 2: Noise Issue in Smart Toilet Seat
A smart toilet seat product was measured to have noise up to 55 dB in a quiet environment. Users reported obvious noise during nozzle washing and automatic seat lifting, affecting user experience.
This case highlights that besides motor noise performance, overall product structure design and drive system optimization are equally important.
Different industries have different priorities for gear motors:
| Application Field | Priority Factors |
|---|---|
| Financial Devices | Stability, Reliability |
| Smart Home | Quietness, Appearance |
| Industrial Valves | Lifespan, Starting Torque |
| Toys | Safety, Environmental Certifications |
| Medical Devices | Low Interference, Long Life |
Suggestion: When communicating with suppliers, clearly state the final application scenario so engineers can provide reasonable advice on functional matching, cost-effectiveness, and stability.
Motor selection is not just matching “speed” and “torque.” It is a systematic project. Experienced engineers can recommend the best solutions by comparing your load characteristics, voltage environment, usage frequency, lifespan requirements, and more.
Lihua Motor has helped customers solve these problems:
Customized ultra-low noise brushless motors for dental devices, meeting <30 dB operation standard
Provided 12V low-speed, high-lifespan gear motors for a European lock company, achieving 100,000 cycles without failure
Helped massage device customers triple motor lifespan without increasing cost, saving nearly 30% annual after-sales maintenance expenses
Motor selection is a critical part of product success. Early investment in thoughtful design and testing can save a lot of time and cost later.
We do not recommend blindly pursuing the smallest, strongest, or cheapest motor. The solution truly suitable for your application is the best choice.
If you have motor selection needs, welcome to contact our engineering team. We provide 1-on-1 customized advice, sample recommendations, and technical support to help you easily achieve your product goals!
