In electronic appliances, smart devices, and industrial automation systems, electric motors are essential components. With a wide variety of motor types available in the market, each with distinct structures, performance characteristics, and use cases, it's important to understand the key differences. The most common types of micro motors include:
Brushed DC Motors: Simple in structure, cost-effective, and easy to control, ideal for consumer products like fans and aroma diffusers.
Gear Motors: Integrated with a gearbox to reduce speed and increase torque, suitable for torque-intensive applications like smart locks and automated mechanisms.
Brushless Motors (BLDC): High efficiency, long lifespan, and quiet operation, perfect for high-performance equipment such as premium beauty devices and industrial automation.
Stepper Motors: Ideal for precise positioning control, commonly used in vending machines, diagnostic medical devices, and laboratory automation.
Coreless Motors: Lightweight with fast response and low inertia, widely used in model toys, prosthetics, robotic arms, and precision massage devices.
At Lihua Motor, we specialize in designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling micro motors with 1V-36V voltage range, 5.4mm–45mm diameter, and 0.05W–120W output power. Our products are widely applied in home appliances, robotics, medical devices, beauty instruments, model toys, and more.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right motor:
Different applications call for different motor specifications. Start by clearly identifying the product’s function and operating needs:
Home appliances (e.g., aroma diffusers, electric toothbrushes): Low-power, stable brushed DC motors are sufficient.
Industrial equipment (e.g., glue dispensers, automated machines): High-torque, long-life gear or brushless motors are recommended.
Model toys & prosthetics (e.g., RC planes, cars, robotic arms, artificial limbs): High power density, lightweight coreless motors are ideal for fast response and dynamic control.
Beauty and massage devices: Require compact size, low noise, and high starting torque. Custom-designed coreless or gear motors are often used.
Matching motor power to the application is essential. Take 12V DC micro motors as an example:
RF-500TB Motor (12V rated voltage, ~6000rpm no-load speed, ≤30mA no-load current, ~1W output at max efficiency):
Suitable for rotating warning lights, aroma diffusers, or display platforms where stable speed and continuous operation are important.
RF-370CA Motor (12V rated voltage, ~8000rpm no-load speed):
Commonly used in micro air pumps, inflation devices, and automatic sprayers where moderate pressure and airflow are needed.
Use the following formula to estimate required motor power:
P = F × v / η
(Where P = power, F = load force, v = velocity, η = transmission efficiency)
Example: A light-duty sprayer pushes 50g of fluid at 1m/s. Considering losses, the estimated required power is ~0.3–0.5W, which fits the RF-370CA motor.
Different applications require different speed levels and control options:
Fixed-speed products (e.g., electric toothbrushes, rotating lights): Match the rated speed of the motor.
Variable-speed applications (e.g., curtain motors, massage chairs): Use PWM speed control with a DC motor.
Low-speed, high-torque needs: Choose gear motors with built-in gearboxes.
Wide speed range & high precision control: BLDC motors with control boards offer efficient, quiet operation.
Motor dimensions (diameter, length, shaft size) directly impact product design and installation:
For compact spaces (e.g., smart locks, handheld devices), choose ultra-compact motors like N10 or N20 series.
We support customizations such as shaft length, gear fitting, slotting, and special mounting options to help you integrate motors into your design seamlessly.
Noise is a key factor in motor selection, especially in consumer electronics and personal care products:
Typical noise requirement for home devices: ≤60dB.
Our brushed DC motors usually operate under 45dB.
For ultra-low-noise applications (e.g., sleep aid devices, premium skincare tools), we offer customized winding and bearing solutions.
Motor lifespan depends on brush materials, motor structure, and operating conditions:
Brushed motors: 300–1500 hours typical lifespan.
Brushless motors: 2000+ hours due to reduced mechanical wear.
We offer high-temperature-resistant brushes and life testing reports to ensure long-term reliability.
Selecting the right micro motor involves evaluating your application’s demands in terms of use case, torque, power, speed, size, noise, and lifetime expectations.
With 20 years of experience, Lihua Motor offers tailored motor solutions to meet diverse customer needs.
Let’s discuss your motor requirements!
Our experienced application engineers are here to assist you at any stage of your product design process.
You can:
Start by using this article to narrow down your motor options;
Or contact our online support, or leave your email / WhatsApp info.
We’ll provide you with a customized motor solution within 12 hours.
