Selection Guide: Finding the Right JMC Motor
Which motor fits your machine? This selection guide leads you in a few steps to the right frame size, drive type and equipment – from the small hobby router to the dynamic industrial system.
Servo vs. Closed-Loop at a Glance
Step 1: Servo or Closed-Loop Stepper Motor?
This fundamental decision determines the character and price of the drive.
| Your requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Classic router, moderate speed, best price-performance ratio | Closed-loop stepper motor (iHSS) |
| High rapid-traverse speed, fast acceleration | Servo motor (iHSV) |
| Continuous operation / industrial duty | Servo motor (iHSV) |
| Maximum smoothness at low speed | Closed-loop stepper motor (iHSS) |
| Limited budget, standard CNC | Closed-loop stepper motor (iHSS) |
Step 2: Which Frame Size / Which Torque?
The required motor size depends on machine weight, feed forces and mechanics (screw lead, reduction ratio). As a rough guide:
| Machine type | Frame size | Guide value |
|---|---|---|
| Small engraving machine, light gantry router | NEMA17 / NEMA23 | 0.48–2 Nm or 52–140 W |
| Medium wood/aluminium gantry router | NEMA23 / NEMA24 | 2–3.5 Nm or 180–400 W |
| Large/heavy gantry router, steel machining | NEMA34 | 4.5–12.2 Nm or 440–660 W |
When in doubt, choose the next size up – reserve never hurts, and a larger motor runs cooler and smoother at its load limit.
Step 3: With or Without Brake?
An integrated holding brake (models with “C” or the suffix “SC”) prevents a vertical axis from dropping on power failure. For the Z axis of a router or heavy suspended loads it is strongly recommended. For horizontal X and Y axes it is usually not needed.
Step 4: Voltage & Power Supply
JMC motors operate, depending on frame size, at 24 V, 36 V, 48 V or 72 V. A higher supply voltage means more usable torque at high speed. The power supply should deliver the rated current of all simultaneously accelerating axes plus reserve. Concrete notes on sizing and on charge capacitors can be found on the page Wiring & Commissioning.
Still Unsure?
We are happy to advise you on the right motorisation for your machine. All models are available ready to ship in the shop.