With an outer diameter of 105 mm, and a 21 mm axial height, the LSI 105-21 provides 1.2 N-m of continuous torque output, yet only weighs 414 grams

The latest LS Series motor set uses a fiber-wound technique to bolster magnet retention of the rotor assembly 

Camarillo, CA (May 31, 2024) – ThinGap continues to build out its LS Series of slotless motor kits with the latest release, the LSI 105-21. The new part has an outer diameter (OD) of 105 mm, and an axial height of 21 mm. With a maximum operating speed of 3,000 RPM, the LSI 105-21 has a 1-second peak torque output of 13.5 N-m, and a continuous one of 1.2 N-m.

Designed from the ground up, the LSI 105-21 was developed for use in space-based gimbals, such as Coarse Pointing Assemblies (CPAs) that perform critical laser-based satellite communications. All types of multi-axial gimbal systems can leverage the benefits of high-performance cogless motors, such as ThinGap’s LS Series, to directly drive movement and maintain position, while offering a large aperture and significant Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) savings.

The LSI 105-21 marks the first time that an LS Series motor kit comes standard with a fiber-wound rotor. For high-speed and fail-safe applications, ThinGap deploys a thin, but strong filament of epoxy-coated fiberglass over the magnets in building the rotor assembly. This enhanced rotor provides an additional safety margin called out by some customers.

ThinGap’s LS Series of slotless motor kits range in size from 25 to 267 mm diameter, and torque from 0.1 to 12 N-m continuous and voltages from 24-400 volts. Most LS motors are available with an optional space-rating that includes the use of low outgassing materials, leaded-circuit boards and a Materials and Processes (M&P) list that conforms to NASA’s standards.

While the majority of ThinGap’s motors are bound for space or airborne gimbal applications, we have been proud to support Motocrane with their new advanced cinema gimbal system, Titan. Motocrane has integrated ThinGap’s LS Series of zero-cogging slotless motor kits into Titan, enabling smooth, high precision motion with even the heaviest camera systems. To learn more about Titan, see Motocrane’s video below.

While a majority of ThinGap’s motor kits are destined for airborne or spaceborne applications, the same attributes that help serve aerospace customers also are desirable for many medical applications. Smooth, zero-cogging, high precision motor kits, such as ThinGap’s are ideal for not only surgical robotics, but diagnostic and imaging equipment as well.

Modern surgical robotics systems require precise, exacting movement with no chance for mechanical disturbances to ensure the highest level of patient care. Zero-cogging motor kits are the ideal solution for true and accurate operator haptic feedback, as well as precision actuation. ThinGap’s TG Series motor kits have been used for haptic feedback for a surgical robotic system, due to the lack of both hysteretic drag afforded by the ironless motor architecture, enabling true force feedback without any disruptions.

ThinGap’s LS Series has seen integration in high-precision robotics due to the motor architecture’s extremely smooth, highly precise motion. Additionally, low profile motion solutions with a large internal aperture are desired for the ability to route optics or cabling through the center as part of deep system integration.

ThinGap’s motor kits have near zero Eddy-current, low or zero hysteretic drag, and a harmonic distortion of less than 1%, so torque output is directly proportional to current throughout the operating range, as well as providing smooth, zero-cogging motion. Additionally, ThinGap has maintained a long-standing relationship with a leading surgical robotics manufacturer supplying motors, and regularly works with other medical industry OEMs to produce tailor-made solutions that meet regulatory approval.