Disk stepper motor with permanent magnets

The brushless machine with axial flux and permanent magnets (AFPM), also called the disc-type machine, is an interesting alternative to its cylindrical radial flux counterpart due to the disk shape, compact construction and high torque density. AFPM disk motors are particularly suitable for electrical vehicles, robots, valve control, pumps, centrifuges, fans, machine tools and manufacturing. The first parts of the paper compare of drive system with disk-motor to the motor with cylindrical shape, as well as disk-motor with radial and axial flux. Next part of the contribution describes types of the disk motors and their construction. The 3D magnetic simulation and analysis of the disk stepper motor with permanent magnets is being subject of the article, too. The unique disc-type profile of the rotor and stator of AFPM machines makes it possible to generate diverse and interchangeable designs. AFPM machines can be designed as single air gap or multiple air gaps machines, with slotted, slotless or even totally ironless armature. Low power AFPM machines are frequently designed as machines with slotless windings and permanent surface magnets.