Motor to drive a metal disc

[frankwas]

Hi all.

I am busy working on a project that will turn a disc, just a plain steel disc with a rod attached to it to simulate a steam train's piston action. I am now looking for the right type of motor for this. The disc is approx. 1 kg, possible less. I want to know if a stepper motor might work and will it be strong enough? Or what type of motor would you suggest cause I'm not good with the torque specs and don't know how much it can pull.

Thanks!

 

[AN920]

You will have to calculate the moment of inertia. You need the radius of your disc.

M.O.I = (mass x radius^2)/2

From here you can calculate the required torque requirement.
It will help a lot if you know:
1) The load torque
2) Required rotation speed (rpm)
3) Time allowed to get up to speed (sec)

 

[frankwas]

Thanks very much! One more question, which motors are the best to use in this case? Stepper, geared dc or normal dc motors?

 

[AN920]

DC motors have a lot of pull-out torque. Using a gear box enhances that.

 

[frankwas]

Thanks very much! I appreciate the reply!