Customizing motor parts using precision machining | Global Sources

by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra

The wide application base of electric motors means a diverse range of parts such as rotors, stators, bearings, stator windings, shafts, covers and shells. These come in a variety of materials and surface treatments, and require precision machining based on custom requirements, including tolerances.

China, which has a thriving metal fabrication industry, has a number of motor parts manufacturers. These companies have the capability to handle steel, aluminum alloy, stainless steel and brass, among other metals, and offer brushing, polishing, electrophoresis, anodizing, powder-coating, silk-screening and laser-engraving services. As quality assurance, they follow industry standards such as JIS, DIN, BS, ASTM, EN and China’s own GB.

To be able to deliver on any specification, Chinese suppliers as a whole aim to keep improving upon their manufacturing techniques. Many have already been using state-of-the-art production equipment such as CNC machines for composite materials, including units with a five-axis linkage control system, those designed for universal turning, and machining centers. For testing, tool microscopes, automatic height gauges and dial gauges are some of the instruments at their disposal.

All materials come from domestic sources, an advantage that Chinese companies often use as leverage to stay competitive. But because costs of these manufacturing inputs rose in the past year, they were forced to raise quotes for motor parts. Suppliers interviewed by Global Sources said that they believe the situation will improve in the coming months through 2023.