ELECTRIC MOTOR LAMINATIONS

In the heart of every electric vehicle, industrial robot, and high-end appliance lies an electric motor. Its efficiency is dictated by its core—a complex stack of thin metal layers known as motor laminations.

​​​​​​​

While the industry has traditionally relied on heavy machinery to stamp these parts out, a more refined approach is taking center stage. At the intersection of metallurgical science and advanced manufacturing, our specialty lies in crafting motor laminations that don't just meet specifications—they redefine them.

​

The Anatomy of a Motor Core

 

Motor laminations (often called silicon or electrical steel laminations) are the building blocks of a motor's stator and rotor. By stacking and bonding these thin sheets together, manufacturers create a solid core that directs magnetic flux while minimizing "eddy current" losses that cause overheating.

​

The Limitations of Tradition: Stamping vs. Science

 

For decades, stamping has been the go-to method for profiling laminations. However, traditional mechanical punching comes with "hidden" costs to performance:

​

• Residual Stress: The sheer force of a punch press can alter the grain structure of electrical steel, degrading its magnetic properties.

• Burrs: Stamping often leaves behind tiny metal protrusions (burrs) that can snag or damage copper windings during assembly.

• Tooling Barriers: Designing a new motor requires expensive, custom-made steel dies, making prototyping a slow and costly endeavor.

​​

The Chemical Etching Advantage: Stress-Free Precision

 

Chemical etching (also known as photochemical machining) offers a frictionless alternative. By using controlled chemical reactions to dissolve unwanted metal, we produce laminations with unmatched integrity.

​

• Preserved Magnetic Integrity: Because there is no mechanical force or heat-affected zone, the electrical steel retains its original magnetic permeability. Your motor runs cooler and more efficiently.

• Burr-Free Geometry: The process naturally produces smooth, clean edges. This eliminates the need for secondary deburring and ensures a seamless winding process.

• Unrivaled Accuracy: We achieve a standard accuracy of ±0.020mm on materials ranging from 0.1mm to 1.0mm in thickness. For ultra-high-end applications, we can integrate Wire EDM to push these tolerances even further.

​

From Concept to Core: A Cost-Effective Solution

 

In the race to innovate, speed is everything. Chemical etching is the ultimate tool for agile product development:

​

1. Zero Tooling Costs: We use digital tooling rather than physical dies. This means you can move from a CAD drawing to a physical prototype in days, not months.

2. Rapid Iteration: Want to tweak the slot geometry or cooling channels? We simply update the digital file and start the next run.

3. Material Versatility: Whether you are working with standard electrical steels or specialized cobalt and nickel alloys, our process delivers consistent results every time.

​

Engineering the Future

 

Whether you require loose metal laminations for testing or fully bonded stacks for production, our chemical etching service provides the speed, quality, and precision required for the next generation of electric motors.

​

​