Selection Guide

How to choose a servo motor: apply the four selection conditions, then run the calculations.

Four selection conditions

Three calculation steps

  1. 1 · Inertia matching: compute JL and check JL/JM.
  2. 2 · Speed: compute load and motor speed from lead/diameter and ratio.
  3. 3 · Torque: compute steady and acceleration torque; verify RMS and peak.
Always check three things: speed (rpm), torque (N·m) and inertia (J).
Oversizing wastes cost; undersizing causes stall or poor response. Use RMS torque for thermal sizing and peak torque for the acceleration event.

Selection Workflow

Two widely used supplier methods, plus a general checklist. Apply them after the torque / inertia calculations.

Mitsubishi 5-step method

  1. Maximum speed: Nmax ≥ Vm·i / Pb.
  2. Inertia match: JM·2.5 > JL.
  3. Acceleration peak: Tmax = 2π·N·(JM+JL)/(60·Ts) + TF ≤ 80% of drive maximum.
  4. RMS (thermal): Trms ≤ 80% of rated torque.
  5. Overload time: continuous overload ≤ motor allowed time.

FANUC 6 selection conditions

  1. No-load running torque < 50% of continuous rated torque.
  2. Acceleration / deceleration time within motor capability.
  3. Frequent-positioning RMS torque ≤ rated torque.
  4. Periodic load-fluctuation RMS ≤ rated torque.
  5. Maximum cutting-torque duty cycle satisfied.
  6. Load inertia ≤ 3× motor inertia (Mitsubishi recommends ≤ 2.5×).