Friction Force

Calculate the expected amount of friction force for your application

When designing an application the expected amount of friction is an important specification to consider. Friction directly dictates how much force a motor must overcome to reach the desired motion parameters like acceleration. Friction is defined as the force that is opposite in direction to the speed that is generated by the motor. Knowing how much friction the motor will encounter at what stage in the movement profile is therefore paramount.

In direct drive systems friction is caused by mechanical linkages like belts, chains, rack and pinion, gearboxes, et cetera, and the bearing system. An advantage of direct drives is that there is less friction and a direct and more easily controlled payload. Because there is no need for mechanical linkages between the payload and the motor.