

AC rotors are important elements in a motion control device. A rotor spins when the motor or generator’s windings and magnetic fields interact. When torque is fed to a generator or when electricity is supplied to a motor, the rotor will rotate and subsequently convert the energy into one form or another, whether mechanical or electrical.



Industrial cast rotors are made of various materials, most commonly aluminum and copper. They may be mass-produced but they can also be custom fabricated or custom cast. Rotor castings made to exact specifications can help to ensure smooth and reliable operation. They also can improve the overall service life of the motor or generator.



Rotor shafts can be modified and enhanced based on their assembly, balancing, and by additions like bearings. Custom fabricated, high-performance squirrel cage rotor castings, whether kept raw or machined on a shaft, can allow for the incorporation of different types of alloys. This makes it possible to modify and enhance performance through various material properties.



It is also possible to tailor speed and torque by modifying the rotor bar and end ring conductivity. There are custom rotor manufacturers that offer special production capabilities when catering industrial cast rotors to unique performance and application requirements.



As an AC rotor is such a major factor in a motor’s performance, this element should not be overlooked as a means of tailoring and improving functionality to best suit an application. This is particularly important in critical and highly unique equipment, as commercial off-the-shelf products don’t always satisfy operational requirements.

What Is The Difference Between A Motor And A Rotor?

An electric motor describes the stationary components of a motor as well as the overall device. A rotor describes the rotating portion of the motor. The rotor itself is comprised of various components, including the core and the windings. A rotor is sometimes called shaft or armature.

What Is A Rotor Made Of?

Rotors may be made of various materials, including iron, copper, and aluminum, but they must be magnetic for the motor to function. They typically consist of insulated layers of this material. The parts of a rotor include a core that is coiled with wire, conductor bars, and an end ring. Additional parts and the structure of the rotor will vary by type. For example, a squirrel-cage motor will include bars of copper, a wound rotor will include slots to accommodate 3-phase windings, and a cylindrical rotor will include slip rings. Bearings and other components may be added to modify the rotor’s performance.

What Is A Squirrel-Cage Rotor?

A squirrel-cage rotor is made up of a cylinder of laminations and conductors made from copper or aluminum. This type of rotor gets its name from its cylindrical, barred appearance which looks like a squirrel cage. Squirrel-cage motors are among the most prevalent types of industrial rotors. Among the key advantages of this rotor is its consistent speed, simplicity, endurance, and ability to self-start. They can be modified and customized in multiple ways.

What Is A Wound Rotor?

A wound rotor has windings that are run through slip rings. They also have a greater number of winding turns than squirrel-cage rotors, which amounts to lower current and higher voltage during operation. Wound rotors are typically chosen over squirrel-cage rotors when a high starting torque is needed.

What Is A Cast Rotor?

A cast rotor typically describes a rotor that is made through a die-casting process. Cast rotors are alternatives to fabricated rotors and are usually lower cost to produce while allowing more flexibility in the design of the rotor bar shape.