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Comparing maxon EC-i vs ECX Motors: Which One Fits Your Design?

August 19, 2025

Comparing maxon EC-i vs ECX Motors: Which One Fits Your Design?

The choice between maxon’s EC-i and ECX motor series depends on whether the application prioritizes torque or speed, rugged durability or quick responsiveness, and high load-handling capability or low-inertia performance.

Both maxon product lines use brushless DC motor technology but are engineered with distinct rotor architectures and performance envelopes. This comparison outlines the mechanical, electrical, and application-level differences to guide system engineers toward the right fit.

Series Overview

maxon EC-i: Iron-Core, High-Torque Motors
Comparing maxon EC-i vs ECX Motors: Which One Fits Your Design?

The EC-i series features an iron-core rotor design that yields high torque density in a compact footprint. These motors are designed for industrial and robotic applications where space is limited but torque and durability are critical.

maxon ECX: Ironless, High-Speed Motors
Comparing maxon EC-i vs ECX Motors: Which One Fits Your Design?

The ECX series is built around a coreless (ironless) winding architecture, resulting in low rotor inertia, no cogging torque, and extremely high rotational speeds. These motors are ideal for precision positioning, small-scale automation, and high-dynamic-response systems.

Technical Comparison: EC-i vs. ECX

Rotor TypeIron‑core (slotless or slotted)Ironless, self‑supporting winding
Cogging TorquePresent (minimized via design)None
Max Speed~10,000–15,000 rpm (varies by model)Up to 120,000 rpm (depending on size and winding)
Torque OutputHigh continuous and peak torqueLower torque; optimized for rapid changes in velocity
InertiaHigher rotor inertia for load dampingVery low inertia for fast acceleration/deceleration
Motor Diameter Range30 mm to 52 mm4 mm to 40 mm
Motor LengthsShort and robustCompact and elongated options
EfficiencyHigh; optimized for torque outputVery high at light loads and high speeds
Noise and VibrationModerate mechanical vibration from core interactionExtremely quiet due to ironless design
Thermal ManagementExcellent; designed for continuous‑duty with high currentGood; requires attention in continuous high‑load applications
Customization OptionsWide range of windings, gearheads, encoders, and custom shaftsAvailable with special sterilizable versions and medical‑grade components

Performance Considerations by Use Case

Use EC-i When:
  • Load inertia is high and torque ripple is acceptable.
  • System requires long-term reliability under heavy duty cycles.
  • Application needs strong holding torque or operation against resistive loads.
  • Target industries: Industrial automation, collaborative robots, AGVs, logistics actuators, power tools.
Use ECX When:
  • Cog-free motion is required for positioning accuracy or sensitive feedback loops.
  • Application demands miniaturization or ultralight design.
  • System benefits from ultra-high acceleration or very fast start/stop cycles.
  • Target industries: Medical devices, laboratory instruments, surgical tools, wearable tech, aerospace micro-mechanisms.

Integration with Drives and Encoders

Both motor families are fully compatible with maxon’s control ecosystem:

  • EPOS controllers support digital communication (CANopen, EtherCAT) and precise multi-axis coordination.
  • ESCON analog controllers offer compact, cost-effective servo performance.
  • Encoder options up to 1024 CPT (magnetic or optical) are available for both series.
  • Gearboxes: Planetary and spur gearheads are designed to match the shaft and torque profile of both EC-i and ECX variants.

Selection Summary

If You Need…Go With…
Compact high-torque motor for continuous dutyEC-i Series
Vibration-free operation at high RPMECX Series
Excellent thermal capacity for sealed environmentsEC-i Series
Miniature design with fast dynamicsECX Series
Simplified integration with robust gearingEC-i Series
Smooth, precise low-torque controlECX Series

Source

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