maxon, the manufacturer of precision drive systems, has launched a range of washable and sterilisable motors for surgical hand tools and medical devices.

Designed for up to 300 wash cycles and 2,000 autoclave cycles, the first motor in the ECX Speed Washable platform is a 16mmØ brushless DC (BLDC) design.

The new range has been developed for designers of medical products where the motors could come directly into contact with saline or other medical cleaning solutions.

The ECX16 Speed Washable motor features a fully encapsulated winding and over-moulded electrical connections within the motor body to enable the motor to withstand the medical washing process without ingress into sensitive electrical connections. The motor can also be used within autoclave sterilisers, with a steam temperature up to 135DegC, without degradation. The design ensures long-term durability.

High torque density and a low torque speed gradient

The motor combines a high torque density and a low torque speed gradient, resulting in a top-performing brushless motor for a wide variety of surgical applications, while retaining a compact, lightweight footprint.

The ECX16 Speed Washable motor can be fully customised and complemented by maxon’s full range of gearbox and encoder options.

“The new washable motor family is designed for medical devices and surgical hand tool developers, allowing the motors to withstand regular exposure to aggressive cleaning fluids,” says Matthew Dean, maxon UK & Ireland’s engineering lead for the medical sector.

To meet the demands of the medical industry, maxon adheres to all expected standards, including ISO 13485.

For more information contact Matthew Dean, maxon UK & Ireland, at mailto:matthew.dean@maxongroup.com or call +44 (0) 1189 733337.