Frameless torque motor
Lin Engineering XCT frameless BLDC motors
Frameless brushless motors in 60, 85 and 160 mm frames, from 0.53 Nm to 12.4 Nm rated torque (series maximum), with 48 V windings and up to 325 V on the XCT160.
Key specifications
| Voltage (max) | 325 V |
|---|---|
| Rated torque | 0.53–12.4 Nm |
| Speed (max) | 3,645 rpm |
| Frame sizes | 60, 85, 160 |
| Supply | 48 V; XCT160 48–325 V |
Summarised in our own words from Lin Engineering's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Rated torque converted from oz-in (75.05 to 1,755.99 oz-in).
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Lin Engineering. Lin Engineering and XCT frameless BLDC motors are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures
Engineers often come to us with a Lin Engineering part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These 2 series from our supply network are the closest match on published figures.
High-voltage (600 VDC) frameless torque motor kits from 110 to 360 mm with large through-bores and integrated Hall sensors; the high-torque end of the Akribis frameless range.
View ADR-P →In-runner frameless torque motors from 65 to 410 mm stator OD with 8-64 poles, low profile and large through-holes; windings tailored to target speed.
View series →Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What a frameless torque motor is
A frameless torque motor is a permanent-magnet brushless motor supplied as two parts, a rotor and a stator, with no housing, bearings or shaft. The machine builder mounts the rotor directly on the driven shaft and the stator in the machine structure, so the motor becomes part of the mechanism. Many have large through-holes and high pole counts, giving high torque at low speed with no gearbox. They need separate feedback, typically an encoder, and a servo drive.
When engineers choose a frameless torque motor
Choose a frameless motor when you want direct drive in a compact, integrated design, such as robot joints, gimbals, rotary tables and medical devices. Removing the gearbox eliminates backlash and improves stiffness and smoothness. The trade-offs are integration work and size: the builder supplies bearings, alignment, cooling and feedback, and torque per volume is lower than a geared solution. For off-the-shelf installation, a housed direct-drive motor may be simpler.
How to specify the Lin Engineering XCT frameless BLDC motors
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right XCT frameless BLDC motors variant or an equivalent:
- Continuous and peak torque (Nm)
- Speed (rpm)
- Outer diameter, bore and stack length (mm)
- Bus voltage and current (V, A)
- Thermal mounting and cooling
- Feedback type and resolution
- Air gap and concentricity tolerance (mm)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving air gap and concentricity tolerances undefined
- Ignoring heat conduction from the stator into the housing
- Using an encoder with too low resolution for direct drive
- Forgetting rotor magnet attraction during assembly
Lin Engineering XCT frameless BLDC motors: frequently asked questions
What is the Lin Engineering XCT frameless BLDC motors?
Frameless brushless motors in 60, 85 and 160 mm frames, from 0.53 Nm to 12.4 Nm rated torque (series maximum), with 48 V windings and up to 325 V on the XCT160. Published series figures include voltage 325 V, rated torque 0.53 Nm, rated torque 12.4 Nm, speed 3,645 rpm. It is made by Lin Engineering; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Lin Engineering XCT frameless BLDC motors?
The Lin Engineering XCT frameless BLDC motors is made by Lin Engineering and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Lin Engineering; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the voltage of the Lin Engineering XCT frameless BLDC motors?
The published series maximum voltage is 325 V. Individual models and sizes in the XCT frameless BLDC motors range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the Lin Engineering XCT frameless BLDC motors?
Yes. On published figures, Akribis Systems ADR-P and TI Series In-Runner Frameless Direct Drive Torque Motors are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is the difference between a frameless and a housed torque motor?
A frameless motor is only a rotor and stator; the machine provides bearings, shaft, housing and feedback. A housed direct-drive motor adds bearings, housing and encoder in a ready-to-install unit. Frameless suits compact, integrated designs where the machine already has stiff bearings; housed suits faster installation and simpler alignment.
Why use a frameless motor instead of a gearbox?
Direct drive removes backlash, wear and compliance in the gear train, giving smoother motion and stiffer control. It also allows a large hollow shaft for cabling. The trade-off is that torque must come from the motor alone, so it is larger for a given torque.
Further reading: How to select a frameless torque motor · Frameless motor sizing robot joints · Frameless and torque motors
Other frameless torque motor series
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