Different Types of Flange Motor and Their Uses in Industry




In modern industrial systems, compact design, precise alignment, and reliable power transmission are critical factors. One motor type that perfectly meets these requirements is the flange motor. 

Widely used across automation, manufacturing, material handling, and process industries, flange motors offer superior mounting flexibility and space optimization compared to conventional foot-mounted motors.


This article provides a complete, industry-ready guide on the different types of flange motor and their uses  covering mounting standards, applications, and selection insights.

What Is a Flange Motor?

A flange motor is an electric motor designed with a motor flange on the shaft side, allowing it to be directly mounted onto machinery, gearboxes, pumps, or equipment housings. 

Instead of resting on a base frame, a flange mounted motor is fixed through its flange using bolts, ensuring accurate shaft alignment and reduced vibration.

Flange motors are commonly used where space constraints, direct coupling, and high mechanical stability are required.

Why Flange Motors Are Preferred in Industrial Applications

Before understanding the different types, it is important to know why industries prefer flange motors:

  • Compact installation and space-saving design

  • Precise shaft alignment

  • Reduced mechanical losses

  • Easy integration with gearboxes and pumps

  • Improved efficiency and operational reliability

Due to these advantages, flange type motor are increasingly replacing traditional foot-mounted motors in advanced industrial systems.

Different Types of Flange Motor Based on Mounting Standards

Flange motors are classified mainly according to IEC mounting standards, which define the electric motor flange types, bolt patterns, and dimensions.

1. B5 Flange Motor (Large Flange Motor)

The B5 flange motor is one of the most widely used flange-mounted motor types in heavy-duty applications. It features a large flange without feet, mounted directly to the driven equipment.

Key characteristics:

  • Large flange diameter

  • Strong mechanical support

  • Suitable for high-torque applications

Industrial uses:

  • Pumps and compressors

  • Heavy-duty gearboxes

  • Material handling systems

  • Extruders and mixers

Because of their strength and stability, B5 flange motors are commonly used in flange mounted gearbox with motor assemblies.

2. B14 Flange Motor (Small Flange Motor)

The B14 flange motor comes with a smaller flange diameter, making it ideal for compact machines and light-to-medium load applications.

Key characteristics:

  • Compact design

  • Smaller bolt circle

  • Suitable for limited-space installations

Industrial uses:

  • Packaging machinery

  • Automation equipment

  • Textile machines

  • Printing and labeling systems

B14 motors are often selected when precise alignment and minimum installation space are critical.

3. B35 Flange Motor (Flange + Foot Mounted Motor)

The B35 flange motor combines the advantages of both foot-mounted and flange-mounted designs. It includes mounting feet along with a flange.

Key characteristics:

  • Dual mounting options

  • High flexibility in installation

  • Suitable for retrofitting applications

Industrial uses:

  • Conveyor systems

  • Material handling equipment

  • Industrial fans and blowers

  • Modular machinery

This type of flange motor is ideal where future alignment adjustments may be required.

4. B34 Flange Motor (Small Flange + Foot)

The B34 flange motor features a small flange combined with feet, offering a compact yet flexible mounting solution.

Key characteristics:

  • Balanced design

  • Easy replacement of standard motors

  • Good for medium-duty applications

Industrial uses:

  • Light conveyors

  • Industrial automation lines

  • Machine tools

This type is often selected when transitioning from a standard motor to a flange type motor without major machine modifications.

Types of Flange Motors Based on Application

Apart from mounting standards, flange motors can also be categorized based on their industrial usage.

5. Flange Motor for Gearbox Applications

A flange mounted gearbox with motor is one of the most common industrial configurations. In this setup, the motor is directly mounted to the gearbox using a flange, eliminating the need for couplings.

Advantages:

  • Compact power transmission

  • Reduced alignment issues

  • Higher efficiency

Applications include:

  • Conveyor drives

  • Crushers and shredders

  • Packaging lines

  • Mixing equipment

6. Flange Motors for Pumps and Compressors

Flange motors are widely used in centrifugal pumps, vacuum pumps, and compressors due to their direct coupling capability.

Benefits:

  • Reduced vibration

  • Improved sealing

  • Longer bearing life

Industries such as water treatment, oil & gas, and chemical processing heavily rely on flange-mounted motors.

7. Servo and Precision Flange Motors

In automation and CNC machinery, precision flange motors ensure accurate positioning and high dynamic performance.

Typical uses:

  • Robotics

  • CNC machines

  • Automated assembly lines

These motors are engineered with precise flange motor dimensions for exact alignment.

Understanding Flange Motor Dimensions

Flange motor dimensions play a crucial role in selecting the right motor. Key dimensions include:

  • Flange outer diameter

  • Bolt circle diameter

  • Shaft diameter and length

  • Pilot diameter

Accurate dimension matching ensures smooth installation and prevents mechanical failures. Always refer to IEC dimension charts before finalizing a motor selection.

Energy-Efficient and Branded Flange Motors

ABB Flange Mounted Motor

A well-known option in industrial environments is the ABB flange mounted motor. ABB motors are recognized for:

  • High energy efficiency (IE3, IE4)

  • Robust construction

  • Long operational life

  • Compliance with international standards

ABB flange motors are commonly used in critical applications such as power plants, steel mills, and process industries where reliability is non-negotiable.

How to Choose the Right Flange Motor for Your Industry

When selecting a flange motor, consider the following factors:

  1. Required torque and power rating

  2. Mounting type (B5, B14, B35, B34)

  3. Environmental conditions (dust, moisture, temperature)

  4. Compatibility with gearboxes or driven equipment

  5. Energy efficiency requirements

Choosing the right electric motor flange type directly impacts machine performance, energy consumption, and maintenance costs.

Future Trends in Flange Motor Applications

With the rise of Industry 4.0, flange motors are evolving to support:

  • Smart sensors for condition monitoring

  • Energy-efficient motor designs

  • Compact integrated motor-gearbox units

Industries are increasingly shifting toward smart flange motors that offer predictive maintenance and improved system uptime.

Conclusion

The flange motor has become an essential component in modern industrial machinery due to its compact design, precise alignment, and installation flexibility. 

Shri Rang Energy Efficient is trading and supplying various flange motors. these products are manufactured using excellent quality materials and components at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at our premises.

Understanding the different types of flange motors and their uses in industry helps businesses choose the right motor for improved efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance. 

Whether you are integrating a new automation line or upgrading existing equipment, selecting the correct flange type motor ensures smoother operations and better ROI.


Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Components of a DC Motor and Their Functions

Image
DC motors find use in many applications including small toys and home appliances at one end, and large industry machines on the other. Derived from the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical motion, these motors can power such equipment as fans, pumps, and electric vehicles.  As a dependable electric motor supplier - Shrirang Energy Efficient , understanding the internal components of a DC electric motor becomes a necessity in terms of maintenance, design, and troubleshooting.  This blog discusses the main components of a DC motor and their contribution to the operation of the entire machine. 1. Core Components of a DC Motor A. Stator (Stationary Part) The stator is the non-moving part of the DC motor that generates a magnetic field needed for the motor's operation. Sub-components: Field Windings or Permanent Magnets : The stator will either have field windings or mature permanent magnets depending on its motor type: field windings are basically electromagnets ene...
Read more

How Crompton Greaves Motors Unveiling the Future By embracing Green technology?

Image
In the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancements, Crompton Greaves Motors has emerged as a trailblazer by embracing cutting-edge green technology. This article delves into the innovative strides made by Crompton Greaves Motors and how this forward-thinking approach is reshaping the future of the industry. The Green Technology Paradigm Sustainable Engineering Excellence Crompton Greaves Motors has shifted gears towards a sustainable future, focusing on green technology that not only optimizes performance but also minimizes environmental impact. Their commitment to sustainable engineering excellence is evident in every aspect of their operations. Energy-Efficient Motors One of the standout features of Crompton Greaves Motors ' green initiative is the development of energy-efficient motors. These motors not only reduce carbon footprint but also offer businesses substantial cost savings in the long run. By prioritizing energy efficiency, Crompton Greaves Motors is not just...
Read more

Exploring the Cutting Edge Key Advances in Vibratory Motor Technology for Manufacturers

Image
In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, staying abreast of technological advancements is crucial for achieving enhanced efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Vibratory motors, with their diverse applications in various industries, continue to undergo transformative changes.  Smart Integration and Industry 4.0 One of the most significant developments in vibratory motor technology is the integration of smart features. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating sensors and connectivity options, aligning vibratory motors with the principles of Industry 4.0 . This not only facilitates real-time monitoring but also allows for predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime, and optimizing production processes. Precision Vibration Control Precision is paramount in manufacturing, and recent advancements in vibratory motor technology have focused on achieving finer control over vibrations. This level of control is especially crucial in industries where delicate materials or ...
Read more