Tecnotion QTR Frameless Torque Motors Review: Specs, Price and Applications
Updated: 4 days ago
Tecnotion QTR is a family of frameless, three-phase synchronous torque motors spanning 65, 78, 105, 133 and 160 mm stator diameters. It includes compact low-voltage-oriented sizes, several winding choices in the middle range and taller QTR 160 variants. Tecnotion manufactures the motors; Electromate is a distributor represented in the source listing. Bearings, an encoder and a servo amplifier remain part of the surrounding axis.
Quick Verdict
QTR suits an OEM direct-drive joint, rotary mechanism or precision machine axis when the designer can integrate its own bearing, measurement and thermal systems. Its attraction is a compact motor around an open center, with a range of winding and height choices. Select a complete model, not a family headline: low-voltage speed, temperature sensing and continuous torque vary materially across the range.
Tecnotion QTR Frameless Torque Motors at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Architecture | Frameless three-phase synchronous motor; stator and permanent-magnet rotor; external control and load support |
QTR 65 heights 17 / 25 / 34 / 60 | Continuous 0.28 / 0.65 / 1.04 / 2.30 Nm; peak 0.41 / 0.84 / 1.44 / 3.89 Nm; Ultimate 0.64 / 1.31 / 2.27 / 5.53 Nm |
QTR 78 heights 17 / 25 / 34 / 60 | Continuous 0.57 / 1.34 / 2.10 / 4.47 Nm; peak 0.84 / 1.93 / 2.90 / 7.67 Nm; Ultimate 1.24 / 2.98 / 4.57 / 10.91 Nm |
QTR 105 | Continuous 1.4–12.1 Nm across listed heights and windings; QTR-A-105-60-N: peak 18.0 Nm, Ultimate 28.3 Nm |
QTR 133 | Continuous 2.6–22.2 Nm; QTR-A-133-60-N: peak 35.2 Nm, Ultimate 55.4 Nm |
QTR 160 standard heights 17 / 25 / 34 / 60 | Continuous varies with winding; QTR-A-160-60-N: 36.5 Nm continuous, 58.5 Nm peak, 92.2 Nm Ultimate |
QTR-A-160-114-N high stack | 77.4 Nm continuous; 116.9 Nm peak; 184.4 Nm Ultimate; 12.6 A RMS continuous current |
QTR-X-160-140-N high stack | 103.9 Nm continuous; 155.3 Nm peak; 244.8 Nm Ultimate; 12.7 A RMS continuous current |
Rotor inner diameters | 65: 17 mm; 78: 29 mm; 105: 56 mm; 133: 84 mm; 160 standard: 111 mm; 160 high stacks: 108 mm |
Temperature sensing | QTR 65/78 catalog tables list none; QTR 105/133/160 list PTC 1 kΩ and KTY83-122 |
Thermal conditions | Continuous data use 100°C coils and 20°C mounting surface; specifications ±10% |
Transient definitions | Peak: 6 K/s temperature rise; Ultimate: 20 K/s; magnets at 25°C |
Commutation option | Optional QTR digital Hall module; not a substitute for precision load-position measurement |
Price | Request a quote for the exact model and integration scope |
Design and Engineering Assessment
QTR is best understood as a configurable motor component rather than a ready-to-use rotary actuator. Its rotor and stator can be incorporated directly into a mechanism, eliminating a gearbox stage. That architecture can reduce transmission compliance and backlash, but it also places load inertia and disturbances directly on the servo loop. The installed bearing system, encoder and structure determine the angular performance of the finished machine.
The diameter progression gives an OEM meaningful packaging choices. QTR 65 has a 17 mm rotor opening and QTR 78 a 29 mm opening, while 105 and 133 increase it to 56 and 84 mm. The standard QTR 160 opening is 111 mm, but the 114 and 140 mm high-stack versions use 108 mm. That difference matters when a central shaft, hose bundle or rotary service interface already defines the machine geometry.
The current catalog corrects an important family-sizing assumption. QTR 133 reaches 22.2 Nm continuous in its 60-N configuration, and the QTR 160 range extends to 103.9 Nm continuous with QTR-X-160-140-N. Older distributor descriptions ending at 63.5 Nm do not describe the complete current range. These are distinct models and should remain distinct ordering records even when compared in one family review.
A low DC bus can be compatible with a motor without delivering the speed implied by its maximum-voltage rating. The QTR 105-34 illustrates the winding tradeoff particularly clearly: at 48 VDC and its continuous torque, the catalog lists 4 rpm for N, 464 rpm for Y and 1061 rpm for Z. The corresponding current and torque constants differ. A winding must be selected together with the power stage, not treated as an interchangeable suffix.
QTR 65 and QTR 78: compact does not mean interchangeable
Both series offer 17, 25, 34 and 60 size designations and use flying leads. The 65 family has N windings for the 17 and 25 models and Y for 34 and 60; the 78 has N for 17 and Y for 25, 34 and 60 in the reviewed catalog. Compare the exact table column when specifying torque constant, current or maximum speed.
At 48 VDC and continuous torque, QTR 65 speed entries are 5955, 2757, 3580 and 951 rpm across those four models. QTR 78 lists 2542, 2451, 1533 and 331 rpm. Those figures are not interchangeable no-load speeds or a guarantee for an assembled robot joint. The thermal condition and actual load cycle still apply.
QTR 105 and QTR 133: winding choice sets the electrical burden
The 17 and 25 sizes offer N, Y and Z winding columns in both families. QTR 105-34 also lists all three, whereas QTR 133-34 lists N and Z in this catalog. The 60 models are listed with N. A quotation should retain every relevant suffix so the amplifier, wiring and feedback commissioning are matched to the supplied motor.
For example, QTR-A-105-17 has 1.4 Nm continuous across N, Y and Z, but continuous current is 4.6, 8.4 and 14.6 A RMS. The higher-current winding can provide more speed from a low-voltage supply, at the cost of a different amplifier and cabling burden. Identical continuous torque does not mean identical electronics or losses throughout a duty cycle.
QTR 160 and the high-stack variants
Standard 17, 25 and 34 heights offer winding-dependent performance, while QTR-A-160-60-N is listed at 36.5 Nm continuous. The high-stack QTR-A-160-114-N increases this to 77.4 Nm; QTR-X-160-140-N reaches 103.9 Nm. The 140 model carries the X prefix in the current table, so preserving the exact identity matters.
At 48 VDC and continuous torque, the 114 and 140 entries are 109 and 111 rpm respectively. At the catalog maximum voltage, the corresponding entries are 641 and 474 rpm. Ultimate torque is 184.4 and 244.8 Nm, with a 20 K/s temperature-rise definition. These numbers do not establish continuous high-speed operation at Ultimate torque.
Thermal protection differs across the family
The QTR 65 and 78 tables explicitly list no temperature sensor. A blanket statement that every QTR includes integrated thermal measurement would therefore be wrong. Provide suitable protection for those configurations and confirm any sensor or monitoring option separately. The 105, 133 and 160 tables list PTC 1 kΩ and KTY83-122 sensing.
Continuous ratings assume a 20°C mounting surface with coils at 100°C. The machine housing is therefore part of the heat path. A warmer mounting surface, enclosed installation or poor thermal interface can change permissible current. Model the actual cycle and monitor the assembled axis rather than treating the published rating as independent of installation.
Commutation, feedback and amplifier compatibility
An optional Tecnotion digital Hall module can identify electrical rotor position at startup and replace a wake-and-shake routine in a compatible arrangement. It is not a high-resolution angular encoder. Specify the measurement system required for positioning, the commutation sequence and the actual amplifier input capability.
Verify motor phase parameters, current conventions, feedback protocol and electrical angle alignment. The catalog uses RMS current values; amplifier specifications may use another convention. A distributor statement about broad drive compatibility does not mean every drive can run every QTR winding with every encoder or bus supply. Network interfaces are supplied by the selected drive and controller, not by the bare motor.
Mechanical integration and acceptance
Provide concentric rotor and stator mounting, the specified air gap and a load-bearing system that maintains clearance throughout temperature and load changes. Follow the exact model drawings and installation instructions. Permanent magnets require a controlled assembly method; the frameless motor should not be treated as a loose housed motor that can simply be bolted to a flange.
Commission at reduced current and speed before testing the full machine cycle. Verify rotation direction, feedback polarity, commutation and travel limits, then evaluate following error, settling, torque demand and temperatures with the actual load. A vertical or externally driven axis may require a separate holding brake or other protective mechanism.
Alternatives and when to choose another architecture
QTR offers useful freedom when an OEM wants its own axis geometry. A housed direct-drive motor or rotary stage can be more practical when bearing support, encoder integration and mechanical acceptance must arrive as an assembled package. A geared servo can suit a different cost or torque-density target, but gearbox backlash, stiffness and maintenance then become explicit selection criteria.
Applications and Selection
Tecnotion identifies robotics, semiconductor machinery, printing, machine tooling and related automation as QTR application areas. High-stack QTR 160 is relevant when higher torque must remain within a 160 mm motor diameter, including semiconductor handling mechanisms. Select the complete bearing, sensing and control architecture for the process; motor-family use cases do not establish a certified cobot joint or a specific positioning accuracy.
For Tecnotion QTR Frameless Torque Motors, define the actual machine duty before selecting an ordering configuration. Include the required operating point, available installation space, environment and control interfaces. The specification table describes the product or family; the surrounding machine determines which of those features matters for the intended job.
Price and Value
Price: Request a quote for the exact configuration. Compare the product, compatible control equipment, required mechanical parts, cabling and commissioning as one installed system. A component price alone does not represent the cost of a working automation axis.
Evaluate an alternative against the same duty and acceptance criteria. Match the continuous operating requirement first, then compare transient capability, feedback, mechanical fit and support. This avoids choosing between superficially similar products whose ratings describe different operating conditions.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Five diameters and multiple heights support different OEM packaging requirements
Open rotor centers allow integration around a central machine feature
Several winding choices let designers trade current burden against low-voltage speed
QTR 160 high-stack models raise torque without increasing the 160 mm stator diameter
Limitations
Bare motor requires custom support, feedback, amplifier and thermal design
QTR 65 and 78 do not include temperature sensors in the reviewed catalog tables
Winding suffixes materially change current and speed compatibility
Ultimate torque is a transient limit rather than continuous output
Who Should Consider Tecnotion QTR Frameless Torque Motors?
Consider QTR for an OEM robot mechanism, semiconductor machine or compact rotary axis when custom bearing support, feedback and motor integration are part of the design. Select the diameter, height and winding together with the amplifier, and demonstrate the required settling and thermal behavior under the real load cycle.
Tecnotion QTR Frameless Torque Motors FAQ
Is QTR made by Electromate or Tecnotion?
Tecnotion manufactures QTR. Electromate is a distributor represented in the source listing. Keep the maker identity separate from the seller when requesting a quotation, selecting technical documentation or creating a catalog record.
Does every QTR have integrated temperature sensing?
No. The reviewed QTR 65 and 78 tables list no temperature sensor. QTR 105, 133 and 160 list PTC 1 kΩ and KTY83-122 sensing. Confirm the exact configuration and provide protection appropriate to its installation.
What is different about QTR 160 high stack?
The 114 and 140 mm models raise continuous torque to 77.4 and 103.9 Nm while retaining 160 mm stator diameter. Their rotor opening is 108 mm, compared with 111 mm for the standard-height QTR 160. The 140 model is identified as QTR-X-160-140-N in the current catalog.
Can QTR-X-160-140-N deliver 244.8 Nm continuously?
No. Its catalog figures are 103.9 Nm continuous, 155.3 Nm peak and 244.8 Nm Ultimate. Peak and Ultimate have different temperature-rise definitions, and the continuous rating depends on the stated coil and mounting conditions.
Why does the winding suffix matter?
N, Y and Z choices change torque constant, current and available speed. For QTR-A-105-17, the same 1.4 Nm continuous rating requires 4.6, 8.4 or 14.6 A RMS depending on winding. Match the exact suffix to the amplifier and supply.
Does the optional Hall module provide precision positioning feedback?
Its role is electrical rotor-position information for commutation and startup. Specify a separate suitable angular measurement system for the required positioning loop and verify that the drive supports both the feedback and commutation arrangement.
What should be included in a QTR quotation?
State diameter, height, winding, cable or lead requirements, sensing options and intended bus voltage. Also define the external drive, encoder, bearing and housing scope, the load cycle and mounting-temperature conditions. Request a quote rather than assuming a family-wide price.
Is QTR a complete safety-rated robot joint?
The reviewed product is a motor component. A complete joint needs mechanical support, feedback, control and any required holding or safety functions, with machine-level validation. The motor family name alone establishes none of those system capabilities.
Prices are indicative and may change. Confirm the final configuration, commercial terms and delivery schedule before ordering.
