Guides
Motor technology guides
Plain-language, standards-based explanations of motor efficiency, magnet materials, and the rare-earth supply chain — the background behind rare-earth-free IE6 motor design.
EFFICIENCY STANDARDS · IEC 60034-30-2
What is IE6 Efficiency
A clear guide to IEC motor efficiency classes IE1 to IE6: what they mean, how efficiency is tested under IEC 60034-30-2, and why IE6 matters for industry.
MAGNET MATERIALS
Ferrite vs Neodymium Magnets
Compare ferrite and neodymium (NdFeB) permanent magnets: magnetic strength, cost, temperature behaviour, and supply-chain risk — a general, public-knowledge guide.
MOTOR FUNDAMENTALS
How PM Motors Work
Learn how permanent magnet (PM) motors work: the operating principle, stator and rotor roles, synchronous operation, and why PM motors reach high efficiency classes.
MOTOR TECHNOLOGY COMPARISON
PM vs Induction Motors
Compare permanent magnet and induction motors on efficiency, cost, torque, control and reliability — a clear, general-knowledge guide for specifiers and buyers.
SUPPLY CHAIN
Rare-Earth Supply Chain
Understand the rare-earth supply chain: what rare earths are, why processing is concentrated in China, recent export controls, and what it means for motor makers.
MOTOR EFFICIENCY
Efficiency at Partial Load
Most motors run below full load most of the time. Learn how efficiency changes at partial load, why it matters for energy cost, and how to select motors accordingly.
STANDARDS · IEC 60072
IEC Frame Sizes
Understand IEC motor frame sizes: what the frame number means, how it maps to shaft height and power, and what frames 160 to 355+ typically cover.
REGULATION · EU ECODESIGN
EU MEPS Regulations
A plain-language guide to EU MEPS for electric motors under the Ecodesign Regulation: what MEPS are, which motors are covered, and the move toward higher IE classes.
ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS
What is Power Factor
A clear guide to power factor in electric motors: real vs reactive vs apparent power, why motors draw reactive current, and how power factor affects cost.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
Rare-Earth-Free Motor Technology
An overview of rare-earth-free motor technology: why it matters, the main design approaches (ferrite, induction, reluctance), their trade-offs, and the outlook.
MATERIALS · REE BASICS
What Are Rare-Earth Elements
A clear, plain-language guide to rare-earth elements: the 17 metals, light vs heavy rare earths, where they come from, why they're hard to produce, and why they matter.
APPLICATIONS
What Are Rare Earths Used For
Where are rare-earth elements used? A clear guide to their role in permanent magnets, EVs, wind power, electronics, displays, catalysts and defence — and why magnets matter most.
SUPPLY CHAIN · POLICY
Rare-Earth Export Controls
What are rare-earth export controls and why do they matter? A plain-language guide to the 2025 restrictions, their impact on manufacturers, and how companies are de-risking supply.