How to Choose the Right Drive Motor for a Printer? - PK35 vs PN61 Application Comparison Guide

In modern laser printers, thermal printing equipment, and multifunctional All in One, the driving motor undertakes key actions such as paper conveying, print head slide movement, paper pressing, and peeling. The performance of the motor directly determines the stability, response speed, noise control, and service life of the entire machine.

To meet the needs of different printing scenarios, Changjincheng Electric Appliances provides two representative motor solutions.

• PK35 brushed DC motor + encoder disc combination
• PN61 brushless DC motor + built-in controller
• This article will comprehensively compare the two motors from multiple dimensions such as control methods, performance parameters, working environment, typical applications, and interface indications, based on the technical principles and structural requirements of printers, to help R & D and procurement teams make more efficient selection judgments.

First, the influence of motor structure on printing system

PK35: Classic scheme of coded disk-assisted closed-loop control

PK35 is a brushed DC motor , supporting the use of encoder disc (encoder) can achieve closed-loop control, suitable for paper feeding, label stripping or paper alignment system in printers . The encoder can provide real-time feedback of speed and displacement information to help the main control system accurately control the paper feeding rhythm and prevent paper jams or alignment deviations.

Typical features:

• Carbon brush reversing structure, easy maintenance
• The encoder can feedback speed information to achieve accurate paper feeding
• High cost performance, suitable for medium and low speed, low load modules

PN61: Integrated brushless solution for high-end printing modules

PN61 integrates three-phase brushless motor, built-in controller supports PWM frequency speed regulation, with rich protection mechanism , suitable for the design requirements of modern high-integration printing module. Its internal control system supports PWM, speed closed-loop, overload protection and other functions, saving external driver development work, commonly used in print head scanning drive, pressure roller drive and other precision motion scenes .

Typical features:

• Built-in drivers simplify wiring and development
• High control accuracy (speed error less than 0.08%)
• Supports multiple protections (overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overheating, clogging).
• Suitable for working silent printing equipment, nozzle slide, medical printing module

Parameter comparison based on printing requirements

After comparing the core parameters of PK35 and PN61, it can be seen that these two motors have their own characteristics in structural design, performance output, and system integration, and are suitable for the development needs of different types of printing equipment. PK35 adopts a traditional brushed structure, combined with an encoder to achieve speed feedback control, with advantages such as mature structure and controllable cost, suitable for existing main control boards, paper feeding modules that require closed-loop control, or medium and low-speed drive systems. Its no-load speed can reach 4500 rpm, which has obvious advantages in response speed. At the same time, it has good temperature resistance (-30 ℃~ + 80 ℃), suitable for deployment in outdoor equipment with complex environmental conditions or temperature differences. However, due to the limitation of carbon brush wear, its typical lifespan is about 500 hours, which is suitable for mid-to-low-end equipment with acceptable maintenance cycles. In contrast, PN61 is a highly integrated three-phase brushless motor with a built-in controller that supports PWM speed regulation and START control signals, greatly simplifying the control logic and wiring complexity of the entire machine. Its operating noise is only 41 dB, and with a maximum torque output of up to 200 mN · m, it is suitable for high-precision and high-load scenarios, such as printhead slides, composite paper feeding platforms, etc. The motor is designed to have a lifespan of over 12,000 hours and is suitable for work equipment, medical printing end points, and other products that pursue long-term stable operation and low maintenance costs.

In practical applications, the performance curve of the motor is the core basis for engineers to judge its adaptability. By comparing PK35 and PN61 in the figure below, we can see the output speed, torque, efficiency and power consumption trends of the two motors under different load conditions .

? PK35 Performance Characteristics Analysis

• The no-load speed can reach 4500 rpm, indicating that it is more suitable for driving scenarios that require speed (such as fast paper feeding and paper feeding systems).
• The highest efficiency point occurs under moderate load (about 45 mN · m), when the efficiency is close to 52%, suitable for driving tasks with continuous action.
• The maximum output torque is close to 120 mN · m, but the efficiency starts to decline rapidly in the high load zone, and the current is close to the limit value (2.64 A), so it is not suitable for long-term high torque operation.
• From the performance curve, PK35 is more suitable for intermittent high response, cost-sensitive systems , such as ticket printers, label stripping modules.

? Analysis of PN61 Performance Characteristics

• The rated speed is stable at 1673.5 rpm, and the speed fluctuation is very small (the control accuracy can reach ± 0.08%), which is very suitable for modules that require constant speed operation such as print head slides and platform positioning.
• Under a rated load of 120 mN · m, the output power reaches 21W, the system efficiency exceeds 65%, and it can operate continuously for more than 12,000 hours.
• The maximum output torque is 200 mN · m, which means that the system can maintain stable operation even if the load fluctuates.
• Excellent noise control , ≤ 41 dB, especially suitable for silent work equipment and medical printing end point .

Application suggestions and selection references

Different types of printing modules have significant differences in the performance requirements of the motor. Combining the characteristics and advantages of PK35 and PN61, targeted selection can be made according to specific application needs.

In scenarios that are sensitive to cost and response speed, such as label peeling and thermal ticket printing, PK35 provides a cost-effective closed-loop paper feeding solution with a combination of brush structure and encoding disc for speed measurement . Its encoding disc obtains speed signals through optical detection, helping the system achieve precise paper feeding and paper positioning control, which is particularly suitable for the application requirements of large-scale standardized printing equipment. In modules with higher requirements for control stability and smoothness, such as printhead slides and high-end All-in-One, PN61 can achieve more accurate speed control and start-stop response with built-in controllers and high-precision PWM speed regulation capabilities, and is suitable for composite structures with strict output consistency requirements. In addition, PN61 performs well in terms of operating noise and electrical protection, especially suitable for medical, financial and other equipment that requires long-term continuous operation and strict requirements for quietness. In contrast, PK35 has a wider temperature range (-30 ° C~ + 80 ° C), stronger environmental adaptability in outdoor and extreme working conditions, and is also suitable for scenarios in industrial printing equipment that require heat resistance and stability.

According to the core requirements of the whole machine design (such as cost, lifespan, control accuracy, operating environment, etc.), combined with this form for quick matching, improve the selection efficiency.

IV. Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Q1: My system only has IO control, can it directly drive PN61?

Yes. PN61 supports PWM control and START/STOP interface, and is compatible with most main control boards. Only standard frequency signals need to be provided.

What types of encoders are available for PK35?

Commonly used as a photoelectric 45 PPR encoder, optional AB phase output. Other pulse numbers can be customized.

Q3: Can PN61 come with built-in speed feedback?

The LOCK terminal can output high and low levels to feedback whether the current speed is within the specified range.

Q4: Can the motor be customized with joints, shaft length, or labels?

Support. CJC provides customized services including shaft length, terminal orientation, interface harness, and label content.

V. Recommended combinations and customized instructions

• PK35 recommended combination :Equipped with 45 PPR encoder, compatible with STM32, GD32 and other main control platformsSuitable for low-cost, high-volume usage scenarios
• PN61 recommended combination :Support PWM module, connector module, with Hall feedback schemeCan be applied to integrated printing module, handheld printing device

? summary: Motor selection needs to match the printing scene

• If your device requires speed feedback , external master drive , and is sensitive to cost control , PK35 is a market-proven and stable classic solution;
• If you want higher integration, lower noise and longer life , the PN61 integrated brushless control design will greatly simplify the development and debugging process and is the ideal choice for upgrading the next generation of printing equipment.

PK35 and PN61 motors represent different design strategies in the printing industry: the former focuses on cost-effectiveness and main control compatibility, while the latter emphasizes high integration and long-term reliability. Through this comparative analysis, we hope to help you choose the most suitable drive solution in the structural design and Performance optimization of printing products.

If you need in-depth cooperation or testing support, please contact the technical team of Changjincheng Electric Appliance. We will provide efficient and stable product and service support.