Every motor is only able to safely produce a certain range of speed and torque outputs. These operating characteristics of a motor are often presented graphically on what is known as a torque-speed curve, shown in Figure 3 below. This chart is also commonly referred to as simply the torque curve. Every motor will have its own torque curve describing how it operates. Notice in both (a) and (b), the same information is plotted but the axes have been switched. Different manufacturers may choose between these options for showing their torque curve information. For consistency, style (b) will be utilized throughout this guide.
Figure 3: Torque Curve Examples (a) Left, (b) Right
One of the first things to notice from a torque curve chart are the motor’s operating limits. In the operating range diagram, shown in Figure 4Error: Reference source not found below, the conditions the motor is designed to operate at for its rated life are shown (the continuous operation region).