Pololu 3450/3451/3452/3453/3454/3455/3456/3457/3458/3459/3460/3461 Metal Gearmotor 20Dx41L mm 6V

The Pololu Metal Gearmotor 20Dx41L mm 6V is a compact, high-torque brushed DC motor with integrated metal gearbox, designed for robotics, automation, and embedded systems requiring precise speed and torque control. Professional engineers and hobbyists use this motor series in mobile robots, wheeled platforms, and mechanical automation projects where space constraints and reliability are critical. This product solves the challenge of integrating motor and gearbox separately by providing a compact, pre-assembled solution with multiple gear ratio options across the 3450-3461 series, enabling designers to select the exact torque-speed characteristics needed for their application.

Product Overview

The Pololu 3450-3461 Metal Gearmotor series features a precision-engineered brushed DC motor coupled with a metal spur gear transmission system. The motor operates at 6V nominal voltage and delivers consistent torque output through helical or spur gears depending on the specific model variant. The metal gear construction ensures durability and low backlash compared to plastic alternatives, making these motors ideal for applications requiring accurate positioning and repeated mechanical stress. The compact 20mm diameter housing with 41mm length allows integration into space-constrained robotic platforms while maintaining sufficient torque delivery for wheel drive systems and mechanical linkages.

Each model in the 3450-3461 range offers different gear ratios, allowing selection from low-speed high-torque variants to higher-speed lower-torque configurations. The sealed motor design provides protection against dust and minor moisture exposure, extending operational life in field conditions. Integrated output shafts feature standard diameters compatible with common coupling systems, wheels, and mechanical components used in robotics. The brushed DC design enables simple speed control through voltage regulation or PWM techniques, making these motors suitable for microcontroller-based projects using Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or dedicated motor drivers.

Key Specifications

Key Features

• Metal Gear Construction: Precision-machined metal gears provide superior durability, low backlash below 5 degrees, and extended operational lifespan compared to plastic gear alternatives
• Multiple Gear Ratios: Series offers 12 distinct models (3450-3461) with varying gear ratios, enabling selection of optimal torque-speed characteristics for specific applications
• Compact Form Factor: 20mm diameter by 41mm length housing fits into space-constrained robotic platforms and mechanical assemblies without sacrificing torque output
• Simple Speed Control: Brushed DC design allows straightforward PWM speed modulation using standard motor drivers or microcontroller GPIO pins, no complex commutation required
• Sealed Motor Design: Protective housing shields internal components from dust and minor moisture exposure, suitable for field robotics and outdoor automation applications
• Standard Output Shafts: Compatible with industry-standard wheel hubs, couplings, and mechanical components available in robotics supply chains

Applications and Use Cases

• Mobile Robot Drive Systems: Used as primary wheel drive motors in differential-drive robots where matched torque pairs enable precise steering and speed control for autonomous navigation
• Wheeled Platform Locomotion: Powers tracked vehicles and four-wheel drive platforms requiring consistent torque delivery across extended operational periods in search-and-rescue or inspection robotics
• Mechanical Automation: Drives conveyor systems, rotating mechanisms, and automated assembly equipment where low backlash and metal gear reliability ensure repeatable positioning accuracy
• Robotics Competitions: Standard choice for FIRST Robotics and similar competition platforms where compact size and proven reliability meet strict weight and space constraints
• Educational Robotics: Enables students to build functional mobile robots with professional-grade components, supporting hands-on learning in mechanical engineering and control systems
• Wheelchair and Mobility Aids: Provides reliable propulsion for motorized mobility devices where dual-motor configurations enable independent speed control and turning

How to Use

To integrate the Pololu Metal Gearmotor into your project, first select the appropriate gear ratio model (3450-3461) based on your required torque and speed specifications. Mount the motor using the provided mounting tabs or custom brackets, ensuring the output shaft aligns with your driven component such as a wheel or pulley. Connect the motor leads to a suitable motor driver circuit capable of handling the motor's stall current (typically 1-2 amperes at 6V). For speed control, use PWM signals from your microcontroller with duty cycles between 0-100% to modulate voltage delivered to the motor. Always include a freewheeling diode across the motor terminals to suppress back-EMF spikes when the motor is powered off, protecting your motor driver circuitry.

For optimal performance, verify that your power supply can deliver sufficient current during acceleration and stall conditions. Use a motor driver IC such as the L298N, DRV8833, or Pololu motor drivers specifically designed for this voltage and current range. If implementing speed feedback, consider adding optical encoders to the output shaft for closed-loop control. Mount the motor securely to prevent vibration transmission to your robot frame, and apply a small amount of lightweight machine oil to the output shaft bearing annually to maintain smooth operation. Always test motor direction and speed response before deploying your system in field conditions.

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Purchase the Pololu 3450/3451/3452/3453/3454/3455/3456/3457/3458/3459/3460/3461 Metal Gearmotor 20Dx41L mm 6V online at The Tech Depot, India's trusted source for genuine electronics. We deliver across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Surat. Get the best price on Pololu 3450/3451/3452/3453/3454/3455/3456/3457/3458/3459/3460/