Pololu 3486/3487/3488/3489/3490/3491/3492/3493/3494/3495/3496/3497 Metal Gearmotor 12V CB with Extended Motor Shaft
Pololu 3486/3487/3488/3489/3490/3491/3492/3493/3494/3495/3496/3497 Metal Gearmotor 12V CB with Extended Motor Shaft
Pololu 3486/3487/3488/3489/3490/3491/3492/3493/3494/3495/3496/3497 Metal Gearmotor 12V CB with Extended Motor Shaft
The Pololu Metal Gearmotor 12V CB series represents a compact yet powerful DC motor solution featuring precision metal gearboxes with multiple gear ratio options and an extended motor shaft for flexible mechanical integration. Roboticists, automation engineers, and embedded systems developers rely on these gearmotors for applications requiring consistent torque delivery, low-speed high-torque operation, and reliable performance in mobile robots, conveyor systems, and precision machinery. This motor solves the critical engineering challenge of converting high-speed DC motor output into controlled, manageable speeds with substantial torque while maintaining compact form factor and extended shaft accessibility for direct coupling to mechanical components.
Product Overview
The Pololu 3486-3497 Metal Gearmotor 12V CB incorporates a high-efficiency brushed DC motor coupled with a precision-machined metal gearbox featuring helical gears that minimize backlash and ensure smooth power transmission. The extended motor shaft design allows direct coupling to encoders, wheels, or custom mechanical interfaces without requiring adapter plates, significantly simplifying mechanical design iterations. Operating at 12V nominal input, this motor delivers variable torque and speed characteristics depending on the selected gear ratio within the series, enabling engineers to choose the optimal configuration for their specific load requirements without redesigning the entire drivetrain.
The metal construction of the gearbox provides superior durability compared to plastic alternatives, with hardened steel gears rated for continuous operation and shock loads typical in mobile robotics applications. The extended shaft extends beyond the standard motor housing, providing approximately 0.5 inches of accessible length for direct attachment of wheels, sprockets, or encoder discs. The compact cylindrical design with mounting flanges facilitates integration into space-constrained applications, while the 12V operating voltage aligns with standard robotics power systems and battery configurations used in autonomous platforms and remote-controlled devices.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Metal Gearmotor with Extended Shaft |
| Brand | Pololu |
| Model Range | 3486, 3487, 3488, 3489, 3490, 3491, 3492, 3493, 3494, 3495, 3496, 3497 |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| Nominal Voltage | 12V DC |
| Motor Type | Brushed DC Motor with Metal Gearbox |
| Gear Ratio Options | Multiple ratios available across model range (typically 5:1 to 100:1) |
| Shaft Configuration | Extended motor shaft for direct coupling |
| Gearbox Material | Precision-machined metal with helical gears |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +60°C |
Key Features
- Extended Motor Shaft Design: Provides direct coupling interface for wheels, encoders, and mechanical components without requiring adapter plates or shaft couplers
- Metal Gearbox Construction: Helical gears manufactured from hardened steel ensure minimal backlash, smooth torque delivery, and extended operational lifespan under continuous load
- Multiple Gear Ratio Variants: The 3486-3497 series encompasses different reduction ratios, allowing selection of optimal speed-torque characteristics for specific application requirements
- Compact Cylindrical Form Factor: Space-efficient design with standard mounting flanges enables integration into confined spaces typical in mobile robot platforms and automated systems
- 12V DC Operation: Compatible with standard robotics power systems, lithium battery packs, and regulated DC power supplies commonly used in embedded applications
- Low Backlash Performance: Helical gear design reduces mechanical play, critical for precise positioning in robotic arms, turrets, and steering mechanisms
Applications and Use Cases
- Mobile Robotics Platforms: Drive wheels and locomotion systems in autonomous ground robots, where extended shaft enables direct wheel mounting and encoder integration for odometry feedback
- Robotic Manipulators and Arms: Joint actuation in multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arms where controlled torque and compact form factor are essential for payload handling and precision positioning
- Conveyor and Material Handling Systems: Powered roller and belt drive systems in industrial automation where consistent torque delivery and metal gearbox durability ensure reliable continuous operation
- Autonomous Vehicles and AGVs: Propulsion and steering actuation in automated guided vehicles where multiple gear ratio options optimize speed-torque balance for varying terrain and load conditions
- Precision Positioning Mechanisms: Turntables, pan-tilt platforms, and rotary indexing systems requiring low-speed high-torque operation with minimal backlash for accurate angular positioning
How to Use
Begin by selecting the appropriate gear ratio from the 3486-3497 series based on your application requirements, considering the trade-off between output speed and torque. The extended motor shaft should be mechanically coupled to your load using appropriate methods such as set screws, shaft collars, or custom-machined coupling hubs. Ensure the coupling maintains concentricity to minimize vibration and premature bearing wear. Apply 12V DC power through appropriate motor control electronics such as H-bridge drivers or PWM motor controllers, ensuring current capacity matches the motor's stall current specification to prevent controller damage.
Mount the gearmotor securely using the flange-mounted holes, ensuring the output shaft remains unobstructed and properly aligned with driven components. For encoder feedback applications, the extended shaft provides convenient mounting surface for optical or magnetic encoder discs positioned 0.5 to 1 inch from the gearbox housing. Implement appropriate mechanical stops or load-limiting mechanisms to prevent shock loads that could damage the gearbox, particularly in robotic applications involving collision detection or sudden directional changes. Monitor motor temperature during extended operation, ensuring adequate ventilation and thermal management to maintain performance within the specified -20°C to +60°C operating range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the various model numbers in the 3486-3497 range?
The Pololu 3486-3497 series encompasses different gear ratio configurations and corresponding speed-torque characteristics. Models within this range typically vary in their reduction ratios, with lower-numbered models offering higher output speeds and lower torque, while higher-numbered models provide lower speeds with proportionally increased torque. Consult the detailed specification sheet or datasheet for your specific model number to confirm exact gear ratio, no-load speed, stall torque, and current draw specifications before selection.
Can I use this motor with standard PWM motor controllers and microcontroller boards?
Yes, the 12V DC brushed motor is fully compatible with standard H-bridge motor drivers such as the L298N, DRV8833, or similar modules commonly used with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontroller platforms. Ensure the motor driver can handle the motor's stall current, which typically ranges from 2-5 amps depending on gear ratio and load conditions. Use PWM signals from your microcontroller to control speed and direction through the driver module, with appropriate current-limiting resistors and flyback diodes to protect against back-EMF transients.
How do I attach an encoder or wheel to the extended motor shaft?
The extended motor shaft provides approximately 0.5 inches of accessible length beyond the gearbox housing for direct mechanical coupling. For wheel attachment, use a shaft collar with set screw to secure the wheel hub to the shaft, ensuring the collar is tightened perpendicular to the shaft axis to prevent slippage. For encoder disc attachment, machine or 3D-print an encoder mounting bracket that clamps around the shaft or use a flexible coupling hub rated for the motor's torque output. Ensure all mechanical connections maintain proper concentricity to minimize vibration and encoder reading errors.
What is the maximum continuous torque and speed for this motor?
The maximum continuous torque and no-load speed vary significantly across the 3486-3497 model range due to different gear ratios. Lower gear ratio models (3486-3490 range) typically provide speeds of 100-300 RPM with torque ratings of 10-30 kg-cm, while higher reduction models (3491-3497 range) offer speeds below 100 RPM with torque exceeding 50 kg-cm. Consult the official Pololu datasheet for your specific model number to confirm exact specifications, as exceeding rated continuous torque may cause premature gearbox wear and thermal damage to the motor windings.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
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- Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only
Buy Pololu 3486/3487/3488/3489/3490/3491/3492/3493/3494/3495/3496/3497 Metal Gearmotor 12V CB with Extended Motor Shaft Online in India
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