SFX Motor Calculator

PSI-Design

About this app

SFX Motor Calculator helps special effects crews and engineers size motors for rotary drives and linear actuators. Whether you're building motorized props, vehicles, turntables, or screw-driven mechanisms, this tool provides the calculations you need.

**Two Specialized Calculators**

Rotary Drive Calculator
- Calculate motor power, torque, and speed for wheeled vehicles and rotating mechanisms
- Accounts for rolling resistance, gravity on inclines, and acceleration forces
- Supports BLDC, PM DC, AC Induction, Hydraulic, and other motor types
- Automatic gear ratio suggestions based on motor type
- BLDC-specific KV rating and motor diameter recommendations

Linear Actuator Calculator
- Size motors for ball screws, roller screws, and trapezoidal (ACME) screws
- Load and velocity-dependent efficiency calculations for each screw type
- Comprehensive backdrive analysis considering the complete drivetrain
- EMF braking assessment for electric motors
- Hydraulic motor sizing with displacement and flow rate calculations

**Realistic Efficiency Calculations**

Unlike simple calculators that use fixed efficiency values, this tool calculates screw efficiency based on actual operating conditions:
- Trapezoidal screws: Efficiency from lead angle and friction coefficient
- Ball screws: 85-95% efficiency with load and speed adjustments
- Roller screws: 80-90% efficiency with better load retention at high forces

**Backdrive and Braking Analysis**

For linear actuators, the calculator provides detailed safety assessment:
- System backdrive efficiency through the complete drivetrain
- Self-locking condition identification
- EMF braking capability assessment for electric motors
- Guidance on when mechanical braking is required

**Hydraulic Motor Support**

Both calculators support hydraulic motors with outputs including displacement (cc/rev), flow rate (L/min and GPM), and operating pressure options from 100-350 bar.

**Flexible Unit System**

Switch between metric and imperial units for force, torque, speed, power, and pressure.

**Works Offline**

Once loaded, the app works completely offline - ideal for use on set or in workshops without internet access.

**Application Range**
- Rotary: 100g miniatures to 50,000kg vehicles
- Linear: Forces up to 50kN

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## Feature Bullet Points (for store listing)

- Size motors for vehicles, turntables, props, and rotating mechanisms
- Calculate linear actuator requirements for ball, roller, and trapezoidal screws
- Realistic efficiency calculations based on load and velocity
- Backdrive analysis with EMF braking assessment
- Hydraulic motor sizing with flow rate calculations
- Metric and imperial unit support
- Works completely offline
- Handles loads from miniatures to heavy vehicles

What’s new

Production release with some minor UI changes