Kollmorgen and IKM Deep-Sea Motor Work Highlights Pressure Checks

Industry Update

Kollmorgen has published a case study describing work with IKM Subsea Motor Solutions AS on permanent magnet subsea motor design. The project used Kollmorgen KBM Series frameless direct-drive motors as the foundation for a stainless steel subsea servo motor aimed at deep-sea motion applications.

According to Kollmorgen, changing subsea system architectures are increasing demand for compact, efficient, low-voltage motor solutions, especially where battery-powered platforms replace traditional surface-vessel power arrangements. IKM needed smaller high-performance motors that could complement its existing high-voltage motor portfolio.

The adapted design integrates the electromagnetic core and a high-resolution feedback device into IKM's subsea housing. Kollmorgen says the approach avoids gearboxes, belts and couplings, reducing backlash sources and simplifying the mechanical arrangement for tight installation spaces.

The reported operating environment is demanding: deployments approaching 4,000 meters, with external pressure near 400 bar and limited access for service. For motor buyers, that makes the update less about one product name and more about the validation path behind a harsh-environment motor package.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers comparing frameless servo motors, housed servo motors or gear motor assemblies for underwater, washdown, mining, energy or outdoor equipment should treat the mechanical envelope and enclosure strategy as part of the motor decision. A motor kit may fit electrically, but the full assembly still has to manage sealing, pressure, corrosion, heat path and feedback protection.

The case also highlights a useful sourcing question: when is an adapted proven platform lower risk than a fully custom permanent magnet design? For series production, the answer depends on whether the supplier can show repeatable electromagnetic performance, documented modifications, qualification testing and clear acceptance criteria.

For applications where service access is difficult, buyers should ask how direct-drive integration changes failure modes compared with geared or belt-driven layouts. Removing transmission parts can reduce backlash and wear points, but it raises the importance of matching torque, speed, duty cycle, bearing support and control feedback at the system level.

Procurement teams should confirm the exact pressure rating, stainless steel grade, cable and connector plan, feedback-device specification and test records for the intended installation. The source describes a case outcome, not a universal specification for every subsea motor project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this update apply only to subsea equipment?

The source focuses on subsea motors, but the selection lessons also apply to other hard-to-service machines where pressure, sealing, corrosion, compact size and long deployment life affect motor choice.

Why do frameless direct-drive motors matter in this case?

A frameless motor can be integrated into the machine structure, which may remove gearboxes, belts and couplings. Buyers still need to validate the complete housing, bearings, feedback device and environmental protection.

What should buyers ask suppliers before selecting a similar motor?

Buyers should ask for the target depth or pressure rating, duty cycle assumptions, feedback-device protection, corrosion strategy, assembly testing, acceptance criteria and expected service interval.