Starting torque of a motor is vital for which reason?

The starting torque of a motor is crucial because it is the torque produced by the motor when it starts from a standstill. This initial torque must be sufficient to overcome the static friction of the load and initiate movement. When a motor starts, its rotor is not yet in motion, and any external resistance, such as friction in bearings or the load itself, contributes to the torque that must be overcome to set the system in motion.

Because static friction is generally greater than dynamic friction, during startup, the motor must deliver a torque that exceeds this static friction. If the starting torque is insufficient, the motor will struggle to begin turning, and it may stall. Therefore, adequate starting torque is vital to ensure that the motor can effectively initiate movement, allowing the entire system to function smoothly as it transitions from a stationary state to operational speed.

Understanding this concept is key in applications where loads experience significant resistance at startup, making it a fundamental aspect of motor selection and application designs in pneumatic systems and beyond.