What primarily affects an air motor's torque output at increased speeds?

The torque output of an air motor is significantly influenced by friction losses at increased speeds. As the speed of the motor increases, various internal components such as bearings, seals, and moving parts experience greater relative motion. This increased motion leads to higher frictional forces, which consume a portion of the motor’s power and reduce the overall torque output.

At higher speeds, the lubricating properties of the air or any lubrication used can also be compromised, potentially leading to increased wear and heat generation. This situation creates an efficiency loss that further diminishes the effective torque being produced. Therefore, understanding and mitigating friction losses is crucial in optimizing air motor performance, particularly as operating speeds rise.

While other factors like heat loss, the power supply, and motor size can affect performance, it is the friction inherent in the motor's moving components that plays a more direct and pronounced role in limiting torque output at elevated speeds. This highlights the importance of mechanical design and maintenance in ensuring the air motor operates efficiently across different speed ranges.