Overview
The 42AIM30 (sometimes called the “Round Motor”) shares the same internal components as the standard 57AIM30 Gold Motor but removes the heatsink housing, leaving only the cylindrical motor body with connectors at the base.When ordering, ensure you select the correct model variant—the 42AIM30 with RS485 interface and 1500 RPM rating.
Comparison with 57AIM30 Gold Motor
Advantages
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Smaller diameter | 26% reduction compared to 57AIM30 |
| Cylindrical shape | Easier to fit in tight spaces vs square housing |
| Lighter weight | Estimated 25% reduction (exact data needed) |
Disadvantages
| Limitation | Impact |
|---|---|
| No mounting ears | Requires precise face-mounted machine screws |
| Incompatible housings | Standard housings do not fit; community mods available on Discord |
| Heat management | No heatsink may cause thermal issues in enclosed housings |
| No clear advantage | Same specs, length, and limitations as 57AIM30 |
Mounting Considerations
Unlike the 57AIM30 with its bolt-through mounting ears, you must mount the 42AIM30 using machine screws threaded directly into the motor face:- Measure the exact screw length required for your mounting solution
- Use the correct thread pitch for the motor face holes
- Check Discord community resources for tested mounting solutions
Thermal Performance
The 42AIM30 lacks the integrated heatsink found on the 57AIM30. When enclosed in a 3D-printed housing:- Monitor motor temperature during extended use
- Consider adding ventilation holes to your housing design
- Reduce duty cycle if you observe thermal throttling
Community testing on thermal performance is ongoing. Share your temperature data on Discord to help improve recommendations.