BYB FUTUREA KINCO servo motor is chosen for machines where position and speed accuracy matter. But choosing between the SMH and SMC series, and finding the right drive, is not easy without understanding power, voltage and encoder. This guide reviews the closed-loop structure, compares the two series and gives five practical steps for choosing a motor and drive. It is written for industrial buyers, panel builders and factory owners.
What is a KINCO servo motor and why is it closed-loop?
A KINCO servo motor is a motor with feedback. The drive receives a position or speed command, turns the motor, and an encoder returns the real position. The drive compares the two and corrects the error. This is called a closed loop. By contrast, an ordinary motor without feedback simply executes the command and is unaware of any error.
The three main parts of every servo system:
- Motor: produces torque and motion.
- Encoder: measures position and speed.
- Drive: converts the command into motor current and closes the loop.
For this reason the motor and drive must be selected together. A good motor with an unsuitable drive does not perform well.
KINCO SMH and SMC series at a glance
The two best-known KINCO servo motor families are SMH and SMC. The figures below come from the official Kinco catalogue and its official distributor list.
| Feature | SMH series (AC) | SMC series (AC) |
|---|---|---|
| Power range | 50 W to 7.5 kW | 50 W to 3 kW |
| Rated speed | 1500 or 3000 rpm | 2000 or 3000 rpm |
| DC link voltage | 300 or 560 V | 300 or 560 V |
| Rated torque | 0.16 to 48 N·m | Depends on model (read the catalogue) |
| Flange sizes | 40, 60, 80, 110, 130, 150 and 180 | 60, 80 and 130 (size 40 in the 48 V version) |
Important: some SMH and SMC models also have a low-voltage version. These run on 48 V DC with a power range of 50 to 3000 W. This is why seller sources disagree about the power of these series: some describe the AC version and some the DC version.
So before buying, match the full model code with the official catalogue and confirm the voltage.
SMH series: the wider option for higher power
If you need a higher power range, SMH is the first choice. In the catalogue the series runs from 50 W to 7.5 kW with seven flange sizes.
Features listed for SMH:
- Low cogging torque and low temperature rise
- 2500-line incremental encoder with Hall sensor
- Absolute encoder and brake available on specific models
- Simple aviation plug or 15-pin encoder plug
A few examples from the official table:
- SMH60S-0020-30: 200 W, 0.64 N·m, 3000 rpm
- SMH80S-0100-30: 1 kW, 3.18 N·m, 3000 rpm
- SMH130D-0300-20: 3 kW, 14.3 N·m, 2000 rpm
- SMH180D-0750-15: 7.5 kW, 48 N·m, 1500 rpm
This series suits heavier machines such as CNC, packaging lines and textile equipment.
SMC series: a compact choice for small to medium machines
The SMC series covers up to 3 kW. Its rated speed is 2000 or 3000 rpm and it has flange sizes 60, 80 and 130; the 48 V version also has size 40.
This series makes sense when the machine does not need very high power and space is limited. Its low-voltage versions run on 48 V DC, and the official distributor lists IP65 and insulation class F for them.
SMC models are offered with different encoders, from incremental and absolute to magnetic and optical, so always check the last letters of the model code when ordering.
If your machine needs between 200 W and 3 kW, both SMH and SMC are worth considering. The difference is usually decided by voltage, flange size and encoder type.
How to read a KINCO servo motor model code
Reading the model code prevents buying mistakes. Example: SMH60S-0020-30AAK-3LKH.
- SMH: series name
- 60: flange size in millimetres
- S or D: inertia type (S small, D medium)
- 0020: rated power 200 W
- 30: rated speed 3000 rpm
- A or B: without brake or with brake
The last part of the code shows the encoder and connector type. Its exact meaning is in the catalogue of each series. Two models with the same power may have a different encoder and plug.
Choosing the right drive: JD, FD5 and CD3
The drive must be chosen together with the motor. KINCO servo drives come in several families. The ranges below are from the official Kinco list.
| Family | Power | Control and communication |
|---|---|---|
| JD | 200 W to 7.5 kW | Modbus, CANopen, STO capability |
| FD5 and FD5P | 50 to 3000 W | Profinet, Modbus, CANopen, EtherCAT |
| CD3 | 50 W to 3 kW | Pulse and analogue control; absolute encoder support |
| OD and FD1 (low voltage) | 50 W to 2.5 kW | Pulse/direction, CANopen, EtherCAT, Profinet, Modbus |
The simple rule: the drive must be compatible with the motor’s power, voltage and encoder type. Pair the 48 V motor version with a low-voltage drive (such as FD1 or OD), not an AC drive.
The compatibility table for each model is in the catalogue. Check that table against the motor code before buying.
Choosing a KINCO servo motor in 5 steps
- Calculate load torque and speed. Work out the torque from friction, weight and acceleration, then add a safety margin. The motor’s rated torque must exceed the continuous load torque.
- Check the inertia ratio. The load inertia relative to the rotor inertia should not be too high; a high ratio makes tuning hard. In that case use a gearbox or a larger motor.
- Define the supply voltage. Single-phase 220 V, three-phase 380 V or a 48 V DC supply? This decides the motor and drive version.
- Select encoder type and communication. For positioning without homing you need an absolute encoder. If your controller is a PLC with pulse output, a pulse drive is enough. For an industrial network, a bus drive such as FD5 is more suitable.
- Consider brake and protection. A vertical axis needs a motor with a brake. In humid or dusty environments, read the motor’s protection rating in the catalogue.
Combining with a KINCO PLC and inverter
In most machines the servo is not alone. A PLC issues the motion command and an inverter runs the simpler axes. If some axes only need speed control, an inverter is the right tool: a servo is for position accuracy, and an inverter is for simple speed control. Supplying both from one brand makes coordination easier. See also our comparison of a soft starter and an inverter and the KINCO HMI guide.
Buying a KINCO servo motor from Dubai: what to ask for
The price of a servo motor depends on the model, stock and exchange rate, which is why no price is given in this article. For an exact quotation, prepare:
- The full motor and drive codes
- Encoder type, brake and voltage
- Motor and encoder cable lengths
- Quantity, lead time and warranty
We source industrial equipment from Dubai; see our industrial equipment and parts page and our KINCO automation page for the catalogues.
Common mistakes when buying a servo motor
- Buying motor and drive separately without matching the models
- Confusing the 48 V version with the AC version
- Relying on rated power and ignoring torque and inertia
- Not ordering the right encoder and motor cables
- Trusting a seller’s specification without checking the official catalogue
Frequently asked questions
What is a KINCO servo motor?
A KINCO servo motor is a motor with an encoder that works together with a drive. The drive compares the position or speed command with the encoder feedback and corrects the error. This closed-loop structure gives high accuracy in positioning and speed.
What is the difference between SMH and SMC?
According to the catalogue, SMH covers 50 W to 7.5 kW with seven flange sizes, while SMC covers 50 W to 3 kW with flange sizes 60, 80 and 130 (and 40 in the 48 V version). Voltage, flange size and encoder type usually decide between them.
Which drive suits a KINCO servo motor?
The official list includes the JD, FD5/FD5P and CD3 families, and OD and FD1 for low voltage. The drive must match the motor’s power, voltage and encoder type. Always check the compatibility table in the catalogue.
Can a 48 V servo motor use an AC drive?
No. Pair the 48 V DC version of the motor with a low-voltage drive such as FD1 or OD, not an AC drive.
What should I prepare before requesting a quotation?
The full motor and drive codes, encoder type, brake and voltage, cable lengths, quantity, delivery time and warranty requirements.
Conclusion
Choose a KINCO servo motor by working through load torque, inertia ratio, supply voltage, encoder and communication, and brake and protection, and always select the drive together with the motor. Confirm the final specifications against the official KINCO catalogue. To request pricing and availability, send us your motor and drive codes.