New IP-Rated Frameless Motors and Modular Drive Solutions from Maxon and Parvalux

Drive technology specialists Maxon and Parvalux showcased their latest modular drive systems, alongside high-torque BLDC direct-drive motors featuring integrated control, at Pack Expo 2025 in Chicago.

A new compact drive unit incorporates both Maxon and Parvalux technology. “It features an ECI 76 frameless Maxon motor with a Parvalux right-angel gearbox,” said Jacob Gelinas, sales engineer, Maxon. “The gear set was developed on a separate gearbox but has been made much more compact for this particular solution as everything is housed in one unit.”

The drive unit is available with the motor and gearbox combination but is now available with the addition of a controller or brake, Gelinas said. The complete system is housed inside an IP67-rated enclosure.

The system is IP67 rated and maxon has the capacity to make it available with a connector that goes up IP68 for tough environments, said Alex Valentino, head of sales, Parvalux USA. He added that the system is ideal for customers looking for a “torque-dense package.”

The motor comes in three different sizes (60mm, 76 mm and 90 mm); the largest one delivers up to 400 mNm of torque, according to Valentino.

Gelinas noted that each motor can be paired with Maxon’s modular gearboxes and offer multiple ratios to fine-tune speed and torque output for any application. In addition, the company has installed standard IP-rated connectors, making the system ideal for plug-and-play installation.

Versatility, Flexibility for a Range of Applications

The motor was originally developed for the stairlift market, a major business segment for Maxon in the United States, and has proven versatile. Gelinas said Maxon saw its broader potential across various applications, particularly in general and food packaging in applications, where IP-rated housings are essential.

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“I think it’s perfect for this market,” observed Gelinas. “You see a lot of conveyor applications where they need washdowns or some sort of cleaning for their conveyor and packaging. This housing integrates the motor and gear technology and is fully protected from the environment.”

Valentino emphasized the compact design and flexibility of the solution. Maxon recognizes that not every customer needs the full stack, so for those who prefer to use their own controller, omit the brake or maintain a simpler architecture, the motor can be tailored with a more basic configuration.

The compact drive unit will be available around the beginning of 2026, and different sized units will be available later in 2026, said Gelinas.

Wait, There’s More...Expanding the Parvalux Series

Another area of focus is the expansion of the Parvalux modular series. Gelinas said his colleagues at Maxon are working on adapting Maxon flat motors to pair with Parvalux right-angle gearboxes. They’re aiming for new compact drive options that are best for space-constrained applications.

“We’ve been working on our modular series of products in Taunton, Mass. for about three years now,” said Gelinas. “Currently, we offer brushed and brushless DC motors that you can order today, along with right-angle gearboxes.”

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The company is expanding this line to include Maxon EC flat motors in multiple sizes, including EC 45 flat, EC 60 flat and EC 90 flat variants.

Gelinas said the new EC flat combinations are a natural extension of the modular series, and OEMS can expect a lead time of two weeks from the Taunton site.

The modular options approach to expanding the lineup ultimately is aimed at supporting rapid prototyping and iterative design. “We work with a lot of engineers throughout our customer base, and we want to get the product in their hands more quickly.”

The upcoming additions will are targeted for release late 2025 to early 2026, he said.

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