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ECM and Thrustmaster Partner to Offer an Innovative Direct Drive Race Simulation Wheel with PCB Stator Technology.

ECM and Thrustmaster partnered to design and launch a novel simulated racing wheel for use across computer and gaming consoles. The project’s aim was to create an ultra-realistic driver experience leveraging zero-cogging technology.

The result is Thrustmaster’s new Direct Drive Race Simulation T598 gaming console with ECM’s integrated PCB Stator motor technology.

Internal View of Thrustmaster Direct Drive Race Simulation T598 featuring PCB Stator Technology

Challenges

Simulated racing steering wheels must accurately replicate the forces experienced in real-world driving, such as feedback from the road, tire grip, and engine vibrations. The motor used in the steering wheel plays a central role in generating the necessary forces, while maintaining responsiveness and realism. To fully achieve these aims for a sim racing wheel the following challenges must be overcome in the motor:

Cogging

Cogging refers to the non-smooth behavior that occurs when a motor’s magnetic rotor is attracted to magnetic material in the poles of the stator. This results in noticeable “jerks” or uneven motion during rotation, particularly at low speeds or when the motor is not under load. In the context of a simulated racing steering wheel, cogging can significantly disrupt the feel of the steering wheel, leading to a less realistic user experience.

Torque

Torque is one of the most important specifications for a racing steering wheel motor. The motor must be capable of generating sufficient torque to simulate the forces a driver would experience in a real car. A motor with insufficient torque will fail to generate the necessary forces, resulting in weak feedback, while a motor that is over-specified can make the wheel feel unwieldy or overly heavy.

Heat Dissipation

High torque motors tend to consume a lot of power, which can lead to excessive heat buildup, potentially damaging the motor or reducing performance over time. Ensuring adequate cooling solutions is crucial in high-performance applications.

Solution

To solve for these challenges, Thrustmaster leveraged ECM’s PrintStator CAD platform. Using PrintStator, ECM optimized a custom PCB Stator electric motor for Thrustmaster’s new T598 — the company’s next generation, direct drive sim racing wheel.

The T598 was released in October 2024 following a successful prototyping project. Thrustmaster and ECM worked closely together to define the desired specifications and design the optimal solution for the user experience.

Results

The PCB Stator motor integrated in Thrustmaster’s T598 offers a novel motor solution for the sim racing industry with unique advantages including:

High Quality of Motion
  • ECM-designed motors deliver smooth torque and zero cogging, resulting in a higher quality of motion compared to traditional machines. Cogging is avoided in ECM motors because they are air-core machines with PCB Stators that lack iron.
  • Thrustmaster’s HARMONY technology generates high-frequency vibrations to feel all the physics of the game, down to the smallest details.
5 Nm of Torque
  • The ECM-designed motor delivers a constant torque of 5Nm, while also offering the opportunity of overshoot during high-torque demands within the game.
  • The T598 has an overshoot capability of +100% to vastly increase its power and deliver super-boosted effects with ultra-low latency of 5ms
Efficient Heat Dissipation

PrintStator incorporates patented thermal features into each motor design, including the T598, ensuring safe continuous operation. ECM PCB Stators use a continuous copper path that transfers heat from the stator’s loss generating components to the motor case, where the heat can be dissipated into the surrounding environment. These thermal features enable the T598 to operate without added active cooling.

ECM’s PCB Stator replaces a conventional copper wound stator making it ideal for consumer eletronic products.

Conclusion

The T598 is the first product developed through ECM and Thrustmaster’s continuing collaboration to leverage PrintStator Motor CAD with integrated PCB Stator technology. By pairing Thrustmaster’s gaming hardware expertise to ECM’s expertise in electric motor design, the partnership produced a first of its kind, axial drive sim racing wheel with unmatched performance, at this price range.

ECM’s patented PCB Stator technology and advanced Motor CAD SaaS enable engineers to optimize electric motors that are smaller, quieter, and more energy efficient. ECM has collaborated with multiple organizations to create optimized motor solutions across a variety of verticals.

Those span HVAC, E-Mobility, Medical, Robotics, Aerospace, Haptics, Simulated Inertia, Renewable Energy, Aerospace, and Consumer Electronics.

Those wishing to leverage ECM’s innovation can do so by obtaining a PrintStator SaaS licence or utilizing our advanced prototyping services. To explore integrating ECM’s PCB Stator technology into your product line, please email  info@pcbstator.com and visit our Design Your Own page to learn more about our five-step integration process. 

How PCB Stator Motors Are Changing the Game in Data Center Cooling 

In today’s data-driven world, thermal and energy efficiency are more than operational concerns—they’re business-critical.

With cooling systems accounting for up to 40% of a data center’s total energy use (U.S. Department of Energy. “DOE Announces $40 Million for More Efficient Cooling for Data Centers.” (2023), operators are rethinking every element of their thermal infrastructure. That starts with motors. 

So, what are the best motors for data center cooling? 

Traditional motors were never built for the demands of modern digital infrastructure. They’re heavy, generate excess heat, and often rely on global supply chains and materials prone to volatility. ECM’s patented PCB Stator motor technology—designed using our PrintStator platform—offers a smarter, more sustainable alternative. These motors are efficient, compact, and purpose-built for the future of data center operations. 

Redefining Data Center Motor Efficiency 

When it comes to data center motor efficiency, axial flux PCB Stator motors offer significant advantages. In a recent case study, we show how PCB Stator motors deliver substantial efficiency gains over incumbent EC motor technology. Read the case study. 

Why? Because these motors: 

  • Maintain a flat efficiency curve, providing consistently high performance across a wide range of operating points 
  • Operate with up to 94% peak efficiency 
  • Enable precise control for optimized airflow, minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure 
  • Reduce maintenance costs and downtime 
  • Minimize transportation and installation costs 

The result? Motors that contribute to cooler environments, better thermal performance, and fewer energy losses across the system. 

Graphic comparing ECM's flat efficiency curve with the performance drop-off of a traditional radial flux motor across a wide operating range.
Graphic comparing ECM’s flat efficiency curve with the performance drop-off of a traditional radial flux motor across a wide operating range.

From Efficiency to Total Cost of Ownership 

Energy efficiency is just the start. Total cost of ownership (TCO) includes maintenance, downtime, installation, and even logistics. ECM’s PCB Stator motors are designed to reduce all of the above. 

For example, in another recent case study on total cost of ownership in data centers, we found that ECM motors’ compact form factor allowed significantly more units per shipping container. In this application, up to 2.45 times more ECM motors could fit in a single container compared to the baseline traditional motor (414 units vs. 1,014 units per 40-foot container). When compared to the next most space-efficient configuration (645 units), ECM motors still deliver a notable 57% increase in container capacity. This reduction in container usage—calculated based on weight and volume capacities—leads to significantly lower shipping costs per motor and supports a more streamlined, cost-efficient supply chain. 

Additional TCO benefits include: 

  • Longer service life due to reduced thermal stress 
  • Lower maintenance costs from simplified, direct-drive architecture 
  • Faster integration with fewer supporting components 
Exploded ECM motor highlighting simplified motor construction which enables faster assembly and easier maintenance—reducing labor costs and system complexity.
ECM’s simplified motor construction enables faster assembly and easier maintenance—reducing labor costs and system complexity.

In one deployment, the estimated return on investment for transitioning to ECM motors was under 18 months—a timeline that reflects both operational improvements and long-term cost savings. This payback timeline factors in energy savings, reduced shipping costs, longer motor life, and lower maintenance—based on modeling from our data center deployments where combined savings offset upfront investment in under 18 months. See the full breakdown here. 

Reducing Heat, Managing Materials 

For sustainability-focused teams, ECM motors also support broader carbon and efficiency goals—further solidifying them among the best motors for data center cooling in today’s demanding infrastructure landscape. Thermal efficiency also supports a broader environmental objective: reducing embodied carbon. While ECM motors typically leverage high-performance rare earth magnets (such as neodymium), our software also supports design and optimization with alternative materials like ferrite and samarium cobalt, offering flexibility based on application and sustainability goals.

Additionally, ECM motors: 

  • Use up to 70% less copper than conventional motors 
  • Eliminate steel laminations entirely 
  • Reduce motor weight and materials for lower manufacturing and shipping impact 
  • Require fewer materials for mechanical integration—lighter motors mean less structural support is needed for mounting and housing 
Side-by-side comparison of PCB Stator motor integration vs. traditional induction motor, highlighting differences in size, complexity, and system footprint.
Side-by-side comparison of PCB Stator motor integration vs. traditional induction motor, highlighting differences in size, complexity, and system footprint.

PCB Stators are also recyclable through existing e-waste channels, aligning with end-of-life sustainability goals. Additionally, ECM-designed rotors allow for easy removal of magnets, making it easier to recycle and reclaim high-value materials like neodymium at the end of the product’s life cycle. 

For more, see the World Green Building Council’s “Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront” report. 

What This Means for Data Center Operators 

Data center operators today are looking for more than just energy savings. They’re looking to: 

  • Reduce heat in data centers to extend infrastructure lifespan 
  • Optimize energy-efficient cooling without sacrificing uptime 
  • Meet internal and regulatory sustainability goals 
  • Minimize risk from global supply chains and material dependencies 

With PrintStator, ECM empowers partners to design motors precisely for their airflow, space, and integration requirements—then supports them with prototyping and scalable production services. 

In a world of increasing density and complexity, choosing the best motors for data center cooling is one of the simplest and most impactful decisions an operator can make. 

Want to learn more? Dive into our data center case studies: 

Or connect with us to explore a purpose-built motor for your next project. 

ECM Insights: Strengthening U.S. Manufacturing with PrintStator Motor CAD and PCB Stator Technology

Today’s volatile market environment favors an agile and asset-light approach to product development, design and manufacturing, this also the case with electric motors.

Pairing advanced CAD to disruptive printed circuit board technology enables that – offering U.S. companies geographic flexibility to mitigate tariff and supply-chain risks, while onshoring production.

Challenge: Overcoming Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Tariff Pressures

Before elaborating on that solution, let’s first size up the challenges. To start, the U.S. manufacturing sector faces mounting risks from global supply chain disruptions, heavy reliance on foreign-made components, and unpredictable tariffs on imported goods1. These factors have led to rising costs, production delays, and decreased competitiveness for domestic manufacturers2.

For industries dependent on electric motors—such as industrial automation, HVAC, and renewable energy—offshoring has historically been the only option due to limited domestic production capabilities3. However, shifting trade policies and supply chain bottlenecks highlight the urgent need to bring manufacturing back to the U.S.4. Onshoring production is now a critical strategic move to ensure long-term stability, cost control, and job creation5.

ECM Engineer Domestic Manufacturing by Designing PCB Stator Motor with PrintStator Motor CAD
ECM Engineer Designing PCB Stator Motor with PrintStator Motor CAD

Solution: ECM’s Axial Flux PCB Stator Motor Technology

ECM combines a revolutionary CAD platform, PrintStator, to patented PCB Stator electric motor technology. Together, the two enable the design of premium efficiency machines with scalable, and cost-effective domestic manufacturing.

Instead of using traditional copper windings and iron laminations, ECM’s designs employ a printed circuit board stator —that can be optimized to precise performance and dimensional specs — and manufactured at any PCB facility. This offers a lightweight, high-efficiency alternative ideal for mass production in the U.S.

ECM Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Stator

Supporting Onshoring and Supply Chain Resilience

There are three primary ways ECM’s model promotes supply chain agility and relocating production back to U.S. soil:

  • Domestic Manufacturing Feasibility – ECM’s PCB Stator technology simplifies motor production, reducing reliance on overseas supply chains. The streamlined design allows for U.S.-based manufacturing at competitive costs, strengthening the country’s industrial base.
  • Tariff Mitigation – By producing motors domestically, manufacturers can bypass high import tariffs on foreign-made components, ensuring cost predictability and reducing exposure to trade fluctuations.
  • Supply Chain Diversification – ECM’s approach reduces dependency on limited overseas suppliers, making it easier for companies to source components locally and avoid disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions.
Continued Benefits

Two additional domestics upsides to adoption of PrintStator CAD and PCB Stator technology include the following:

  • Circular Economy – ECM’s motor topology integrates well with established recycling streams for Printed Circuit Boards, magnets, steel, and aluminum. Magnets in ECM’s rotor design are easily accessible and easily separated from the plain carbon steel rotors. Further, the magnets are secured with minimal adhesive and are ready for recycling without elaborate disassembly procedures, as compared with radial flux ring magnet rotors or Internal Permanent Magnet rotors.
  • Job Creation and Economic Growth – Establishing motor production in the U.S. generates skilled jobs and supports local economies, reinforcing national economic security.

Competitive Edge: High Efficiency and Cost Savings

Parallel to mitigating supply-chain risk and fostering domestic production, ECM’s PCB Stator innovation offers numerous design and bottom-line benefits to electric motor OEMs.

Those include:

  • Lightweight and Compact – The innovative stator design allows for motors that are up to 70% lighter than conventional motors, simplifying logistics and installation.
  • Scalability for Various Applications – ECM’s motors are well-suited for industrial machinery, HVAC systems, and renewable energy applications, making them a versatile solution for multiple sectors.
  • Energy Efficiency – ECM’s axial flux PCB stator motors can achieve up to mid-90% efficiency, reducing energy consumption and operational costs for end users.
Cross-Section Comparison: ECM PCB Stator Axial Flux Motor vs. Traditional Radial Flux Copper Wound Motor

Conclusion: A Future-Proof Approach to U.S. Manufacturing

ECM’s PCB Stator technology, and software defined approach to motor design, provide a pathway for American manufacturers to regain control over their supply chains and reduce tariff exposure. As the U.S. prioritizes industrial resilience, ECM offers a scalable solution that aligns with national economic and energy efficiency goals.

By adopting ECM’s next-generation design software and motor technology, companies can not only enhance performance but also play a key role in reshoring essential manufacturing operations—building a more secure and competitive future for the U.S. industrial sector.

ECM CEO Brian Casey Weighs in on Strengthening Domestic Motor Manufacturing With PCB Stator Motors, Supply Chain Resilience, And U.S.-Based Production
By ECM CEO Brian Casey

References
  1. National Association of Manufacturers, 2024
    A 2024 report from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) highlights that 78% of manufacturers reported supply chain disruptions in 2023, with many citing reliance on foreign components as a key issue. Additionally, the report notes that tariffs, such as those reintroduced in late 2024 on Chinese goods, have increased material costs by up to 20% for some sectors. ↩︎
  2. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 2024
    The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis published a 2024 economic analysis showing that manufacturing input costs rose by 12% from 2022 to 2024, driven by supply chain issues and tariffs. The analysis also notes a 10% increase in production lead times, contributing to a decline in U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, with exports dropping by 3% in 2023 compared to 2020. ↩︎
  3. Manufacturing Institute, 2023
    A 2023 study by the Manufacturing Institute found that 65% of electric motor components for HVAC and renewable energy applications were sourced from overseas in 2022, primarily due to lower labor costs in Asia and limited U.S. production capacity for specialized parts. ↩︎
  4. U.S. Department of Commerce, 2024
    The U.S. Department of Commerce released a 2024 statement emphasizing the need for onshoring to address supply chain vulnerabilities, citing a 15% increase in shipping delays in 2023 due to global bottlenecks and new trade policies, including export controls on critical technologies. ↩︎
  5. Reshoring Initiative, 2024
    A 2024 report by the Reshoring Initiative indicates that onshoring efforts in 2023 created 200,000 new manufacturing jobs, with a projected 5% reduction in long-term costs for companies that localize production. The report also highlights improved supply chain stability for firms that reshored. ↩︎

Lowering Total Cost of Ownership in Data Centers with ECM PCB Stator Technology

Overview

Data centers are the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, supporting everything from cloud computing to artificial intelligence. However, they face mounting challenges in reducing operational costs while maintaining high-performance cooling solutions. With cooling accounting for up to 40% of a data center’s total energy consumptioni, inefficient systems lead to unsustainable expenses. Rising shipping and installation costs, tariff fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions further strain budgets, particularly for large-scale projects tracking embodied carbon. Addressing the total cost of ownership (TCO) holistically is crucial for long-term financial and environmental sustainability.

Challenge: Lowering Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in Data Center Cooling

Data centers must manage several cost factors that impact their long-term viability:

  • High Energy Costs: Cooling accounts for up to 40% of a data center’s total energy consumption, leading to soaring electricity expenses over time.
  • Expensive Logistics & Installation: Traditional motors are bulky and require more shipping containers, increasing acquisition and installation costs, particularly for large-scale deployments.
  • Tariff & Supply Chain Risks: Global supply chain disruptions and fluctuating tariffs create uncertainty, driving up costs for imported components.
  • Sustainability Pressures: Large data center projects must track embodied carbon, making transport, installation, and long-term efficiency critical factors in their decision-making.

Solution: ECM PCB Stator Motors – Cutting Costs Across the Lifecycle

Motors built using ECM’s PCB Stator platform offer a transformative solution by reducing electricity consumption, lowering acquisition and shipping costs, and enabling more efficient supply chain management. Unlike traditional motors, ECM’s patented thermal heat pipe design ensures superior thermal stability without requiring supplemental cooling, simplifying integration into existing air-cooled systems.

  • Lower Acquisition & Installation Costs: Motors designed through ECM’s PCB Stator process are up to 70% lighter ii and more compact than conventional motors. Their reduced size allows for more units per shipping container—lowering logistics costs at scale while also reducing embodied carbon in transport and installation. Note in the table below that based on a 40-foot shipping container, the ECM designed motor can fit hundreds more motors.
Metric Radial ACInduction 
Radial EC 		Radial Synch. Reluctance Axial Flux (PCB)ECM Axial Flux (PCB)
MotorRadial AC MotorInduction Radial EC MotorRadial Synch. Reluctance MotorAxial Flux PCB Stator MotorECM PCB Stator Axial Flux Motor
Mech Power (kW)3.7  3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 
Speed (RPM)1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 
Torque (Nm) 20 20202020
Efficiency IE5 – IES2 IE5 – IES2 IE5 – IES2 IE5 – IES2 IE5 – IES2 
Cooling Method*  TEFCTEAO TEFCTEFCTEAO 
Weight (lbs) 120.0 lbs83.8 lbs77.0 lbs85.6 lbs49.0 lbs
Length (in) 18.3 14.5 16.7 12.9 8.5 
Width (in) 14.3 11.9 7.9 16.4 14.2 
Height (in) 11.0 11.1 13.5 16.4 14.2 
Volume (ft3) 1.67 1.11 1.03 2.01 0.99 
Est. Units per 40-Foot Container iii 414 593 645 580 1,014 
Nautical Miles: Port of Boston to Rio de Janeiro iv 5,848 5,848 5,848 5,848 5,848 
Est. Shipping Cost for 1 Full Container v $1,884 $1,884 $1,884 $1,884 $1,884 
Est. Shipping Cost per Motor $2.70 $2.73 $2.50 $2.78 $1.59 

Table 1: Crate Shipping Costs Comparison for Various IE5 Motors
*TEFC: Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled, TEAO: Totally Enclosed Air Over vi

  • Electricity Savings Over Time: With ECM’s high-efficiency PCB Stator solutions, data centers can significantly reduce energy costs. For a deeper dive into efficiency benefits, see our previous case study on optimizing data center efficiency here.
  • Tariff Mitigation & Supply Chain Security: ECM’s technology supports supply chain diversification through contract manufacturing and vertical integration, reducing reliance on overseas components. Additionally, onshoring production helps data centers avoid tariff uncertainties while creating domestic jobs and strengthening the U.S. manufacturing sector.

Real-World Impact: A Large HVAC OEM’s Data Center Cooling Innovation

A leading HVAC OEM leveraged ECM’s PCB Stator technology to optimize its data center cooling products. The adoption of PCB Stator motors resulted in:

  • Over 60% reduction in manufacturing costs through streamlined production and design optimization.
  • Improved regulatory compliance, exceeding energy efficiency standards such as EnergyStar and Weighted Efficiency Factor (WEF) requirements.
  • Enhanced supply chain resilience by integrating PCB Stator motors into a vertically managed production strategy, reducing dependency on overseas components and mitigating tariff risks.
  • Domestic job creation through onshoring motor production, strengthening local manufacturing capabilities.

Conclusion: A Smarter Approach to Data Center Cooling

By addressing total cost of ownership across acquisition, energy use, and supply chain stability, motors designed with ECM’s PCB Stator technology offer a compelling path for data centers looking to cut costs and boost efficiency. Their lightweight, simplified design lowers shipping, installation, and operating expenses—helping operators meet sustainability targets without compromising financial performance.

For more information on how ECM’s motors can reduce costs and improve efficiency, visit our case study archive or contact us today.

References

i. U.S. Department of Energy. “DOE Announces $40 Million for More Efficient Cooling for Data Centers.” (2023).
ii. ECM PCB Stator Tech. “PCB Stator Technology.” 2025, https://pcbstator.com/pcb-stator-technology/. Accessed 25 2 2025.
iii. iContainers. “40ft Shipping Container – Dimension, Sizes & Weight Guide.” iContainers, 2024, https://www.icontainers.com/help/40-foot-container/. Accessed 25 February 2025.
iv. Ports.com. “Seaports: info, marketplace.” Ports.com. Accessed 25 2 2025.
v. Wolf, Devorah. “Container Shipping Cost Calculator [2025].” Freightos, 2023, https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/container-shipping-cost-calculator-free-tool/. Accessed 25 February 2025.
vi. Olsen, Damien. “Ten Common Types of Motor Enclosures.” Energy Management Corporation, 17 July 2020, https://goemc.com/2020/07/17/ten-common-types-of-motor-enclosures/. Accessed 25 February 2025.

Beyond Unit Costs: How Manufacturing PCB Stator Motors Drives System-Wide Savings 

In product development, traditional cost assessments often overlook the broader financial impact of lost revenue, capital expenses, and overhead. True cost optimization requires a system-wide approach—one that accounts for time, SG&A, and integration complexities.

Our latest case study with East West Manufacturing highlights how ECM’s PCB Stator technology reshapes this equation, driving streamlined production, faster time to market, and reduced total costs. 

The Bigger Picture: Manufacturing Challenges 

Manufacturers today face mounting pressure to balance innovation with cost efficiency. Conventional motor solutions often introduce hidden expenses—longer development cycles, rigid design constraints, and high capital investments in tooling and production lines. These inefficiencies not only increase actual unit costs but also slow time to market, restricting a company’s ability to scale and book revenue. 

ECM’s collaboration with East West Manufacturing demonstrates how PCB Stator technology overcomes these challenges. By integrating our patented PCB Stator motor innovation into manufacturing processes, businesses can achieve significant system-wide benefits–from lower production costs to enhanced supply chain flexibility. 

Internals of ECM's sustainable electric motor with important advantages of the motor

Transforming Manufacturing with PCB Stator Technology 

ECM’s PCB Stator motors, designed using our proprietary PrintStator Motor CAD platform, replace traditional copper windings with an ultra-thin printed circuit board. This innovative approach delivers electric motors that are up to 70% lighter, over 90% efficient, use 80% fewer raw materials, and operate up to 30 dB quieter than conventional options. But the advantages extend far beyond the motor itself—they translate into measurable cost savings throughout the entire manufacturing cycle. 

System-Level Benefits of PCB Stator Manufacturing 

Reduced Capital Investment & Faster Time to Market 

Eliminating traditional winding processes significantly lowers capital expenditures. ECM’s PCB Stator motors streamline production by removing costly tooling requirements, enabling faster prototyping and simplified assembly. This reduction in production complexity allows manufacturers to accelerate product launches (and revenue capture) while minimizing financial risk. 

Customization Without Added Overhead 

Through PrintStator Motor CAD, manufacturers can create fully optimized, application-specific motors without requiring costly adaptations, such as voltage converters or extensive redesigns. This flexibility ensures seamless integration while reducing SG&A and engineering overhead. 

Material & Space Efficiency 

By using 80% fewer raw materials and eliminating iron cores, ECM’s PCB Stator motors reduce both material costs and manufacturing footprints. Their lightweight, compact design also unlocks new possibilities for space-constrained applications, from HVAC to consumer electronics. 

Optimized High-Mix, Low-Volume Production 

Manufacturers managing multiple SKUs benefit from ECM’s high-mix optimization capabilities. Standardized hardware packages and flexible production lines reduce overhead while allowing efficient scaling across diverse product ranges. 

Minimized Integration Costs & Performance Losses 

Traditional motors often require additional expenditure to cover design adjustments to mitigate shortcomings, such as noise, vibration, and thermal management. PCB Stator motors’ inherently quiet operation and efficient heat dissipation simplify integration, reducing these additional costs and improving overall system performance. 

Unlocking New Opportunities 

The insights from our case study with East West Manufacturing reinforce the growing need for manufacturers to evaluate system-wide efficiencies and adopt a more comprehensive assessment of total unit production costs. PCB Stator technology enables companies to enhance profitability through product differentiation, optimized system costs, and lower capital investment. 

Learn More 

Discover how ECM’s PCB Stator technology is transforming motor manufacturing and unlocking new opportunities for cost savings and efficiency. Read the full case study here: https://pcbstator.com/case-studies/tackling-manufacturing-challenges-with-transformative-electric-motor-design-technology/ 

ECM Takes the Stage at AHR Expo to Showcase HVAC Innovation

The AHR Expo 2025 has come to a close, and we want to extend our gratitude to everyone who visited ECM’s exhibit. It was a pleasure connecting with industry leaders, innovators, and partners—both old and new—who share our passion for transforming electric motor technology in HVAC systems.

ECM CFO Mike Smith Takes Center Stage at AHR

A highlight of this year’s event was ECM CFO/COO Mike Smith’s presentation at AHR’s New Product Theater. He provided an in-depth look at how our PrintStator Motor CAD platform is revolutionizing HVAC motor design.

ECM CFO/COO Mike Smith on Stage at AHR 2025
ECM CFO/COO Mike Smith on Stage at AHR 2025

By replacing traditional copper windings with an ultra-thin PCB Stator disc, PrintStator-designed motors deliver game-changing advantages, including the following:

  • Up to 70% lighter than conventional motors
  • Efficiency exceeding 90%
  • 80% reduction in raw materials, significantly lowering copper usage
  • Acoustically quieter by up to 30 dB; and
  • More compact designs, allowing for easier integration into HVAC systems

During his talk, Mike showcased real-world comparisons, including a 5 hp ECM PCB Stator motor that was up to 70 lbs (30 kg) lighter and half the length of a conventional counterpart. He also emphasized how our PrintStator SaaS platform enables companies to vertically integrate motor design, prototyping, and production — empowering manufacturers to develop high-efficiency motors tailored to their specific applications.

Live Demos, New Content, and Product Showcases

At our AHR Expo booth, attendees experienced ECM’s latest advancements firsthand. Our exhibit featured newly commercialized products and motors with integrated PCB Stator technology, as well as live demonstrations of our PrintStator Motor CAD software.

We also unveiled new content highlighting the benefits of our innovation in HVAC applications:

Partnering with ECM for Next-Gen HVAC Motors

Companies worldwide are leveraging ECM’s PrintStator Motor CAD and PCB Stator technology to gain a competitive edge in HVAC performance and efficiency. If you’re looking to integrate these advancements into your products, ECM offers three core solutions:

  1. PrintStator SaaS – A full-suite motor CAD platform for custom PCB Stator motor design.
  2. Pre-designed PCB Stator Motor Evaluation Kits – Ready-to-test motor solutions for rapid prototyping.
  3. ECM’s Advanced Prototyping Services – Custom-built motors tailored to specific applications.

As we continue to push the boundaries of electric motor design, we invite you to stay connected and explore how ECM’s technology can elevate your HVAC systems.

📩 To learn more, contact us at pcbstator.com.

How Does a PCB Stator Work

There’s lots of buzz on PCB Stator technology disrupting the electric motor industry. But how exactly does a PCB Stator work? We break it down in this new ECM video

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