A DC machine either uses or produces electrical energy.

It does this by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy or vice versa. A DC machine is made out of two essential parts, one stationary and one moving, called the field and the armature. An essential example of a DC machine is a copper coil spinning on its own axis between two magnets. A practical DC machine also needs a commutator, brushes, poles and bearings. Field The field is the stationary part of a DC machine. A field is usually constructed out of magnetic poles. In the example above of the copper coil spinning on its own axis between two magnets, the two magnets produce a magnetic field in which a conductor, the armature, must move to produce an electric charge. Armature The armature is the moving part of a DC machine. It moves in the field to complete the DC machine's electromechanical energy conversion. In the above example, the copper coil is the armature, spinning in the magnetic field. Commutator The spinning armature and its brushes produce an alternating electromagnetic field (EMF) that can disrupt the operation of a DC machine. A commutator in conjunction with commutating poles resolves the alternating EMF and prevents the brushes from sparking. Brushes, Yoke and Bearings Brushes are used to collect the electric charge from the armature. They must be supported by brush holders. The yoke and bearings provide mechanical support to the DC machine's spinning armature, allowing smooth, steady motion while mitigating friction. A DC Machine as Motor or Generator DC machines work in two directions. A DC machine that produces electricity by consuming mechanical energy is a generator. A DC machine that consumes electricity to create mechanical energy is a motor. The same basic DC machine can be either a motor or a generator.

Overwiev The DC motor has two basic parts: the rotating part that is called the armature, and the stationary part that includes coils of wire called the field coils. The stationary part is also called the stator. Armature is made of coils of wire wrapped around the core, and the core has an extended shaft that rotates on bearings. You should also notice that the ends of each coil of wire on the armature are terminated at one end of the armature. The termination points are called the commutator, and this is where the brushes make electrical contact to bring electrical current from the stationary part to the rotating part of the machine. The coils that are mounted inside the stator. These coils will be referred to as field coils in future discussions and they may be connected in series or parallel with each other to create changes of torque in the motor.