Which component is typically not part of an electric motor's operation?

In the context of an electric motor's operation, the elastomer is typically not a component that directly participates in the motor's function. Electric motors are primarily composed of essential elements like the stator, which generates a magnetic field, the armature that interacts with this field to produce movement, and the rotating shaft that transmits this motion for work.

Elastomers, such as rubber materials or flexible compounds, may be used in some applications for insulation, vibration damping, or sealing purposes, but they are not fundamental elements that contribute to the core operational mechanics of an electric motor. Since they do not engage in the generation or transmission of motion, selecting elastomer as the answer reflects a clear understanding of the specific components integral to electric motor functionality.