Stepper motors are sensitive to the performance of their power supplies. Stepper motor power supplies can affect: Rate of motor heating — read FAQ: Aren’t heat and noise common stepper motor problems? for more on this Acceleration — read FAQ: What are the requirements for a stepper acceleration? Torque — read FAQ: What kind of torque […]
Stepper Drives
FAQ: How do stepper drives and motors get smooth motion and consistent torque at low speed?
Smooth operation at low speeds with consistent torque is possible using stepper motors and drives. It is accomplished by ensuring the drive and motor work together, and often by using microstepping. Microstepping is driving the stepper motor such that each pulse does not complete a full step. Rather, a partial step occurs. This allows the […]
FAQ: What is pole-damping technology in stepper drives?
Pole-damping technology refers to a unique method of microstepping employed by specially equipped stepper drives. Note that Lin Engineering trademarks the term Pole Damping, as it employs their proprietary technologies. Also do not confuse damping, which is the addition of components to a motor setup to reduce vibration and noise, with pole damping, which involves […]
Applied Motion launches EtherCAT-enabled closed-loop stepper system
At PackExpo earlier this month, Applied Motion Products introduced its newest closed-loop stepper system, which comes with EtherCAT functionality. Its StepServo closed-loop motor and drive system for industrial Ethernet will be available soon. According to Eric Rice, Applied Motion Marketing Manager, the StepServo with EtherCAT “offers up to 50% more torque than traditional step motors […]
FAQ: What are the pros and cons of integrated stepper motor-drive combinations?
Stepper drives and motors can integrate into one unit. Manufacturers supply various combinations of integrated stepper motor-drive combinations. These integrated stepper and drive units have their advantages and drawbacks. The benefits of the integrated motor and drive units include ease of implementation, reduced wiring complexity, faster setup and construction of a system and guaranteed motor-drive […]
Applied Motion Products announces internationally certified stepper drive for hazardous locations
Applied Motion Products now offers the first ever step motor drive that is internationally certified for use in hazardous locations. The STAC6-Q-H stepper drive is ATEX and IECEx certified for Class I, Zone 2 locations, and UL certified for Class 1, Div 2, Group C & D locations. These certifications cover the use of the drive in […]
FAQ: What is stepper drive idle-current reduction and why does it help?
When stepper motors operate, they operate by drawing current continuously. This method of operation ensures more accurate positioning and more consistent torque. However, this also means an increase of energy they use and the amount of heat they produce. This holds true even when the stepper motor is idling. Idling is not a very efficient […]
FAQ: How do drives for switched-reluctance motors work?
Switched-reluctance motors are stepmotors that accept power to their stators (instead of their rotors) to use output mechanical force through the use of reluctance. This is magnetomotive force to magnetic flux. Switched-reluctance motors use drives that differ from those that pair with other stepper motors. That’s because switched-reluctance motors have nonlinear magnetic behavior … but output high […]
Minimizing stepper motor vibration with affordable technology
By Kazuki Into, Circuit Development Manager • Oriental Motor USA Corp. || Because stepper motors run and then stop at each step angle, they deliver high-accuracy position control. But the way they incrementally advance causes vibration and noise. Now, some drivers use advanced electronics to track and control current into motors as a way to achieve smooth […]
Motion controllers help planes take precision aerial photos of disasters
Quick response to catastrophes such as floods and fires is critical, but disaster sites are often inaccessible and unsafe for inspectors and adjusters who come after first responders. Now Pictometry, an EagleView company, collects and supplies ultra-clear aerial photography to let insurance carriers, restoration companies, utilities, and contractors identify safe-access points, areas of total loss, […]
