Design Tips for Using Step Motors

Sharma Dimple
Sep 4, 2018 · 2 min read

Types of Stepper Motors

There are three basic types of step motors in use, though in industrial automation the most common type is the hybrid type:

  • Active rotor: permanent magnet (PM)
  • Reactive rotor: variable reluctance (VR)
  • Combination of PM and VR: hybrid (HY)

Design Tips for Using Step Motors

  • Parallel connect the lead wires for best torque over the widest speed range
  • If not enough current is available from the drive, series connect the lead wires for full torque at low speeds
  • Keep step motor best case temperature below 100 °C. This can be achieved by lowering the motor current or limiting the duty cycle
  • Allow sufficient time to accelerate load
  • Use a microstepping drive for smoothest motor performance over a wide speed range
  • For open loop operation, size the motor with a 30–50% torque margin at speed. Including an encoder in the system and using a Stall Prevention feature may allow operation all the way down to a 0% torque margin
  • Do not disassemble motors. A significant reduction in motor performance will result
  • Do not machine shafts without consulting Electromate® first
  • Do not disconnect motor from drive while power is applied. Remove power from the drive before disconnecting the motor
  • Do not use holding torque/detent torque of motor as fail-safe brake
  • Use an Electromate® recommended stepper drive with your step motor to ensure optimal performance

Electromate® sells a family of 2-phase hybrid type step motors with a 1.8° step angle in NEMA frame sizes from NEMA 8 to NEMA 42. Stepper motors from Electromate® are available in 4, 6 or 8 lead configurations for bipolar or unipolar operation. All motors can be wired in series or parallel, depending on the requirement. Motors are available with optional rear shaft extensions, encoders, brakes, cables, gearboxes and IP65 sealing.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade