Stepper Motor Basics

Stepper Motors are also called a stepping motor, they are called this because they move in discrete “steps”.

How do Stepper Motors Work?

The inner workings of a stepper motor include a rotor. The rotor turns in steps – hence the name Stepper Motor. Round the outside of the rotor, there are electromagnets or stator teeth which sit in pairs. Some stepper motors have 4 whilst others have 6 or more. As the current switches on and off in the magnetic poles, they either repel or attract parts of the rotor causing it to rotate in steps. Rotation can be measured based on how many steps have been taken.  

There is a combination of electrical contacts and commutator which allow the direction of the rotor to be alternated quickly creating continuous movement until the power is shut off.

Stepper motors can control the angular position of the rotor without a closed feedback loop

Stepper Motor Uses

Stepper motors are used for various applications in different industries. The three main types of applications they are used for are;

Low Speed Torque – Unlike typical DC motors, stepper motors have maximum torque at low speeds which makes them well suited to applications which require low speed and very high precision.

Positioning – Because stepper motors move in very precise steps, they are a very good choice for applications which require highly accurate positioning.

Speed Control – The way that stepper motors work allows them to be able to control speed extremely accurately.

Application examples of stepper motors include;

• Process automation
• Robotics applications
• Pick and place applications
• Computing and camera applications
• Printing and scanning
• 3D printing
• Applications in fluid control systems

Stepper Motor Features and Benefits

Stepper motors tend to be lower cost than alternative devices, they also offer easy setup and installation. Other features and benefits include;

• Low maintenance
• Good repeatability
• Good choice for constant load applications
• High holding torque

Stepper Motors from Heason

Our stepper motors offer fast, precise and cost-effective motion control. Our two-phase motors can move in 1.8° increments which equates to 200 steps per revolution. For even higher accuracy we have a range of micro stepper motors which can measure even smaller steps.

Browse our range of stepper motors on our website – for more information or technical support please contact us.