Stepper motor

maker

A stepper motor is an electromechanical device that converts electrical pulses into discrete mechanical movements.

expanded

Stepper motors are used to achieve precise control in positioning systems by moving in fixed increments known as steps. They are commonly applied in applications requiring accurate positioning, such as 3D printers and CNC machines, where their ability to hold a position without drift is crucial.

examples

A NEMA 17 stepper motor used in a desktop 3D printer with a step angle of 1.8 degrees, providing 200 steps per revolution.

Stepper motors in 3D printers are employed to manage the movement of the print head along the X, Y, and Z axes to ensure precise layer deposition.

A NEMA 23 stepper motor in a CNC router providing a holding torque of 1.26 Nm (178 oz-in).

CNC routers utilize stepper motors to control the position and speed of the cutting tool, allowing for complex pattern productions with high precision.

related terms

Servo motor

A servo motor is a rotary actuator that allows for precise control of angular position, velocity, and acceleration.

DC motor

An electric motor that runs on direct current (DC) electricity.

G-code

G-code is a programming language used to control CNC machinery.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) refers to the automated control of machining tools by means of a computer.

Solenoid

An electromagnetically operated coil that converts electrical energy into linear motion.