Mark Liu

Preface: As we all know, stepper motors are often applied in industrial production equipment. But many people are not clear about whether the stepper motor is a DC motor or an AC motor, and whether the stepper motor is a brushless motor. It is safe to say that stepper motors are DC motors. However, as a special motor for control, the stepper motor cannot be directly connected to a DC or AC power supply, and must be used with a dedicated drive power supply. The stepper motor is actually a special brushless DC motor, but considered its special characteristics what the other brushless DC motor haven’t, it is no longer classified as a brushless DC motor. Now lets come back to the first question: Is the stepper motor DC or AC? The Stepper motor is not AC motors but DC motors. The stepper motor is a kind of induction motor. Its working principle is to use electronic circuits to convert direct current into time-sharing power supply, multi-phase sequence control ... Continue reading →

Abstract: The biggest difference between stepper motors and other control motors is that stepper motors are controlled by inputting pulse signals. It receives digital control signals and converts them into corresponding angular or linear displacements. It is a complete digital Executor for schema conversion. So what can stepper motors be used for? Let's find out below.   First let's briefly understand how it works. The working principle of a stepper motor is a motor that converts a pulse signal into a linear displacement or an angular displacement. Every time an electric pulse comes, the stepper motor rotates an angle, driving the machine to move a short distance. The stepper motor can easily achieve the correct positioning operation, and can control the correct rotation angle and speed through the pulse signal, so it is usually used in various non-standard equipment and automatic machinery, such as CNC machine tools, medical equipment, textile printing, packaging ... Continue reading →

For stepper motors, the proper grease is very important. If the inappropriate grease is selected, it will lead to high motor noise, excessive current, increased motor wear and motor failure. This article will help you choose the right grease for your motor from the principles of motor lubricating grease selection, classification, factors that should be considered and precautions when choosing stepper motor lubricating grease. Selection principle of motor lubricating grease 1. Working environment The working environment mainly refers to the minimum and maximum temperature of the working environment, air humidity, whether it contains corrosive gas or excessive dust, etc. For example, when the motor is used outdoors in severe cold areas, lithium-based low-temperature grease should be used, and calcium-based grease should be used in places with high humidity and water. 2. Working temperature That is, the highest temperature that may occur during the operation of the motor. When the ... Continue reading →

The motor is one of the indispensable equipment in production and manufacturing. In order to ensure the normal operation of the motor, in addition to normal use according to the operating procedures and normal monitoring and maintenance during operation, regular inspections should be carried out to maintain the motor. 1. Check: a. Check and clean the motor terminals. Check whether the wiring screws of the junction box are loose or burnt. b. Check the screws of each fixed part, including anchor screws, end cover screws, bearing cover screws, etc. Tighten any loose nuts. c. Check the transmission device, check whether the pulley or coupling is strong, damaged, and whether the installation is firm; whether the belt and its coupling buckle are intact. d. Check whether there are burn marks on each wiring part and whether the grounding wire is in good condition. 2. Look: Look at the magnitude and change of the working current of the motor, and see if there is any water leakage or dripping ... Continue reading →

Stepper motors are widely used in many fields, so what factors should users pay attention to when facing a variety of stepper motors? This blog provides you with the following reference factors. Hope it can help you avoid troubles caused by improper selection. 1. Torque of the stepper motor The holding torque of a stepper motor is similar to what is called "power" by a conventional motor. Of course, there are essential differences. The physical structure of the stepping motor is completely different from AC and DC motors, and the output power of the motor is variable. We usually choose the model of the motor according to the required torque (that is, the torque of the object to be driven). Generally speaking, if the torque is below 0.8N.m, we will choose 20, 28, 35, 39, 42 (the diameter or squareness of the motor body, unit: mm); if the torque is around 1N.m, it is best to choose 57 The motor is more suitable. When the torque is a few N.m or greater, you have to choose ... Continue reading →

485 communication is a serial communication protocol, also known as RS-485 communication. It is a half-duplex, differential signal transmission communication protocol that can be used to transmit data over long distances (up to 1200 meters). It is commonly used to connect multiple devices and allows bidirectional communication between them. The following are the basic principles and advantages of 485 communication: Basic principles: 485 communication uses differential signal transmission, using two wires to transmit signals, called the A line and B line. The voltage on these two wires can be positive, negative, or zero, and data is transmitted based on the differences in these voltages. When transmitting data, the communication port converts the data to be transmitted into voltage signals and sends a voltage signal on both the A and B lines, with the difference between the two signals representing the data to be transmitted. At the receiving end, the 485 chip decodes the received ... Continue reading →

To select the appropriate brushless motor driver, the following factors need to be considered: Motor parameters: Firstly, it is necessary to understand the voltage, current, power, speed, torque, and other parameters of the motor. These parameters will determine the rated voltage, current, power, and other parameters of the selected driver. Application environment: Understand the environmental conditions in which the motor operates, such as temperature, humidity, vibration, and shock. These factors will affect the performance and lifespan of the driver, so it is necessary to choose a driver suitable for the environmental conditions. Control requirements: Understand the control requirements of the motor, such as speed control, position control, torque control, etc. Choosing a suitable driver can help achieve better control effects. Cost: The cost of a brushless motor driver is usually higher than that of a brushed motor driver, and the cost requirements of the application need to be ... Continue reading →

An encoder is a sensor used to measure the position and speed of mechanical motion and convert it into a digital signal. Based on their working principles and output types, encoders can be classified into various types. Here are several common types of encoders: Optical encoders: Use a grating or optical pulse technology to measure position and speed. This type of encoder typically has high resolution and accuracy and can be used for measuring high-speed motion. Magnetic encoders: Use magnetic materials and magnetic sensors to measure position and speed. This type of encoder is typically used for measurement in harsh environments such as high temperature or humidity. Mechanical encoders: Use mechanical contact or gears to measure position and speed. This type of encoder is typically simpler but has lower accuracy and resolution. When selecting the appropriate encoder for a motor, the following factors need to be considered: Resolution: The encoder's resolution determines the ... Continue reading →

There are several ways to connect a planetary gearbox and a motor. Here are some possible methods: Flange connection: The planetary gearbox and motor can be connected together through a flange connector. The flange is typically a circular metal piece bolted or screwed to the end faces of the motor and gearbox. This type of connection is usually sturdy and reliable, suitable for larger machines. Direct connection: The output shaft of the planetary gearbox and input shaft of the motor can be directly connected together, which typically requires some additional components to ensure the connection's strength and precision. This type of connection is relatively simple and suitable for smaller machines. Coupling connection: A coupling is a component that connects the motor and planetary gearbox and can compensate for axial deviation, angular deviation, and torque impact issues. This type of connection is suitable for machines that require high precision and reliability. Gear connection: ... Continue reading →

There may be multiple reasons for vibration and noise in a two-phase hybrid stepper motor during low-speed operation, and the following are some common solutions: Choose an appropriate driver: Choosing an appropriate driver can effectively reduce motor vibration and noise. It is recommended to use a microstep driver, as it can divide the stepper motor's step into smaller microsteps, making the motor run smoother. Increase current: When the motor operates at low speed, the current decreases, which can lead to increased motor vibration and noise. Increasing the current to improve the motor's torque and stability can effectively reduce vibration and noise. Reduce load: Excessive load can also cause increased motor vibration and noise. Reducing the load can lower motor vibration and noise. Install shock absorbers: Installing shock absorbers between the motor and external structures can effectively reduce the transmission of vibration and noise. Check motor bearings and mechanical ... Continue reading →

The right angle gearbox is a transmission device composed of two mutually perpendicular shafts and a set of gears, in which the input torque of one shaft is transmitted to the other shaft. The right angle gearbox usually consists of a worm, worm wheel, worm wheel bearing, output shaft, and gears. The advantages of a right angle gearbox are as follows: High transmission efficiency: The right angle gearbox adopts gear transmission, which has high transmission efficiency and can effectively reduce energy loss. Good stability: The internal gear transmission of the right angle gearbox has many teeth, low noise, and smooth transmission, which can ensure transmission accuracy and stability. Compact structure: The structure of the right angle gearbox is compact, which can effectively save space and is suitable for installation in limited space. Large transmission ratio: The transmission ratio of the right angle gearbox is usually between 1:1 and 1:5, which has a large transmission ratio and ... Continue reading →

When choosing a stepper motor for a 3D printer extruder, there are several factors to consider: Torque: The stepper motor needs to be able to provide enough torque to drive the extruder. The torque required depends on the filament diameter, the nozzle size, and the desired printing speed. A good rule of thumb is to choose a motor with a torque rating that is at least 3 times the torque required for the extruder. Steps per revolution: The stepper motor's step angle determines how many steps it takes to complete a full revolution. The standard step angle for most stepper motors used in 3D printers is 1.8 degrees, which results in 200 steps per revolution. Holding torque: The holding torque of a stepper motor is the amount of torque it can maintain when stopped. This is important for maintaining a consistent extrusion rate when the printer is paused or changing direction. Size and weight: The stepper motor should be small and lightweight enough to fit on the printer's extruder ... Continue reading →

1. What is an Arduino? Arduino is an open-source hardware and software platform that is used to build and program electronic devices. It consists of a microcontroller, which is a small computer that can be programmed to control different components like LEDs, sensors, motors, and other electronic devices. Arduino boards come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they can be easily connected to a computer through a USB cable. They also have a variety of inputs and outputs, including digital and analog pins, which allow them to interact with a wide range of electronic components. Can I connect stepper motor directly to Arduino? Yes, you can connect a stepper motor directly to an Arduino. To connect a stepper motor, you will need to identify the stepper motor's wiring and the corresponding pins on your Arduino board. A stepper motor typically has four or six wires, and the wires are usually labeled A, A', B, B', C, and C'. Here are the general steps to connect a stepper ... Continue reading →

Choosing the right motor for a CNC mill, lathe or router depends on several factors, including the requirements of the project and the characteristics of the motor. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a motor for a CNC machine: Power requirements: The power required by the motor depends on the size and weight of the machine, the type of material being worked on, and the cutting speed required. Generally, a larger motor will be needed for heavier and tougher materials. Speed range: The motor should be capable of operating at different speeds to handle different cutting requirements. The speed range of the motor should be matched to the capabilities of the machine. Torque requirements: The torque requirement depends on the type of material being cut, the depth of cut, and the speed of the machine. A motor with higher torque will be needed for tougher materials or deeper cuts. Type of motor: There are various types of motors available, such as stepper motors, servo ... Continue reading →

The Advantages and Application of a Planetary Reducer Widely used in many industries and having strong practicability, the planetary reducer covers a wider range of applications. Today, let’s talk about the advantages and application industries of planetary reducers, so that everyone can better understand this product. The Advantages of a Planetary Reducer 1. Improving the efficiency of operation The planetary reducer can be used together with the servo motor to increase the torque. Therefore, increasing the speed of the servo motor doubles the power density of the entire servo system. It can well improve the operating efficiency of the entire mechanical equipment. Increasing the output torque In ordinary mechanical operation, if we want to increase the output torque of the servo motor, we have to choose a high-power servo motor, which is not only expensive, but also requires a relatively strong structure of the motor, so if we want to increase the torque, we can use a ... Continue reading →

Common Problems and Solutions of Planetary Reducer 1. the worn planetary gear tooth and gluing, pitting, grinding deviation and introduction (especially the pinion speed is very easy to wear) may cause vibration of the reducer.   Treatment: timely replacement of severely worn gears. Generally can use the reverse running method to solve the tooth surface serious gluing. 2.the planetary reducer gears of the meshing surface contact and uneven force, so that the axial movement of the gear frequently, the occurrence of tooth fracture or tooth ring fracture, as well as spoke cracks, etc., causing vibration of the reducer.   Treatment: replace the damaged parts; adjust the gear ring and spoke door with; replace the gear of tooth wear over limit; adjust the bearing clearance; improve gear lubrication, etc.   3. planetary reducer high-speed shaft and medium-speed shaft slide key wear introduced, shaft pinion coupling bolts have loosened or fracture caused by ... Continue reading →

The Differences Between Open-loop Control System and Closed-loop Control System Automatic control systems are classified by the structural characteristics of the system and can be divided into open-loop control systems and closed-loop control systems. What is the difference between these two, this article will introduce them to you. I. Open-loop control system Between the control device and the controlled object, there is only a cis-action and no reverse link, the system neither needs to measure the output quantity, nor needs to feed it back to the input to compare with the given input quantity, so the input quantity of the system is the given value of the system. The open-loop control system, on the other hand, is characterized by the fact that there is no link in the system and the action signal is transmitted from input to output in a single direction. Characteristics of open-loop control system. *There is no feedback link in the system, no feedback measuring element is ... Continue reading →

In the terms of setting the value of a digital stepper driver, the higher the subdivision value, the higher the control resolution on common sense. For two-phase motor, the calculation method of pulse equivalent is as follows: pulse equivalent = lead screw pitch ÷ subdivision number ÷ 200. Takeoff Speed: This parameter corresponds to the take-off frequency of the stepper motor, meaning that the motor can start working without acceleration. The proper selection of this parameter can improve the processing efficiency and avoid the low-speed section with poor motion characteristics. However, the value is set too large, it will cause stuffy cars. So a margin must be left. Uniaxial acceleration: Used to describe the acceleration and deceleration capacity of a single feed shaft. This index is determined by the physical characteristics of the machine tool, such as the quality of the moving part, the torque of the feed motor, resistance, cutting load, etc. The greater this ... Continue reading →

As an operating element of mechanical equipment, servo motors get widely used in the servo systems. Sometimes the heating of the operating servo motors may make us a wonder whether it is normal if we lack some professional knowledge. Actually, it is a widespread phenomenon that motor cause heat when working. But overheating needs our attention to reduce its temperature.   The temperature which the motor can be reached depends on the insulation. General speaking, the motor will not be damaged unless the internal temperatures is higher than 130 C and the outer temperature should below 90 C. Therefore, 70-80 C of the outer side of motor is the normal temperature. Except for the thermometer to measure, we can also distinguish by hand. If we can touch it for 1-2 seconds, then the temperature should within 60C. If we can touch it for less than 1 second, the temperature should be about 70-80 C. And if we drip some drops of water on it, the vaporization of water activation ... Continue reading →

The digital stepper driver is an executing mechanism that can convert the electrical pulse signal it is subjected to into angular displacement. When it receives an electronic pulse signal, it will rotate by a fixed angular displacement in a direction set previously.We can control the angular displacement by controlling the number of pulses it sends, so as to achieve the purpose of accurate positioning. By the control of the frequency of its pulse signal, the speed and accelerated speed of the motor can be controlled, so as to achieve the purpose of speed adjustment and positioning.It is widely used in a variety of large and medium-sized numerical control devices with high resolution, such as carving machines, crystal grinders, medium-sized numerical control machines, electroencephalographic embroidery machines, packaging machines, springs, dispensers, cutting and feeding systems, etc.   The phase of a stepping motor refers to the number of coil groups inside the stepping motor. ... Continue reading →