What are Stepper Motors Used for?

Teach Me Please! Ms. Ori
Teach Me Please! Ms. Ori

This column introduces application examples and key points for adoption of stepper motors in a conversational style.

  • Mr. Vex

    Hmm…

  • Ms. Ori

    Vex, what's wrong?

  • Mr. Vex

    We are going to have a stepper motor workshop for the new employees…
    I'm wondering how to explain for them to understand easily.
    I would like them to know more about the benefits of stepper motors…

  • Ms. Ori

    I see. By the way, Vex, can you explain what kind of motor is stepper motor?

Stepper Motor Features and Adoption Examples

  • Mr. Vex

    Well, it can perform accurate positioning and synchronous operation without a sensor…

  • Ms. Ori

    That's right. The other advantage is that it's low cost and compact.
    If it's a workshop for the new employees, why don't you introduce some examples of applications along with the features?

  • Mr. Vex

    That's a good idea.
    Stepper motors are used for the drive shaft of precision stages used in electron microscopes and the X-Y axes of inspection equipment, right?
    I think it was also a stepper motor that was used in the pick and place mechanism video!

  • Ms. Ori

    The X-Y-Z axes configuration is also used in 3D printers these days.
    3D printers are required to be made smaller in order to be used on desktops.
    By using a stepper motor, you can achieve the high precision positioning and space saving required by 3D printers.

    3D Printer Image
    3D Printer
  • Mr. Vex

    So stepper motors are perfect for 3D printers!

  • Ms. Ori

    Another thing you should not forget is semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
    There are many processes involved in making a semiconductor, and stepper motors are used in many of these processes.
    There are applications that require precision in microns and applications where one load is moved by two motors, so stepper motors with excellent positioning and synchronization are required.
     
    If you want to show synchronization, I'd suggest to show them a demonstration machine for synchronous operation that uses mechanical pencil lead.

  • Mr. Vex

    They are used in many different places.

  • Ms. Ori

    For something more familiar, they are also used in surveillance cameras.
    Stepper motors are perfect because precise positioning, such as camera alignment, must be achieved in a small space!
    It is also important to prevent the camera angle from changing in the wind, so having a holding torque when the motor stopped seems to be a key factor in its adoption.

    Surveillance Camera Image
    Surveillance Cameras

Use of Stepper Motors and Servo Motors

  • Mr. Vex

    Thank you for the advice! Now I have more image about the workshop.
    Also, I have the impression that many customers use servo motors for positioning purposes.
    I wonder how I should use them properly...

  • Ms. Ori

    You've noticed a good point. Certainly, many of our customers use servo motors.
    If it's just for accurate positioning, either one is correct.
    However, if you want something small and low cost, we definitely recommend a stepper motor!

  • Mr. Vex

    Recently, the number of variations of αSTEP which is a stepper motors with built-in position detection sensors has been increasing rapidly, and the range of applications is likely to keep expanding.
      I will explain in the workshop!

  • Ms. Ori

    Good luck to you!

Key Points of This Column

Stepper Motor Features

Stepper motors have been adopted in a wide range of industries and equipment.
Stepper motors are suitable for applications that require precise positioning and synchronization.

Use of Stepper Motors and Servo Motors

Accurate positioning is possible with both stepper motors and servo motors, but if you are looking for compact size and low cost, stepper motors are optimal.