Stepper Motors

Simply put, stepper motors are brushless, synchronous electric motors that convert digital pulses into mechanical rotation. Well suited to applications where control signals appear as digital rather than analog voltages, they’re often found in robotics, machine tools and picking machines.

At RS, you will find hundreds of products in the stepper motors range, including stepper motor drivers and stepper motor controllers. We have a full selection in stock from brands including Schneider Electric, Crouzet, RS Pro and Nidec Motors, so you can rest assured you’re buying the highest quality products for the project you are working on.

Read on for more information on stepper motors, their benefits and all the different applications they can be used for.

What are stepper motors?

Stepper motors are digital input-output devices that send a digital pulse to a stepper motor driver, causing the motor to perform one precise angle of motion. As the digital pulses increase in frequency, the step movement changes into continuous rotation.

Unlike other types of electric motors, a stepper motor doesn’t just rotate continuously for a random number of spins until it’s shut off. Instead, they’re designed for precision starting and stopping in an application.

Stepper motors have been designed to be digitally controlled and function as a key component in a motion-control system. They’re most commonly used in holding or positioning machines, where their ability to make clearly defined rotational positions, speeds and torques makes them ideally suited to rigorous movement control.

Why choose a stepper motor driver?

There are a number of advantages for choosing stepper motors for your project. One of the biggest advantages is that they’re relatively low cost. They’re essentially “plug and play” and are easy to set up.

Another great benefit is that stepper motors also offer a much longer life than other motors. This is because many of the moving parts are frictionless, which means the bearings are essentially the only part that will ever wear out.

Additionally, stepper motor drivers also offer excellent low speed torque. This means the motor will drive multiple loads without having to use any further gearing mechanisms.

What are stepper motors used for?

There are a number of applications for stepper motors, in numerous industries and sectors. Some of the most common places you’d find them are:

• Cameras
• Robotics
• Computing
• Printing, including 3D printing
• Process automation and packaging machinery
• Precision positioning equipment

In 3D printing for example, stepper motors are very common. This is because a 3D printer needs to be highly accurate and a stepper motor is a cost-effective way of achieving that precision.

Stepper motor drivers are often used in high-end cameras because of the need for extreme internal precision with in-lens autofocus and aperture settings. They’re also used in motorized camera sliders and allow for very smooth operation of camera-positioning rigs.

Why choose RS for your stepper motors?

We stock a full range of stepper motors that are designed to help your application run smoothly and efficiently. We are a leading authorized distributor of stepper motor drivers in North America and stock major names including DFRobot, Crouzet, RS Pro and Nidec Motors. Each of our stepper motors meets the highest industry and safety standards.

Should you have any questions, our team is on hand to help. Contact us today for advice, while you can also find tips in our expert hub.