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Stepper Motors for Machine Automation
Monday, June 4, 2018
 You might be wondering about the role of stepper motors in automation. Do they play an important part or not?
Yes, they are equally important like other components used for automation. Nowadays, industrial processes are being automated by using stepper motors.
Their high torque at low speeds, attractive price, excellent performance and simple implementation make them easy to use.
In this article, we will discuss how these motors are used for automation.
Functioning of Stepper Motor
The drive, controller, and motor are the main components of a stepper-motor system. A PLC (programmable logic controller) is used with these parts to coordinate and supervise various stepper motors.
The torque generated by the motor, the motor speed, and the step position are regulated by the controller. The control signals that are generated are used by the drive. There are two types of stepper controllers: closed-loop or open-loop. There is no feedback system in open-loop controllers. However, such a system exists in closed-loop controllers. The feedback is dependent on the motor load.
The function of the drive is to amplify and modify signals that are generated by the controller. In this way, the direction and magnitude of the current flowing into the motor windings is regulated. Therefore, the stepper motor is driven to its required position and held there with the right amount of torque.
The stepper motor is rotated in steps by energizing the various coils in a defined sequence. Normally stepper motors rotate 1.8 degrees in each step. This is equal to 200 steps in 360 degrees movement. However, some motors might take smaller steps for better precision.
Applications
Their insignificant maintenance costs and high torque at low speeds make them ideal for many linear manufacturing processes. Some applications are X-Y tables, rail positioning, and conveyors. Due to reliability, repeatability, and various mounting options of stepper motors, they are also widely used in rotary-motion applications. Some of these applications include labelers, cut-to-length machines, and indexing tables.
Benefits of Combo Unit
User demands and advancements in technology have led to combine the different parts of stepper-motor systems in different ways. The combination of these components has many benefits. They save space as the combined units are smaller than separate ones. Another advantage is less wiring which leads to reduction in costs. Cost-saving is critical for everybody and by using stepper motors as combo units you can achieve effective results.
Buying a Stepper Motor
It is important that you are always on the lookout for automated products. Stepper motors are one way to introduce automation and increase productivity. Midwest Equipment can provide you stepper motors for machine automation. You can explore their website to look for the right kind of automation product.
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