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Step Motor Design Tips

Tips for using and installing step motors

Design Tips

  • Parallel connect the lead wires for best torque over the widest speed range.
  • If not enough current is available from the drive, series connect the lead wires for full torque at low speeds.
  • Keep motor case temperature below 100 °C. This can be achieved by lowering the motor current or limiting the duty cycle.
  • Allow sufficient time to accelerate load.
  • Use a microstepping drive for smoothest motor performance over a wide speed range.
  • For open loop operation, size the motor with a 30-50% torque margin at speed. Including an encoder in the system and using Applied Motion’s Stall Prevention feature may allow operation all the way down to a 0% torque margin.
  • Do not disassemble motors. A significant reduction in motor performance will result.
  • Do not machine shafts without consulting Applied Motion Products.
  • Do not disconnect motor from drive while power is applied. Remove power from the drive before disconnecting the motor.
  • Do not use holding torque/detent torque of motor as fail-safe brake.
  • Use an Applied Motion stepper drive with your step motor to ensure best performance. Recommended motor-drive pairings are displayed on each product page (in the Related & Recommended Products section), as well as in the hardware manuals of the stepper drives.

Motion Installation Tips

  • Mount the motor securely against a surface with good thermal conductivity such as steel or aluminum.
  • Properly align the motor with the load using a flexible coupling.
  • Protect the motor shaft from excessive thrust, overhung and shock loads.