Going Beyond the Basics: Innovative Step Motor Designs Give Machine Designers More Options for Motion Control

Machine and system designers now have greater options in choosing a motor to meet motion control requirements. While basic step motors with open-loop control schemes abound in the marketplace, different motor and drive designs offer interesting solutions for smarter, faster, quieter operations with more torque. Some incorporate smart drives for higher-level streaming commands or onboard motion control, while others add encoders for greater torque and accuracy. These options can offer better solutions as applications become more sophisticated and demanding, while companies address initiatives for greener operations. This article outlines different step motor options available on the market and considerations for their use.