Variable reluctance, permanent-magnet & hybrid stepper motors

by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra

Stepper motors are used for performing steps that can be repeated with precision and for controlling speed. They are found in home appliances, and commercial and industrial applications. The auto-focus and zoom mechanisms in digital cameras, including in phones, are run by such motors, as well as the dispensing systems in vending and ticketing machines, bank ATMs and factory conveyor belts.

There are variable reluctance (VR) or reactive, permanent-magnet (PM) and hybrid types. The last, which combines the performance advantages of the two earlier technologies, is the advanced, albeit expensive, alternative that can be used in any application.

Hybrid stepper motors are currently in high demand, driven by the worldwide trend toward automation. They were valued at $8.6765 million in 2016 and are projected to reach $12.0597 million by end-2022, posting a CAGR of 5.66 percent, according to QYResearch. This has been described as a highly concentrated market by Market Reports World due to the virtual monopoly of its top 10 suppliers. In 2016, these industry leaders, mostly from Japan and China, accounted for about 90 percent of total revenue.

In China, all three types of stepper motors remain in mainstream supply, which are available in single, two, three and multiphases and 20, 28, 35, 42, 57, 60, 86 and 110mm sizes. Reactive units currently lead output of most domestic companies, but more are turning their attention to hybrid kinds. They are also planning to develop more units with a closed loop system to enhance the reliability of these inherently open-loop motors.

In general, Chinese manufacturers will continue to cater to various applications but are looking to benefit from greater demand in medical equipment, 3D printers and robotics in the next one or two years. To meet this goal, they will sustain R&D to keep yielding low-noise, quick-response, high-stability and durable stepper motors that meet CE, EMC, KC, RoHS and UL requirements.

Stepper motor, 18-degree step angle

Company: Changzhou Probond Motor Co. Ltd

The 25BY45-3 stepper motor from Changzhou Probond has 18-degree step angle and 20g.cm/400pps pull-in torque and ≥1,000pps starting frequency. Its voltage is 5V, resistance 14ohms and dielectric strength ≥500VAC/sec. Temperature rise is 35 K. This 25mm-diameter motor, designed for car conversion kits, generates 35dB noise. An order of at least 100 units is required and has a 15-day lead time.

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Stepper motor with class E insulation

Company: Changzhou Probond Motor Co. Ltd

Changzhou Probond Motor Co. Ltd offers the 42BY412-2 stepper motor with class E insulation, 100Mohm minimum insulation resistance at 500VDC, -20 to 80 C operating temperature and 50 K maximum temperature rise. This 60g electromechanical component is surge-tested at 500VAC/min. The minimum order requirement is 100 units. Lead time is 15 days.

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Stepper motor, ±5 percent step accuracy

Company: Changzhou Wantai Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd

From Changzhou Wantai, this 62mm-long stepper motor has step angle and accuracy of 1.8 degrees and ±5 percent. The model 86BYGX450A-014 has 1.4V rated voltage, 4.5A rated current, 0.31ohm and 1.3mH phase resistance and inductance, and 100mohm minimum insulation resistance at 500VDC. Its operating temperature is -20 to 50 C and maximum temperature rise 80 C. This CE-approved and RoHS-compliant motor weighs 2kg. An order of one unit is accepted and has lead time of three days.

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Stepper motor, 80 C maximum temperature rise

Company: Changzhou Wantai Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd

A 700g stepper motor measuring 51mm in length, model 57BYGHL216 from Changzhou Wantai has ±5 percent step accuracy. Its rated voltage is 3.3V, rated current 1.7A, resistance 1.95ohms and minimum insulation resistance 100mohms at 500VDC. Operating temperature is -20 to 50 C and maximum temperature rise 80 C. This motor has CE approval and complies with RoHS. An order of one unit can be shipped within three days.

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Stepper motor, 18-degree step angle

Company: ZJTEX Electric Group Co. Ltd

A linear stepper motor with a slide, ZJTEX’s ZJSM0806 has 18-degree step angle and suits digital cameras, phone cameras, network video equipment, and precision and medical instruments. Its voltage is 3VDC and resistance 12ohms±10 percent. The minimum order requirement is 1,000 units and the lead time seven days.

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Stepper motor with gearbox

Company: ZJTEX Electric Group Co. Ltd

The ZJSM0501 two-phase stepper motor from ZJTEX has a gearbox step angle of 18 degrees, and maximum starting and slewing frequency of 1,500pps and 2,500pps at 5VDC. It has 3 to 5VDC voltage range, 5VDC rated voltage, 14.5ohm±7 percent coil resistance, 1Mohm insulation resistance at 100VDC and 300VAC/sec insulation strength. The minimum order quantity is 1,000 units and the lead time seven days.

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