Askelmoottoreiden

Askelmoottoreiden, or stepper motors, are electric motors that divide a full rotation into a number of discrete steps. This allows for precise positioning and control of the motor's shaft. Unlike DC motors, stepper motors are designed to move in fixed angular increments. They have multiple coils, known as phases, which are energized in a specific sequence to create the stepping motion. The controller, often a microcontroller, dictates this sequence.

The primary advantage of stepper motors is their ability to hold a position without requiring a feedback mechanism like an encoder, although closed-loop stepper systems also exist. This open-loop control simplifies system design and reduces cost in many applications. They are well-suited for tasks requiring accurate angular movement, such as in robotics, 3D printers, CNC machines, and automated manufacturing equipment.

Stepper motors can be classified into several types, including permanent magnet (PM), variable reluctance (VR), and hybrid types. Hybrid stepper motors, which combine features of PM and VR motors, are the most common due to their higher torque and resolution. The number of steps per revolution, or microstepping capabilities, determines the motor's precision. Microstepping allows for smoother rotation and finer positional accuracy by dividing each full step into smaller increments. However, stepper motors can lose steps if overloaded or if the controller cannot keep up with the demanded speed, which is a consideration in their application.