Welcome to Oriental Motor's "Engineering Notes" Blog:

Current demand for stepper motors is shifting toward smaller, smarter, and more efficient systems, with the biggest push coming from automation, robotics, medical devices, and compact consumer and industrial equipment.  As our customers demand more torque in a smaller package, lower power consumption, and easier integration, we've been developing a complete stepper motor line to meet these needs.

Due to technological advancements, VFD users are no longer limited to AC motors.  Another alternative, brushless DC motors, a type of permanent magnet motor, are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to reduce footprint, lower power consumption, and improve performance.  We know that replacing a VFD and motor takes more work than just swapping out parts, so we came up with a simpler solution.

This article breaks down the common challenges associated with AC motors and VFDs and explains how VFD-compatible brushless DC motors can address them.

Automating screw tightening is no longer just about speeding up assembly; it’s also about ensuring consistent quality, reducing defects, and enabling scalable production. For automation engineers, one of the most effective architectures for achieving this is a multi-axis Cartesian system that combines precise positioning, controlled pressing, and accurate torque delivery.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how a 4-axis automated screw tightening machine can be built using electric linear actuators, and how Oriental Motor’s integrated motor and actuator solutions can simplify designs while improving performance.

As packaging lines face increasing pressure to run faster, handle more variants, and fit into tighter footprints, automation strategies must balance precision, flexibility, and size. One effective approach is the coordinated use of compact robots integrated with machine vision - an architecture well-suited for highly repeatable tasks like bottle handling and capping.

Building a great machine starts with the right motion components, and Oriental Motor’s PKP Series stepper motors give engineers a reliable starting point with a variety of proven options to choose from.  However, when your design demands a perfect fit or finely tuned specs, our custom assembly services take you beyond what standard motors can offer.

At Oriental Motor, continuous improvements are part of our process.  This article takes a deep look at functional updates of our popular BLH Series drivers, how they differentiate from existing drivers, and how they can improve functionality and performance.

Modern automation increasingly demands higher reliability,  faster time-to-build, and easier scalability in a smaller package. If you’ve ever wished you had an easy button for motion control, Oriental Motor’s αSTEP Hybrid Step-Servo AZ Series product family lets you build your own compact, modular motion control solution by choosing off-the-shelf products.

In high-volume manufacturing, every second matters.  Although traditional SCARA robots have been a staple in assembly and material handling, their limited rotational range can often cause delays that can keep them from maximizing throughput.

In high-precision automation environments like semiconductor manufacturing, even the smallest error can result in costly defects and downtime.   What if you could deliver servo-like precision without the complexity or cost of servo motors?

While optical encoders have long been the standard, magnetic encoders are emerging as a compelling alternative due to their durability, cost-efficiency, and versatility.  In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of both encoder technologies and explain why Oriental Motor's magnetic encoders deserve a closer look for a wider range of applications.