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, we've been developing a complete high torque stepper motor line and supporting products to meet these needs.
What's covered:
✅ Current Demands for Stepper Motors
✅ Brief Introduction of the PKP Series
✅ Why Choose the PKP Series?
✅ Supporting Products Expand the Capabilities of the PKP Series
✅ Summary
Current Demands for Stepper Motors
Here are the most common demands we hear from our customers:
Most customers are demanding a stepper motor that provides higher torque in the same form factor as well as improvements in performance, smarter drivers, and more customization.
Brief Introduction of the PKP Series
The PKP Series has gone through several transformations since the original 2CPH stepper motor. After the 2CPH, we had the PH Series, PX Series, then the PKP Series. With each redesign, we achieved more torque in the same size by improving the magnetic design (rotor/stator laminations, wire density...etc.) and construction quality (precision, rigidity...etc.) of the motor. We also changed the Samarium Cobalt magnet to a Neodymium magnet and minimized the air gap between the rotor and stator specifically for the PKP Series. From the original 2CPH stepper motor to the current PKP Series, we have increased the torque almost 4x.
For guaranteed specifications and the lowest vibration, we recommend to use a CVD Series stepper motor driver. These drivers employ an efficient design with loss-loss FETs and improved pattern design. The CVD Series was developed specifically for the PKP Series, so if you want to maximize torque while minimizing vibration, you should at least test one of these drivers against the competition. Many types are also available, including pulse input, RS-485 communication, and multi-axis.
With high torque, low vibration, a wide range of optional add-ons, dedicated drivers, and support that you can count on, the PKP Series can fully support many motion control applications in various industries.
Why Choose the PKP Series?
To support multi-axis control of PKP Series stepper motors, we offer a CVD Series multi-axis driver with built-in EtherCAT communication. For engineers that want to accelerate the development of their own driver boards, we offer the S-Type board-mount chipset type driver.
The efficient design and characteristics of the PKP Series mean it can generate more torque at a lower rated current (A/phase). This can lower power consumption and operating temperature of the stepper motor.
Since we manufacture both the stepper motor and the driver, the CVD Series offers proprietary vibration-suppression functions that minimize vibration more effectively than other drivers.
In addition to stepper motors with encoders, we also offer standalone rotary encoders that can be installed on the load. Tracking encoder feedback from the load instead of the motor enables more precise detection by removing mechanical errors like backlash o belt deflection. We also offer a Fully Closed-Loop Control type Driver for use with high-resolution encoders.
In addition to minimizing physical I/O to just 4 wires, network drivers such as our CVD Series RS-485 Communication type driver or 4-axis EtherCAT driver offer a way to monitor status in real-time. When connected to the host controller, this data can be used for predictive maintenance.
We offer a wide PKP Series lineup from 13 mm (NEMA 5 equivalent) to 85 mm (NEMA 34) frame sizes with different stack lengths. In addition to the common 2-phase stepper motors, the PKP Series also includes 5-phase stepper motors for vibration and noise-sensitive applications, such as laboratory automation. Also, there are many types designed for different needs and optional add-ons, such as encoders and electromagnetic brakes.
| Standard Type | High-Resolution Type | Flat Type | Geared Type | Encoder Type | Electromagnetic Brake Type |
| Most Common | Better Stop Accuracy | For Compact Designs | For Higher Torque | For Peace of Mind | For Vertical Loads |
For more customization, such as custom shafts, pulley/gear/sprocket installation, or cable assemblies on our stepper motors, please visit our Custom Orders page.
Supporting Products Expand the Capabilities of the PKP Series
Supporting products for the PKP Series include dedicated bipolar microstepping drivers, linear actuator attachments, and rotary encoders.
CVD Series Bipolar Microstespping Drivers
For guaranteed specifications and plug-and-play capability with the PKP Series, we recommend using the CVD Series bipolar microstepping drivers. The CVD Series was designed specifically to drive PKP Series stepper motors for optimal torque generation and vibration suppression, and dedicated drivers have the rated current already set for matched motors. Simply purchasing a driver that's already been tested can save you valuable development and testing time. Besides the traditional pulse input type driver, the CVD Series driver lineup includes RS-485 communication type drivers for network control and monitoring, a multi-axis type for up to 4 stepper motors, and chipset drivers for users that want to accelerate their own driver designs.
Linear Actuator Attachments
For a simple way to convert rotary motion to linear motion, we offer a Linear Actuator Attachment. Like a gearhead, this is a mechanism that combines a lead screw and a resin nut. This can be added to a PKP Series stepper motor to easily convert rotary motion into linear motion. For applications that require a smaller footprint than standard linear actuators, the Linear Actuator Attachment is an alternative you can consider.
Rotary Encoders
The standard PKP Series encoder type stepper motors are limited to 1,000 P/R resolution. For applications requiring a higher level of position tracking, standalone rotary encoders with up to 4,000 P/R are available for installation on the load. With our product customization service, the encoder resolution on a PKP Series stepper motor can be increased up to 4,000 P/R. Minimum orders from 1 pc is available.
By installing a rotary encoder on the load itself, mechanical errors such as backlash or belt deflection can be eliminated.
Summary
Today's stepper motor applications demand more than basic open-loop positioning. Automation engineers are increasingly looking for higher torque in smaller packages, smoother operation, lower energy consumption, and greater positioning reliability for automation, robotics, medical equipment, and other precision systems. Oriental Motor's PKP Series high torque stepper motors address these needs with high torque density and compact designs that can improve machine performance without increasing footprint. Many types are available to meet different needs, such as encoder type or electromagnetic brake type.
In addition to the various types we offer, supporting products for the PKP Series can either improve its performance or expand its application range.
CVD Series Bipolar Microstepping Drivers - minimize vibration through more advanced and efficient current control
Linear Actuator Attachments - easily convert rotary motion to linear motion
Rotary Encoders - enhance feedback accuracy by eliminating mechanical errors like backlash
If you need something very specific for your application, please contact our team for custom orders.
Whether upgrading from a traditional open-loop system, increasing torque in existing equipment, or simplifying integration, the PKP Series and its supporting products offer a practical path to more reliable, efficient, and scalable machine designs.
Related articles:
Standard or Custom? How PKP Stepper Motors Give Machine Builders the Best of Both Worlds
CVD Series Stepper Motor Drivers Explained
Stepper Motor Linear Actuator Attachment: Easily Convert Stepper Motors to Linear Actuators
A Closer Look at Oriental Motor's Magnetic Encoders vs Optical Encoders
Choosing the Right Type of Stepper Motor for Your Application
Improve Positioning Precision for Autosamplers with High Resolution and Encoder Type Stepper Motors
How to Achieve Micron-Level Accuracy with Stepper Motors