Servo motor systems are expensive but great for demanding applications that require high speed, peak torque, or feedback. Stepper motors are cost-effective but do not offer the peace of mind of feedback. For designs that do not need the bells and whistles of servo motor systems, there is another option.
Welcome to Oriental Motor's "Engineering Notes" Blog:
Products and technology are only valuable when coupled with skilled people and services to support them. Since 1978, ORIENTAL MOTOR U.S.A. CORP. has been building a service and support system to better serve customers. It is our goal to provide the best product and service from the design phase, through the sale and beyond.
Our blog will feature:
- Introduction to new products and technologies
- Motion control basics and application examples
- Tips for motor selection, programming, and troubleshooting
Is There an Option Between Stepper Motors and Servo Motors?
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Servo Motors, Network
Case Study: SCARA and Cartesian/Gantry Robots for Automated Assembly
In this post, we introduce a real-world SCARA and cartesian/gantry robot example of in-house automation built using our AlphaStep AZ Series family of motors, actuators, drivers, and our 4-axis robot controller.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Software, Rotary Actuators/Index Tables, XYZ/Cartesian/Gantry, Case Studies
Modular automation is the next phase of factory automation where a production line can be separated into mobile modules and can be quickly reconfigured for different purposes. This article explains the benefits of modular automation and shows how smaller, lighter, and battery-driven motors can help.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, Speed Control, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Application Examples
The Choice Between Servo Motors and Stepper Motors
The best motor is the one that meets the application requirements. However, when both servo motors and stepper motors satisfy the basic requirements of a positioning application, it's important to have a deeper understanding of the two technologies to make an informed decision.
In this blog post, we will summarize the differences between servo motor systems and stepper motor systems.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Servo Motors, Network, Service Life
Motion Programming Example: Timed Pressing Operation
In this blog post, I will explain how to easily program a timed pressing operation with our MEXE02 universal product support software. This example works for any products included in the AlphaStep AZ Series family, which also includes other series that use the same technology and software.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Software, Application Examples, Motion Control Basics
Grounding Basics: What are the Differences Between PE and FG?
Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, BLDC Motors, Servo Motors, Cooling Fans, Motion Control Basics
Motion Programming Example: Loop Function For Repeated Motion
No matter how many functions a product offers, without an intuitive, easy-to-use software, those functions can be difficult to implement.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Software, Application Examples, Motion Control Basics
3-Axis Parallel Robot with AlphaStep Absolute Stepper Motors
Remember the days when we used to go to in-person events, such as trade shows? Robot demos have always generated a lot of foot traffic in booths. What's better to illustrate the synchronism of closed-loop stepper motors than 3 motors working together to create one specific motion?
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, VIDEOS, Gearheads, Network, Application Examples
STO, or "Safe Torque Off", is a dedicated, built-in safety circuit function that makes safety easier to manage for motion devices, such as an industrial robot. It is part of the overall safety system designed to prevent injuries or damage.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators
For automated factories, motor failures mean lost production and lost revenue. Being able to identify the specific issue in advance and its location is critical to maintaining production efficiency. To be successful, extra sensors must be added to detect abnormalities. There may be an easier way.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Network, Application Examples, Troubleshooting