Oriental Motor Adds Flat Type Stepper Motors to PKP Series

The stepper motor is often used in applications where cost is a constraint and holding torque at a standstill and accurate positioning are a necessity. The stepper motor works by energizing sequential coil segments that drive the rotor around the stator. These motors can often be bulky in size and require some creative engineering when mounting. 

Oriental Motor has expanded its PKP series of stepper motors with an ultra-compact version that includes a magnetic encoder.

Oriental Motor has added a flat type model to its PKP series of two-phase bipolar stepper motors. Image used courtesy of Oriental Motor

The PKP Series Stepper Motors

All of the motors in Oriental Motor's PKP series are designed to deliver high torque in a two-phase bipolar system. The series offers a wide selection of different voltage types, encoder styles, and frame sizes. The most recent addition, the flat-type stepper motors, come in two different frame sizes: 42 mm and 60 mm. Either size motor can be ordered with a flat harmonic gearhead (50:1 or 100:1) or with an encoder (200/400/1000 PPR).

What sets these motors apart from other stepper motors is their width. The 42 mm frame motor measures 17 mm wide, while the 60 mm frame motor measures 16 mm wide. The holding torque of these flat-type motors varies depending on the frame size. The torque ranges from 0.1 Nm to 1.8 Nm, while the current per phase ranges from 2.3 A to 1.5 A, respectively. With the compact size and low power draw, these motors are capable of fitting in tight spaces.

The flat type stepper motors feature a slim side profile of 17 mm for the 42 mm frame size and 16 mm for the 60 mm frame size. Image used courtesy of Oriental Motor

Stepper Motors vs Servo Motors

Both the stepper and servo motor deliver accurate speed control and positioning. The divide between the two systems comes in the feedback loop. With stepper motors, you don't often get an encoder, so you have to rely on your control system to count the number of pulses sent to the motor.

A servo motor typically features an internal encoder that provides feedback on positioning information to the drive system, ensuring accurate positioning. Oriental Motor’s flat-type PKP stepper motor comes with a magnetic encoder that outputs signals in either voltage or line driver (TTL) formats. This encoder gives the stepper motor a step up on the competition, providing feedback on its current position.

A 3D printer using stepper motors for precise positioning. Image used courtesy of Unsplash

Compact Positioning Systems

The stepper motor is commonly used in applications that require precise positioning and speed control, such as in a rotary table or 3D printer. Oriental Motor’s new flat-type model, with its narrow body, enables designers to apply accurate motion where it may not have been previously possible.