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Robotics & Automation vocabulary · Sensors, Motors and Actuators

Stepper motor

Meaning in robotics & automation, with examples

/ˈstepər ˌmoʊtər/nounCommon term

In robotics & automation, stepper motor means: An electric motor that turns in small fixed steps, often 1.8° each, so it can be positioned by counting pulses, usually without a position sensor.

In Turkish: step motor, adım motoru, adımlı motor

How it is used

Used in small machines, 3D printers, labelers and positioning tables because it is cheap and simple. Engineers talk about steps per revolution, microstepping and losing steps when the load is too high. Also called a stepping motor or just a stepper.

Example sentences

  1. The stepper motor lost steps when we increased the speed, so the label ended up in the wrong place.

  2. A stepper motor is enough for this adjustment axis; it only moves a few times a day.

Common collocations

  • stepper driver
  • lose steps
  • steps per revolution
  • microstepping
  • hybrid stepper
  • servo motorAn electric motor with a built-in position sensor, usually an encoder, so that a drive can control its position, speed and torque very precisely. Robot joints are normally moved by servo motors.
  • actuatorA component that turns energy, such as electricity, compressed air or hydraulic oil, into movement. Motors and pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders are typical actuators.
  • open-loop controlControl without feedback: the controller sends a command but does not measure the result, so it cannot correct errors caused by load changes or disturbances.
  • encoderA sensor mounted on a motor or shaft that measures rotation and sends position and speed information to the drive or controller.

More terms: Sensors, Motors and Actuators

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