In this article we are going to talk about stepper motor actuators including what they are, how they work and how they can benefit your operations. When selecting a linear actuator, you'll find that there area many options available and it can be a challenge understanding the key benefits of each one. Keep reading to learn more about stepper motor actuators, and when you should consider implementing them into your product design over a DC actuator..
What is a stepper motor actuator?
Simply put, stepper motor actuators are actuators that are capable of high precision because the motor travels in discreet steps, rather than simply on or off. Stepper motor actuators are relatively new to our product lineup. We released our first line of stepper actuators, the S20 series, in 2022. Since then, we have produced a second line of stepper motor actuators, the P8-ST series. Stepper actuators have several advantages over DC actuators including:
- Longevity. DC All things being equal, a stepper motor actuator will outlast a DC motor actuator. This is because stepper motors to do not rely on brushes as DC motors do. Brushes are a wear item, and degrade over time.
- Precision. Stepper motors are capable of much higher precision that DC motors. This results in an actuator that can be more closely tuned to your exact requirements.
- Efficiency. Stepper motor actuators are more efficient by design and will consume less electricity over time. This will reduce your costs over the lifespan of the actuator.
Of course there are counterpoints to the above benefits. Every technology has drawbacks and stepper actuators are no exception. The primary drawbacks to stepper actuators are price and complexity. They are more expensive to purchase than DC actuators, and also require a stepper motor driver to operate increasing bot the price and complexity of implementation.
Why use a stepper motor actuator?
Stepper motor actuators are more complicated than standard DC actuators and require a stepper controller to drive the motor. Generally, stepper motors are used in applications that require high precision and low force. If you require very precise movement and are not as concerned with force, than a stepper motor actuator may be the best choice for your application.
Actuonix stepper motors
In recent years, we have seen an increasing demand for actuators with a higher accuracy than standard models can achieve. While different brands have offered stepper actuators for some time, they tend to be high-cost, high volume products that are less accessible to product developers, entrepreneurs and OEMs.
We saw that there was room in the market for a highly accurate actuator that could be shipped within a day and wouldn't break the bank. This is why we designed the S20 and more recently, the P8 stepper lines.
The S20 is based on our popular L12 actuator. Similar in appearance, we have replaced the L12 DC motor and gearbox assembly with a NEMA 8 stepper motor.
Our newest stepper line, the P8 is an entirely new design from the ground up. With a body that is slightly smaller than our PQ12, it is our most compact actuator. We wanted to design a product that would meet the evolving needs of OEMs and product designers.
Choose Actuonix Stepper Actuators
We take pride in the development of high-quality products that are cost-effective. We test every single actuator we sell before it leaves our facility and that helps us keep our quality and customer satisfaction high. If it doesn't meet our standards for quality, we don't ship it. It's that simple.
Our sales staff are available five days per week to assist you with your questions and help you find the right actuator for your next product or project.