Common problems and analysis in stepper motor applications
Stepper motors may encounter various problems during application, which are often related to multiple factors. The following are some problems and analysis that may occur during stepper motor application:
Stepper motor does not run after power on
This may be caused by improper driver parameter settings, poor connection between motor and driver, motor failure, etc. 1) Check whether the connection between the motor and driver is good and whether the start command is received correctly; 2) Check whether the control system has sent a pulse signal to the stepper motor driver and whether the driver parameter settings are correct; 3) Check the motor itself for failures: whether it is overloaded and blocked (the motor usually makes a whistling sound at this time); whether there is an abnormality (you can check whether it is stuck or jammed by rotating the motor shaft).
Stepper motor out of step
Stepper motor out of step means that the actual position of the motor is inconsistent with the command position during operation. This may be caused by excessive motor load, insufficient driver current, improper driver subdivision number setting, etc. The solution to this problem is to reduce the motor load, increase the driver current, adjust the driver subdivision number, etc.
The stepper motor noise is too loud
This may be caused by poor connection between the motor and the driver, loose internal structure of the motor, etc. In order to reduce noise, it is necessary to check whether the motor bearings are worn or loose, whether the transmission parts are lubricated, and whether the connection between the motor and the driver is good.
Stepper motor heats up too high
Stepper motor heats up too high may be caused by excessive motor load, excessive driver current, poor motor heat dissipation, etc. In order to avoid motor overheating, it is necessary to reduce the motor load, adjust the driver current, strengthen motor heat dissipation, etc.
The emergence of these problems often affects the normal operation of the stepper motor and even causes it to be damaged. Therefore, in order to ensure that the motor can work stably and efficiently, regular maintenance and inspection are required to find out the cause of the fault and solve it in time.
Installation requirements for stepper motors
1. Ambient temperature: -20-50℃ (no icing). If the temperature is too high or too low, it will affect the normal operation of the motor and even cause the motor to overheat and age.
2. Ambient humidity: below 85% (no knots), otherwise water vapor may appear inside the motor, thus affecting the normal operation of the motor.
3. Good ventilation: The installation location of the motor should fully consider the air circulation, and well-ventilated areas are more suitable for using the motor.
4. No corrosive gas: There should be no corrosive or oxidizing gases such as acid, alkali, etc. where the motor is installed.
5. The motor installation position must be stable, without shaking or looseness, to avoid abnormal noise and stop when the motor is running.
6. The installation of the motor base must comply with the motor specifications, the base size must match the motor size. The base load-bearing capacity must meet the motor's usage requirements and can withstand the vibration and impact generated when the motor is running.
Temperature rise and insulation class of stepper motors
Temperature rise in a motor is the difference in temperature between the motor and its environment, caused by the heat generated during its operation. Within the motor, there are components like the iron core and the skeleton. Iron losses occur due to the initial alternating magnetic field in the iron core during operation. When the skeleton is energized, it experiences copper losses. Additionally, there are stray losses, which manifest as heat. These factors collectively contribute to the motor's temperature increase, affecting its efficiency.
The insulation level of a motor pertains to the heat resistance of the insulation materials used, typically categorized into A, E, B, F, H, and C levels. The allowable temperature rise refers to how much the motor's temperature can increase relative to the ambient temperature. Insulating materials are crucial components, especially those that must withstand high temperatures. Different insulating materials exhibit varying heat resistance properties, impacting the motor's performance.
Insulation temperature class A E B F H C
Maximum allowable temperature (℃) 105 120 130 155 180 220
Skeleton temperature rise limit (K) 60 75 80 100 125 150
Generally, stepper motors are equipped with Class B insulation, which means the internal temperature should not exceed 130 degrees Celsius. Considering that the normal temperature is within 40 degrees, the surface temperature is kept below 90 degrees. (Therefore, for most stepper motors, a surface temperature of 60 degrees is considered normal.)
In high-temperature environments, it's advisable to use high-temperature-resistant stepper motors, such as Class H. When selecting materials like enameled wire, skeleton, magnets, bearings, grease, and end caps, it's essential to ensure they can withstand the maximum temperature required.
>> Enameled wire plays a critical role in high-temperature environments, as its heat resistance directly impacts safety. Ordinary-grade enameled wire softens or melts under high temperatures, potentially damaging the motor.
>> Magnets are another essential component, and their heat resistance indirectly affects motor performance. As temperature rises, a magnet's magnetic force weakens, leading to reduced torque. Selecting high-temperature-resistant magnets can prevent demagnetization, ensuring stable torque output.
>> The wire frame, used to wind coils and support the motor stator, is typically made of plastic. Using high-temperature-resistant materials for the wire frame is crucial to prevent deformation and extend its service life.
If you have more requirements for the stepper motors' temperature, please contact us for customization.
How to choose the right stepper motor?
To select the ideal stepper motor for your application, it's crucial to grasp fundamental parameters and their meanings, such as holding torque, driving voltage, current, number of phases, flange size, motor length, shaft length, and wiring method. Additionally, consider the motor's operating environment, including factors like ambient temperature and humidity.
Holding torque
Holding torque represents the torque required to move a stepper motor one full step while the windings are energized and the rotor remains stationary. Choosing an appropriate motor model often depends on the required torque.
Torque frequency characteristics
Torque frequency characteristics describe the relationship between stepper motor speed and input voltage frequency. With consistent voltage and magnetic flux conditions, as the frequency increases, the motor's speed also rises. However, the motor's output torque decreases as speed increases. At low speeds (a few hundred revolutions per minute or lower), stepper motors offer relatively high torque, close to the holding torque. As speed exceeds 1000 rpm, torque diminishes significantly. Consequently, it's advisable to maintain stepper motor speeds between 300 to 600 revolutions per minute for most applications. High-speed motor requirements necessitate careful consideration of factors like driving voltage, coil resistance, and inductance.
The number of phases in a stepper motor refers to the quantity of coils within it, typically categorized as two phases, three phases, or five phases. These phases offer step angles of 0.9° or 1.8° for two-phase motors, 1.2° for three-phase motors, and 0.72° for five-phase motors. Smaller step angles lead to smoother motor operation, making two-phase motors the more commonly used option.
Usage environment
Consider the specific operating conditions of your stepper motor. Specialized high-temperature, humid, underwater, or waterproof motors may be required for challenging environments.
Customized services
If your application demands specific parameters like output shaft length, flat position, diameter, and wire sequence, reach out to our sales engineers for tailored stepper motor solutions.