abstract:Stepper motors are widely used in new market segments such as industrial automation, robotics, and d...
Stepper motors are widely used in new market segments such as industrial automation, robotics, and desktop 3D printers due to their durability, reliability, high efficiency, and a variety of standardized sizes and mounting options.
Broadly speaking, stepper motors belong to the synchronous class, which means that the rotor locks with the direction of the applied magnetic field produced by the stator. This synchronized operation is why steppers are often used in applications that require precise motion control.

But a characteristic characteristic of steppers – gears, like rotors with many magnetic gear teeth – divide a full rotor rotation into many small angles to create small, precise movements. This coupled with the fact that stepper motors are brushless (long life) makes them the motors of choice for industrial automation and robotics.
While all stepper motors share this multi-pole rotor, in some steppers each tooth is a pole of a permanent magnet, making them permanent magnet synchronous motors. In another type (variable reluctance stepper motor), these gear teeth are not magnetized, but are made of a material with a soft magnetization.