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Brake Stepper Motor

What is Brake Stepper Motor?

A brake stepper motor is a specialized type of stepper motor designed with an integrated electromagnetic brake to maintain position when power is removed. These motors combine the precise positioning capabilities of stepper motors with the holding security of a brake system, making them ideal for applications where safety, stability, and accuracy are essential even during power failures or shutdowns.

Understanding the Function of a Brake Stepper Motor

A stepper motor with brake operates by converting electrical pulses into discrete mechanical steps, allowing precise control over rotation angle, speed, and position. The brake mechanism, typically mounted on the motor’s rear shaft, ensures that the motor shaft remains locked when the power supply to the motor is turned off. This prevents unintended movement, slippage, or load dropping, which can occur due to gravity or external forces.

When the motor is powered on, the brake coil is energized, releasing the brake pad and allowing free rotation. When the power is turned off, the coil is de-energized, and the brake automatically engages, locking the rotor securely in place. This dual-function capability is what makes brake stepper motors so valuable in automation and motion control systems.

Features:

Compact structure and space efficiency
Simplified wiring and assembly
High holding torque and reliability
Improved energy efficiency
Fail-safe protection

This dual-functionality design is especially beneficial in industrial automation, semiconductor handling, and precision dispensing systems, where accuracy, consistency, and safety are critical.

NEMA 17 Hybrid Braker Stepper Motor with High Quality Brakes

Stepper motor, high torque, low noise, smooth type, step angle: 1.8° or 0.9°, NEMA17, 42x42mm

Optional: Lead-wires, gearbox, encoder, brake, integrated drivers...

Model	Step Angle	Phase	Shaft	Wires	Body Length	Shaft Dia	Shaft Length	Current	Resistance	Inductance	Holding Torque	Leads No.	Rotor Inertia	Weight
	Step Angle	Phase	Shaft	Wires	Body Length	Shaft Dia	Shaft Length	Current	Resistance	Inductance	Holding Torque	Leads No.	Rotor Inertia	Weight
	(°)	/	/	/	(L)mm	mm	mm	A	Ω	mH	N.cm	No.	g.cm²	Kg
JK42HS34-1334BK0.5	1.8	2	Round	Lead wire	34	5	24	1.33	2.1	2.5	22	4	34	0.42
JK42HS40-1684BK0.5	1.8	2	Round	Lead wire	40	5	24	1.68	1.65	3.2	36	4	54	0.48
JK42HS48-2504BK0.5	1.8	2	Round	Lead wire	48	5	24	2.5	1.6	1.8	50	4	68	0.55
JK42HS60-1504BK0.5	1.8	2	Round	Lead wire	48	5	24	1.5	4.0	6.0	75	4	102	0.7

NEMA 23 Hybrid Braker Stepper Motor with High Quality Brakes

Stepper motor, high torque, low noise, smooth type, step angle: 0.9° or 1.2° or 1.8° NEMA23, 57x57mm

Optional: Lead-wires, gearbox, encoder, brake, integrated drivers...

Model	Step Angle	Phase	Shaft Type	Body Length	Shaft Dia	Shaft Length	Current	Resistance	Inductance	Holding Torque	Leads No.	Rotor Inertia	Weight
Model	(°)	/	/	(L) mm	mm	mm	A	Ω	mH	Nm	No.	g.cm²	Kg
JK57HS41-2804	1.8	2	Round	41	8	21	2.8	0.7	1.4	0.55	4	150	0.47
JK57HS51-2804	1.8	2	Round	51	8	21	2.8	0.83	2.2	1.01	4	230	0.59
JK57HS56-2804	1.8	2	Round	56	8	21	2.8	0.9	2.5	1.26	4	280	0.68
JK57HS76-2804	1.8	2	Round	76	8	21	2.8	1.1	3.6	1.89	4	440	1.1
JK57HS82-3004	1.8	2	Round	82	8	21	3.0	1.2	4.0	2.1	4	600	1.2
JK57HS100-3004	1.8	2	Round	100	8	21	3.0	0.75	3.0	3.0	4	700	1.3
JK57HS112-3004	1.8	2	Round	112	8	21	3.0	1.6	7.5	3.0	4	800	1.4
JK57HS112-4204	1.8	2	Round	112	8	21	4.2	0.9	3.8	3.1	4	800	1.4

NEMA 23 Brakes Specification

Brake Model	BK2
Torque (N.m)	2N.m
Voltage (V)	24V
Brake Length (mm)	32mm

NEMA 24 Hybrid Braker Stepper Motor with High Quality Brakes

Stepper motor, low rotor inertia, large torque, fast acceleration, step angle: 1.8°, NEMA24, 60x60mm

Optional: Lead-wires, gearbox, encoder, brake, integrated drivers...

Model	Step Angle	Phase	Shaft Type	Wires	Body Length	Current	Resistance	Inductance	Holding Torque	Leads No.	Rotor Inertia	Weight
Model	(°)	/	/	/	(L)mm	A	Ω	mH	N.m	No.	g.cm²	Kg
JK60HS56-2804BK2	1.8	2	D-Cut	Direct wire	56	2.8	0.9	3.6	1.65	4	300	0.77
JK60HS67-2804BK2	1.8	2	D-Cut	Direct wire	67	2.8	1.2	4.6	2.1	4	570	1.2
JK60HS88-4004BK2	1.8	2	D-Cut	Direct wire	88	4.0	0.65	2.4	3.0	4	840	1.4
JK60HS100-5004BK2	1.8	2	D-Cut	Direct wire	100	5.0	0.5	2.3	4.0	4	980	1.7

NEMA 24 Brakes Specification

Brake Model	BK2
Torque (N.m)	2N.m
Voltage (V)	24V
Brake Length (mm)	32mm

NEMA 34 Hybrid Braker Stepper Motor with High Quality Brakes

Stepper motor, low rotor inertia, large torque, fast acceleration, step angle: 1.8°, NEMA34, 86x86mm

Optional: Lead-wires, gearbox, encoder, brake, integrated drivers...

Model	Step Angle	Phase	Shaft Type	Wires	Body Length	Current	Resistance	Inductance	Holding Torque	Leads No.	Rotor Inertia	Weight
Model	(°)	/	/	/	(L)mm	A	Ω	mH	Nm	No.	g.cm²	Kg
JK86HS68-5904BK6	1.8	2	Key	Direct wire	67	5.9	0.28	1.7	3.4	4	1000	1.7
JK86HS78-5504BK6	1.8	2	Key	Direct wire	78	5.5	0.46	4	4.6	4	1400	2.3
JK86HS97-4504BK6	1.8	2	Key	Direct wire	97	4.5	0.66	3	5.8	4	2100	3.0
JK86HS100-6004BK6	1.8	2	Key	Direct wire	100	6.0	0.36	2.8	7.0	4	2200	3.1
JK86HS115-4204BK6	1.8	2	Key	Direct wire	115	4.2	1.2	14	8.7	4	2700	3.8
JK86HS126-6004BK6	1.8	2	Key	Direct wire	126	6.0	0.58	6.5	6.3	4	3200	4.5
JK86HS155-6004BK6	1.8	2	Key	Direct wire	155	6.0	0.68	9.0	13	4	4000	5.4

NEMA 42 Hybrid Braker Stepper Motor with High Quality Brakes

Stepper motor, low rotor inertia, large torque, fast acceleration, step angle: 1.8°, NEMA42, 110x110mm

Optional: Lead-wires, gearbox, encoder, brake, drivers...

Model	Step Angle	Phase	Shaft Type	Wires	Body Length	Current	Resistance	Inductance	Holding Torque	Leads No.	Rotor Inertia	Weight
Model	(°)	/	/	/	(L)mm	A	Ω	mH	Nm	No.	g.cm²	Kg
JK110HS99-5504BK28	1.8	2	Key	Direct wire	99	5.5	0.9	12	11.7	4	5500	5.6
JK110HS150-6504BK28	1.8	2	Key	Direct wire	150	6.5	0.8	15	21	4	10900	8.4
JK110HS201-8004BK28	1.8	2	Key	Direct wire	201	8.0	0.69	12.7	28	4	16200	11.8

Key Components of a Brake Stepper Motor

To understand how a brake stepper motor works, it’s important to know its main components:

1. Stepper Motor Core

The primary part of the system, the stepper motor, converts electrical signals into rotational motion. It operates in discrete steps, ensuring accurate movement and repeatable positioning.

2. Electromagnetic Brake Assembly

The electromagnetic brake is mounted on the non-driven end of the motor shaft. It consists of:

Brake Coil – Energized to release the brake.
Friction Disc or Pad – Engages to hold the shaft when power is cut.
Spring Mechanism – Applies the braking force when the coil is not energized.

3. Rotor and Stator

The rotor moves step-by-step under magnetic attraction and repulsion, while the stator windings generate the magnetic fields required for precise stepping.

4. Shaft and Bearings

These provide the mechanical interface for torque transfer while maintaining smooth, low-friction rotation during operation.

How Brake Stepper Motors Work

A brake stepper motor functions in two main modes—energized mode and power-off mode.

Energized Mode (Motor Active)

When electrical power is applied:

The motor driver sends pulse signals to the motor.
The brake coil is energized, releasing the mechanical lock.
The motor rotates freely according to the input signals, enabling precise control of position and speed.

Power-Off Mode (Motor Inactive)

When power is disconnected:

The brake coil loses power.
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically presses the friction pad against the shaft.
The motor shaft locks instantly, maintaining its last position.

This ensures immediate holding torque and prevents any back-driving, which is especially critical in vertical or load-bearing applications.

Advantages of Brake Stepper Motors

1. Secure Position Holding

Even when power is lost, the electromagnetic brake keeps the shaft fixed, preventing any drift or unwanted motion.

2. Enhanced Safety

Brake stepper motors provide fail-safe operation, crucial in systems that handle heavy or sensitive equipment where motion must stop instantly during emergencies.

3. Power Efficiency

Since the brake holds position without continuous motor excitation, it reduces energy consumption and prevents unnecessary heat generation.

4. Increased System Stability

By combining stepping precision with a braking mechanism, these motors maintain consistent stability in high-load or vibration-prone environments.

5. Extended Motor Lifespan

Because the brake holds the load mechanically, the motor windings experience less stress, resulting in longer operational life and reduced maintenance.

Applications of Brake Stepper Motors

Brake stepper motors are widely used in industrial automation, robotics, and positioning systems that require reliable holding and precision.

1. CNC Machinery

Used for holding tool heads or workpieces in place during power loss, ensuring accurate machining results.

2. Robotics

In robotic arms and pick-and-place systems, brake stepper motors prevent unexpected movements that could damage components or disrupt workflows.

3. Conveyor and Lifting Systems

In vertical axis operations, such as elevators, lifts, and conveyors, they prevent gravity-induced load dropping when power is off.

4. Medical Equipment

Used in diagnostic and surgical devices where exact positioning and motion reliability are critical for patient safety.

5. Automated Storage Systems

Helps maintain precise shelf alignment and holding position of loading mechanisms without continuous power.

6. 3D Printers and Plotters

Brake stepper motors maintain printhead stability and mechanical calibration, even during power interruptions.

Types of Brake Stepper Motors

1. Permanent Magnet Brake Stepper Motors

Use magnetic locking force without external power. They are ideal for compact systems where low-power holding is sufficient.

2. Electromagnetic Brake Stepper Motors

These use energized coils to release the brake and spring mechanisms to engage it when power is off. They offer high holding torque and fast response.

3. Hybrid Stepper Motors with Brake

Combine the precision of hybrid stepper design with the security of braking, suitable for applications demanding high torque and fine control.

Selecting the Right Brake Stepper Motor

When choosing a brake-equipped stepper motor, several parameters must be evaluated:

1. Holding Torque

Select a motor whose brake holding torque exceeds the load torque to prevent slippage under static conditions.

2. Voltage and Current Ratings

Ensure compatibility with the drive controller and power supply for efficient operation and to prevent overheating.

3. Brake Response Time

A fast-acting brake ensures immediate engagement or release, enhancing control in critical applications.

4. Shaft Size and Mounting

The motor should fit seamlessly within the mechanical design, with appropriate shaft dimensions, mounting flanges, and brake size.

5. Environmental Conditions

For environments with high temperature, humidity, or vibration, opt for a sealed brake assembly for durability.

Maintenance and Safety Tips

To ensure long-term performance of a brake stepper motor, follow these maintenance practices:

Inspect brake pads regularly for wear or contamination.
Clean ventilation paths to prevent overheating.
Verify brake coil resistance periodically for electrical integrity.
Avoid frequent rapid power cycles, which can cause thermal stress.
Ensure correct alignment of the motor and load to prevent uneven wear.

Conclusion

A brake stepper motor is an advanced motion control solution combining the precision of stepper motors with the security of a braking mechanism. Its ability to lock position instantly when power is removed makes it indispensable in safety-critical, load-bearing, and high-precision applications. From robotics to industrial automation, brake stepper motors ensure uninterrupted accuracy, reliability, and safety across various industries.