Leading Stepper Motors & Brushless Motors Manufacturer

Phone
+86-15995098661
WhatsApp
+86-15995098661
Home / Blog / Application Industries / Integrated Stepper Motors for Medical Scanning Equipments

Integrated Stepper Motors for Medical Scanning Equipments

Views: 0     Author: Jkongmotor     Publish Time: 2025-09-15      Origin: Site

Integrated Stepper Motors for Medical Scanning Equipments

In the modern world of automation, robotics, and precision control, integrated stepper motors have emerged as a transformative technology. These motors combine traditional stepper motor functionality with advanced electronics into a single, compact unit, offering unmatched convenience and performance. By eliminating the need for separate controllers, drivers, and external wiring, integrated stepper motors deliver streamlined installation, simplified design, and superior efficiency.



What Are Integrated Stepper Motors?

An Integrated stepper motor is a stepper motor that combines three essential components into one:

  1. Stepper Motor – The electromechanical device that converts electrical pulses into precise rotational steps.

  2. Driver (or Controller) – The electronic circuit that manages current and voltage to the motor windings.

  3. Control Interface – A built-in communication system that allows direct connection to PCs, PLCs, or automation systems via protocols such as Ethernet, CANopen, Modbus, or RS-485.

By integrating these components into one housing, manufacturers reduce wiring complexity, increase reliability, and improve motion control capabilities.



How Integrated Stepper Motors Work

Integrated stepper motors function by receiving digital pulse signals from a control source. Each pulse corresponds to a step movement of the motor shaft, enabling precise position and speed control.

  • Microstepping Technology: Integrated drivers allow microstepping, dividing each full step into smaller increments, providing smoother motion and higher resolution.

  • Closed-Loop Control: Many advanced integrated stepper motors include encoders, enabling closed-loop feedback for enhanced accuracy, torque optimization, and reduced heat generation.

  • Communication Protocols: Built-in communication ports eliminate external controllers, allowing easy networking and integration with industrial automation systems.

This all-in-one design ensures compactness, faster setup, and reduced chances of wiring errors.



Comparison: Integrated vs. Traditional Stepper Motors

Feature Traditional Stepper Motor Integrated Stepper Motor
Motor + Driver Requires separate driver Built-in driver included
Wiring Complex, multiple cables Simplified, fewer cables
Size Larger due to components Compact, space-saving
Installation Time Longer setup Faster plug-and-play
Cost Efficiency Higher system cost Lower overall cost
Performance Basic open-loop control Closed-loop with feedback

Integrated stepper motors clearly outperform traditional systems in terms of installation, performance, and scalability.



Future Trends in Integrated Stepper Motors

The demand for Integrated stepper motors continues to grow with Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, and IoT-based automation. Future developments include:

  • AI-Powered Motion Control – Intelligent algorithms for adaptive performance.

  • Wireless Communication – Integration with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control.

  • Miniaturization – Smaller, lighter motors for medical and portable devices.

  • Green Technology – More energy-efficient motors with reduced carbon footprint.

  • Advanced Diagnostics – Predictive maintenance features for real-time monitoring.

These advancements will make integrated stepper motors even more essential in next-generation industries.



Integrated Stepper Servo Motors for Medical Scanning Equipments

The advancement of medical imaging technologies has created a demand for precision, efficiency, and reliability in every component of scanning devices. Among these, integrated stepper servo motors play a critical role by combining the strengths of traditional stepper motors with the advanced control features of servo systems. These motors are at the heart of medical scanning equipment such as CT scanners, MRI machines, PET scanners, and ultrasound devices, where accuracy and smooth motion directly affect diagnostic results.



Importance of Integrated Stepper Servo Motors in Medical Scanning Equipment

Medical imaging requires sub-millimeter precision. A small deviation during scanning can lead to inaccurate images, misdiagnosis, or the need for repeat scans, which increases exposure and delays treatment. Integrated stepper servo motors address these challenges by ensuring:

  • Accurate patient table movement in MRI and CT scanners.

  • Smooth rotational control for gantries and detector arrays.

  • Reliable focusing mechanisms in ultrasound and optical scanners.

  • Reduced vibration and noise, enhancing image clarity.

In medical environments, where both performance and patient safety are paramount, integrated stepper servo motors are indispensable.



Key Features of Integrated Stepper Servo Motors

1. Closed-Loop Accuracy

Unlike open-loop stepper systems, these motors eliminate step loss through feedback monitoring, maintaining precise positioning during long scanning cycles.


2. High Torque Density

They deliver superior torque at low and medium speeds, which is essential for handling heavy imaging gantries or patient tables without sacrificing accuracy.


3. Compact Integration

By combining motor, driver, and controller in a single unit, the space requirements of scanning machines are significantly reduced, allowing for sleek and ergonomic medical equipment designs.


4. Energy Efficiency

Integrated designs minimize wasted power, reducing operational costs and ensuring long-term sustainability for hospitals and diagnostic centers.


5. Enhanced Reliability

Built-in diagnostics and real-time monitoring reduce downtime, ensuring scanning equipment is always ready for clinical use.



Applications in Medical Scanning Systems

CT Scanners

Integrated stepper servo motors precisely control gantry rotation and patient table positioning, enabling high-resolution cross-sectional images. The smooth motion profiles minimize artifacts, improving diagnostic accuracy.


MRI Machines

MRI systems require precise and vibration-free movement to avoid interference with sensitive magnetic fields. Stepper servo motors provide silent and reliable actuation, maintaining the integrity of images.


PET Scanners

In PET imaging, where tracer mapping requires pinpoint accuracy, these motors ensure synchronized motion of detectors and patient support systems, enhancing image quality.


Ultrasound Devices

Ultrasound probes benefit from stepper servo control in beam steering mechanisms, ensuring smooth transitions and stable focusing for clear imaging results.


X-Ray Machines

Integrated stepper servos manage mechanical arm positioning and image receptor alignment, ensuring fast and precise operation in diagnostic radiography.



Advantages Over Conventional Motor Systems

1. Improved Motion Control

Traditional stepper motors often lose steps under varying loads, while servo systems require costly separate controllers. Integrated stepper servos combine both worlds, providing seamless closed-loop control at lower cost.


2. Reduced System Complexity

By eliminating the need for external drivers and controllers, system wiring and installation are simplified, reducing design time and maintenance requirements.


3. Cost Efficiency

Hospitals and medical device manufacturers benefit from lower initial system costs and reduced long-term maintenance expenses.


4. Compact and Lightweight

Space is a premium in medical device design. These motors offer smaller footprints and lighter assemblies, critical for portable and next-generation imaging systems.


5. Enhanced Safety and Reliability

Integrated safety mechanisms, including overload protection and position correction, make these motors highly dependable in life-critical medical environments.



Future Trends in Integrated Stepper Servo Motors for Medical Imaging

As healthcare technology continues to evolve, integrated stepper servo motors are expected to undergo major advancements that will redefine the medical imaging landscape:

  • Miniaturization: Smaller, more efficient motors will enable portable and wearable medical scanners.

  • AI-Driven Motion Control: Integration with artificial intelligence for predictive motion adjustment will optimize scanning efficiency.

  • Wireless Connectivity: Motors with IoT-enabled diagnostics will allow real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.

  • Higher Resolution Feedback: Next-generation encoders will achieve nanometer-level positioning accuracy, further enhancing scan clarity.

  • Green Technology: Energy-efficient motors will align with global sustainability initiatives in healthcare infrastructure.



Why Integrated Stepper Servo Motors Are the Future of Medical Scanning

The medical industry is moving towards precision-driven and patient-centric solutions. Integrated stepper servo motors represent a game-changing technology that combines accuracy, efficiency, and compactness in one package. Their ability to deliver reliable performance with lower costs positions them as the preferred choice for the next generation of medical scanning systems.

By enabling medical devices to produce clearer images, faster scans, and safer operations, these motors directly contribute to better patient outcomes and advanced healthcare delivery.



Top 25 Integrated Stepper Motor Manufacturers in United States

Below is a curated Top 25 list of integrated / integrated-style stepper motor manufacturers and major suppliers that operate in or serve the United States, “Integrated” here covers true motor+drive+encoder integrated products as well as close hybrid/closed-loop stepper solutions commonly used as integrated stepper replacements. I've prioritized firms with a clear U.S. presence (U.S. HQ, U.S. operations, or large U.S. distribution/support). If you want, I can expand any company into a longer supplier sheet or add direct website links.

1. Lin Engineering, Inc.

Company profile

U.S.-based (Watsonville, CA) specialist in precision stepper and integrated motors for OEM motion applications.

Main products

Integrated LinTelligent step-servo motors (motor + drive + encoder), hybrid stepper motors, linear actuators, drivers and accessories.

Advantages

Compact all-in-one integrated options, high torque density for frame size, strong customization and U.S. support/documentation.


2. Applied Motion Products

Company profile

California-based OEM motion control supplier focused on stepper, servo and integrated solutions for automation.

Main products

StepSERVO integrated motors (closed-loop stepper), stepper drives, controllers, accessories.

Advantages

Broad range of integrated stepper/step-servo options, excellent technical documentation and strong OEM support.


3. Moog / Animatics (SmartMotor family)

Company profile

Part of Moog (U.S. operations); Animatics SmartMotors are a well known line of fully integrated servo/stepper-style motors.

Main products

SmartMotor family — integrated motor + drive + controller + encoder in one package for precision motion.

Advantages

High integration (single-box intelligence), easy networking and programming, excellent for robotics and compact automation cells.


4. Novanta — IMS (Intelligent Motion Systems)

Company profile

Novanta's IMS group supplies precision integrated motors and motion modules for medical, semiconductor and industrial markets (U.S. presence).

Main products

Integrated intelligent motors (motor + drive + control), linear stages, and motion modules.

Advantages

Medical/life science pedigree, industrial network options (EtherNet/IP, etc.), tailored OEM support.


5. Teknic, Inc. (ClearPath)

Company profile

U.S. company producing integrated servo motors designed as plug-and-play replacements for steppers.

Main products

ClearPath integrated servo motors — motor + drive + encoder + controller in compact packages.

Advantages

Easy setup, high torque and dynamic performance, packaging optimized for OEMs who want stepper simplicity with servo performance.


6. Kollmorgen (U.S. operations)

Company profile

Global motion technology integrated stepper motor company with significant U.S. engineering and manufacturing footprint; broad motor portfolio.

Main products

Hybrid stepper motors, servo motors, integrated motor solutions and motion controllers.

Advantages

High reliability, engineered for industrial duty, broad product family covering from simple steppers to integrated systems.


7. Parker Hannifin (Electromechanical / Motion divisions)

Company profile

Large U.S. headquartered engineering company with electromechanical motion products and integrated motor systems.

Main products

Stepper motors, servo motors, integrated drives and full motion subsystems.

Advantages

System-level engineering, global field service, proven for heavy industrial and medical applications.


8. Haydon Kerk (Haydon Kerk Pittman — AMETEK)

Company profile

U.S. operation within AMETEK offering precision stepper and linear motion solutions used in medical and automation.

Main products

Integrated step-servo drives, miniature steppers, linear actuators and stages.

Advantages

High accuracy closed-loop options, strong history in lab and life-science OEM products.


9. Anaheim Automation

Company profile

California-based motion supplier with a large catalog of steppers, integrated steppers and drives for OEMs.

Main products

Integrated stepper motors (motor + driver combos), standalone stepper motors, drives and controllers.

Advantages

Cost-effective selections, broad NEMA sizes, common choice for prototyping and small/medium volume OEMs.


10. ElectroCraft (a Regal Rexnord brand)

Company profile

U.S.-facing company producing high-performance motors including linear and stepper variants for OEMs.

Main products

Hybrid stepper motors, integrated motor assemblies, BLDC and specialty actuation systems.

Advantages

Focus on high performance and customization, strong engineering services for complex motion problems.


11. ISL Products International (U.S. operations)

Company profile

Manufacturer of hybrid and geared steppers, custom stepper solutions and integrated motor assemblies.

Main products

Custom hybrid steppers, geared steppers, integrated stepper packages and application-specific designs.

Advantages

Flexible custom manufacturing, willingness to tailor motors to application constraints and volume needs.


12. Oriental Motor USA

Company profile

Longstanding presence in the U.S.; known for small precision motors and integrated motor controller options.

Main products

Integrated motor/driver modules, stepper motors, small servos, gearheads and linear actuators.

Advantages

Proven reliability, excellent small-frame integrated solutions, strong documentation and technical support.


13. Baldor / Regal (Regal Rexnord — Baldor legacy)

Company profile

Large U.S. motor manufacturer (Baldor) now part of Regal; supplies industrial motors, steppers and integrated motion components.

Main products

Industrial stepper and servo motors, motor/drive packages and heavy duty motion components.

Advantages

Industrial durability, broad aftermarket and field service network, scale for large OEMs.


14. Nidec / Nidec Motor Corporation (U.S. presence)

Company profile

Global integrated stepper motor manufacturer with large U.S. operations and product lines for automation and OEM systems.

Main products

Small to medium stepper motors, integrated motor solutions via regional product lines and partners.

Advantages

Large production scale, strong supply chain, many small motor options suitable for embedded applications.


15. Moticont (U.S. manufacturer)

Company profile

U.S. firm focused on precision linear and rotary motion actuators and motors (high precision, small form factor).

Main products

Linear voice coil actuators, integrated linear stepper motors and rotary stepper motors, custom integrated assemblies.

Advantages

High precision micro-motion solutions, flexible small-volume manufacturing and customization.


16. Elwood High Performance Motors

Company profile

U.S. manufacturer of rugged motion products including hybrid stepper and servo motors suitable for harsh environments.

Main products

Stepper motors across sizes, custom windings, ruggedized motor assemblies and modified integrated units.

Advantages

Rugged construction, environmental sealing options, strong custom capability for industrial applications.


17. Fulling Motor North America

Company profile

North American branch of a global motor supplier providing hybrid steppers and motor/drive combinations to U.S. customers.

Main products

Hybrid steppers, BLDCs, servo motors and some integrated configurations for OEMs.

Advantages

Volume manufacturing capabilities, competitive pricing, broad product mix for system designers.


18. Servo2Go (major distributor / system integrator)

Company profile

U.S. distribution and integrator for many integrated stepper/servo products; supports selection and rapid procurement.

Main products

Branded integrated steppers, smart motors, drive packages and accessories from multiple manufacturers.

Advantages

One-stop U.S. sourcing, comparative product knowledge, fast domestic shipping and aftermarket support.


19. Jkongmotor

Company profile

Jkongmotor produces integrated stepper/smart motors; U.S. distribution and support make them accessible for American OEMs.

Main products

Integrated stepper motors with built-in drives and network options (NEMA 23, 34 families).

Advantages

Feature rich integrated motors, network connectivity and compact NEMA packaging for retrofits.


20. H2W Technologies (linear and integrated motors)

Company profile

U.S. stepper motor company specializing in linear motion products, including linear motors and integrated actuator systems.

Main products

Linear steppers, voice coil, linear actuators and integrated linear motor modules.

Advantages

Excellent custom linear solutions, strong in applications requiring integrated linear motor + control packages.


21. Thomson Industries (U.S. operations)

Company profile

Longstanding U.S. supplier of linear motion and actuation solutions used in automation and OEM equipment.

Main products

Linear actuators, precision stepper actuator packages and motor/lead screw integrated solutions.

Advantages

System expertise for linear actuation, wide aftermarket network and engineered subsystems for OEMs.


22. Johnson Electric (U.S. distribution / operations)

Company profile

Large global motor supplier with extensive U.S. operations supplying small motors and integrated modules.

Main products

Small stepper motors, integrated micro-motor solutions, brushless and DC motor modules.

Advantages

Scale, availability of small precision motors and deep supply chain support.


23. Newport Corporation (Newport Precision Motion / MKS)

Company profile

U.S. firm known for high-precision motion stages and integrated motorized stages for lab and OEM use.

Main products

Integrated motorized stages (motor + drive + controller), precision rotary and linear stages (stepper and closed-loop).

Advantages

Lab-grade precision, ideal for optics, photonics and scientific instrumentation where integrated solutions are needed.


24. Bishop-Wisecarver Group

Company profile

U.S. supplier of linear motion and integrated components for automation and machine builders.

Main products

Linear guides, stepper motor integrated actuators, integrated motion assemblies for material handling and OEM machines.

Advantages

Robust mechanical platforms combined with motor integration expertise — good for space-constrained automation.


25. CUI Devices (U.S. operations)

Company profile

Component supplier with U.S. presence offering motors, encoders and integrated actuator modules used by OEMs.

Main products

Small integrated motors, actuator modules, encoders and drive electronics for embedded applications.

Advantages

Good selection for electronics OEMs needing compact integrated motor modules and supporting components.


Notes & next steps

  • This list mixes U.S. headquartered manufacturers, global manufacturers with strong U.S. operations, and U.S. distributors/integrators that make integrated stepper solutions accessible to U.S. OEMs. Some companies manufacture integrated motors in the U.S.; others supply integrated products through U.S. distribution or have U.S. R&D/manufacturing for certain lines.


If you want, I can:

  • Expand any company entry with contact details, typical models, electrical/mechanical specs, order codes, and approximate lead times.

  • Produce an Excel/CSV comparison table (frame size, integrated? yes/no, encoder type, communication options, typical torque ranges).

  • Narrow to only U.S. manufacturers that physically produce integrated motors in the U.S. (that requires a short verification pass per company — I can do that next).


Conclusion

Integrated stepper motors represent a revolution in motion control technology. By combining motor, driver, and controller into one compact package, they offer unmatched simplicity, precision, and cost efficiency. From robotics to medical devices, packaging to aerospace, their applications are vast and expanding. As industries embrace automation and smart manufacturing, integrated stepper motors will continue to be at the forefront of innovation and reliability.


The role of integrated stepper servo motors in medical scanning equipment cannot be overstated. They provide the foundation for precise, reliable, and efficient motion control across a wide range of imaging devices. With innovations shaping the future of healthcare, these motors will continue to be at the forefront of medical technology, ensuring that diagnostic tools are both accurate and accessible worldwide.


Leading Stepper Motors & Brushless Motors Manufacturer
Products
Application
Links

© COPYRIGHT 2025 CHANGZHOU JKONGMOTOR CO.,LTD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.