Title: Classification of Stepper motors

Stepper motors are a fundamental component in various industrial and commercial applications, playing a crucial role in precision control systems. Among the leading brands in this field, Jkongmotor has established itself as a prominent provider of stepper motor solutions. In this article, we will explore the classification of Stepper motors, emphasizing the different structural forms and control methods associated with these essential devices.

Structurally, Stepper motors can be categorized into various types, including Variable Reluctance (VR), Permanent Magnet (PM), Hybrid Stepping (HS), single-phase stepper motors, and flat stepper motors. In the context of stepper motors used in China, the predominant type is the Variable Reluctance stepper motor. The operational performance of stepper motors is closely linked to their control methods, which can be broadly classified into three categories: open-loop control systems, closed-loop control systems, and semi-closed-loop control systems. In practical applications, semi-closed-loop control systems are generally classified within open-loop or closed-loop systems.

Variable Reluctance Stepper motors are characterized by having windings on the stator and a rotor composed of soft magnetic materials. While these motors boast a simple structure and low cost, they exhibit drawbacks such as poor dynamic performance, low efficiency, significant heat generation, and reliability challenges.

On the other hand, Permanent Magnet stepper motors utilize a rotor made of permanent magnetic materials, with the same number of poles as the stator. These motors offer superior dynamic performance and high output torque. However, they are known for their lower precision and larger step angles (typically 7.5° or 15°).

Hybrid Stepping Stepper motors combine the advantages of Variable Reluctance and Permanent Magnet types. They feature multi-phase windings on the stator and utilize permanent magnetic materials on the rotor. Both the rotor and stator incorporate multiple small teeth to enhance step accuracy. Hybrid stepper motors are characterized by high output torque, excellent dynamic performance, and small step angles. However, they are relatively complex in structure and come with higher costs.

In terms of stator windings, Stepper motors are available in series such as two-phase, three-phase, and five-phase. The two-phase hybrid stepping motor is particularly popular, capturing over 97% of the market share due to its high cost-effectiveness and excellent performance when paired with microstepping drivers. These motors typically have a basic step angle of 1.8° per step, which can be reduced to 0.9° with half-step driving and further subdivided up to 256 times (0.007° per microstep) with microstepping drivers. However, due to factors such as friction and manufacturing precision, the actual control accuracy may be slightly lower.

Furthermore, a single Stepper motor can be paired with different subdivision drivers to adjust precision and performance. This flexibility allows for customization based on specific application requirements, offering a wide range of precision and effects.

In conclusion, the classification of Stepper motors encompasses various structural forms and control methods, each with its distinct advantages and limitations. As technology continues to advance, the development of stepper motors is expected to further enhance precision, efficiency, and reliability, driving progress across diverse industries and applications.

As the demand for precise motion control continues to grow, Jkongmotor and other industry leaders are poised to play a pivotal role in delivering innovative Stepper motor solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern automation and robotics.