When we talk about energy conversion, the first device we can think of is a motor that efficiently converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. These motors can be of different types, one of which is the stepper motor. In this article, we will discuss about the stepper motor in detail. This discussion will include talking about the principle of operation of stepper motor with its applications in real-life.

What is a Stepper Motor?

The stepper motor is used for converting electrical energy to mechanical energy using Faraday’s law of magnetic induction. A stepper motor exploits this property to generate the output voltage of the desired form by controlling the number of in the motor. In other words we can define as Stepper motor which is also known as step motor is an electrical motor that rotates by small steps that can be specified by the design of the motor.

Working Principle of Stepper Motor

Let us see how a stepper motor works

Stepper Motor

As we can see in the diagram, the stepper motor is made of a stationary part known as the stator and a rotating part known as the rotor. These components work together let us see how.

The stator can have as many teeth as needed and these teeth are covered with coils that can be magnetized. The stator phase is energized to create a magnetic field as needed. The excited stator phase magnetizes the coils and exerts a force on the stator that makes it align according to the magnetic field generated. Now, the next stator phase is energized which further rotates the rotor to align corresponding to the magnetic fields being generated in the coils. This process continues resulting in a consistent rotation of the rotor with some angular speed.

By adding more teeth, we can increase the speed control of the stator.

Applications of Stepper Motor

Let us study some advantages of the stepper motor.

Stepper Motor in Machinery

The ability of the stepper motor to establish accurate controls makes it a device of importance in many industrial machines. In CNC machines, its controls are used to position the cutting tools at an accurate position. In different printers, the motor is used for controlling the printer pin and moving it in the desired direction for prints. This precise control is achieved due to the unique design of the stepper motor corresponding to discrete angular rotation. some of the design parameters are the number of steps, the direction of steps, and the speed of stepping.

Stepper Motor in Textiles

Textile industries are largely dependent on the accuracy of stitching and cutting. The textiles produced using machines should be good enough in terms of designs and stitching. The stepper motor finds its application in the textile industry mainly due to its ability to provide precise control over the cutting of fabric and stitching of fabric. By positioning the needle at an accurate position, it can achieve quality designs resulting in higher rewards. This also reduces human labor due to the automation of tools.

Stepper Motor in Medical Devices

Many medical surgeries need automated devices in order to perform critical operations. By using a stepper motor, we can ensure that the movement of automated syringe pumps, blood analyzers, and medical imaging devices can be controlled with utmost precision. These motors are even used for controlling the movement of the table that the patient lies on during the imaging process for CT scanners and MRI machines. These operations are very important and therefore, the accuracy of the stepper motor matters a lot.

Stepper Motor in Automotive

Automotive stepper motors are used inside instrument clusters where they can provide accurate gauge readings. These readings are used to generate alerts for drivers to fuel levels, rate of speed, mileage measurements, and more. These devices were originally mechanically managed but are now being digitized. These controls involve adjusting headlights, controlling air conditioning vents, and throttle control. Motors are also installed in devices like smart blinds, automated curtain systems, and motorized window openers.

Stepper Motor in Scientific Equipment

Scientific research involves designing instruments and testing them to give precise and accurate results. These devices are installed in many laboratories and Manufacturing units to ensure high quality testing and efficient working devices. Some of the examples are the use of stepper motors in precise control of instruments like spectrometers and microscopes. The motor is used for setting precise and focused samples.

Stepper Motor in Camera Platforms

Certain domains like photography, videography, surveillance, and robotics make use of camera platforms that involve stepper motors. The camera platform has a mechanism that allows to precisely control the camera’s orientation using the Pan tilt method. This adds significant functionality by allowing you to capture photos and record videos at different angles and positions. By attaching the stepper motor to the base, the camera can be rotated left or right accordingly. The additional stepper motor can be added to control tilt movement for moving up and down which ensures better performance.

Stepper motor in Vending Machines

You might have wondered how vending machines are able to know which product to dispense and where, stepper motor plays a significant role in controlling the mechanism through which items from the machine are dispensed once payment is done. Stepper motors can mimic the motion programmed in it by moving the dispensing path like a sliding machine or conveyor belt ensuring that only one item is made available to the person. This avoids jams in the vending machine. The correctness of stepper motors is why they are installed in the vending machines.

Stepper motor in Smart Devices

Many smart devices need proper controls for achieving automation. Devices like smart lights use stepper motors to add special lighting effects and control the rotation or intensity of light on stages and at homes. Apart from this, smart blinds are also devices that use stepper motors and are used in households using remotes or switches. The automated shower system and motor controlled window openers are some other devices that are automated devices that reduce manual work by controlling the operation using some buttons.

Difference between Stepper Motor and Servo Motor