Stepper actuators use precise stepper motors to control motion and stop at predefined points, making them ideal for high-precision applications like autofocus cameras and manufacturing processes. They are low power and require a dedicated controller to operate.
A stepper actuator is a type of electric actuator that uses a stepper motor that can produce high levels of output accuracy. Stepper motors are a special class of brushless electric motors that can be rotated in very precise increments, or “steps.” When used in stepper actuators in conjunction with precision mechanisms, this rotation control allows the actuator to be used to advance or retard through its range of motion and to stop precisely at predefined points. These actuators are typically used in applications such as auto focus cameras and telescope lenses as well as precision engineered equipment that requires high levels of accuracy. The stepper actuator is typically used in low torque applications and is driven by a dedicated stepper motor controller which determines the actuator output based on pre-programmed data or system inputs.
Stepper motors are used in environments where very precise output control is required. Depending on the specific motor construction, stepper motors can have up to 60 individual positions where they can be stopped during a full 360° rotation. This allows for very precise rotational control of the motor and, when integrated into a stepper actuator, accurate control of the actuation’s range of motion. In addition, the internal workings of this type of actuator are machined to tighter tolerances than is the norm with conventional types, further improving the degree of accuracy possible.
The stepper actuator can produce linear or rotary outputs and is commonly used in high precision applications such as the autofocus mechanism used in camera and telescope lenses and large microscopes. They are also used in manufacturing or engineering processes that require highly accurate feed of machine process components. Robotics is another of many industries where the precise control possible with stepper actuators is exploited. Stepper motors are relatively low power and have fixed and constant power output ranges, so in most cases, applications where they are used as actuating agents require only moderate torque and are more focused on accuracy than on power.
Control of a stepper actuator is achieved through a stepper motor controller which tells the stepper motor to stop and start at predefined points and how fast or far it should extend. This control regime can be pre-programmed or be dictated by specific system inputs. Typically, at least one set of position sensors will be included to tell the controller exactly where the actuator mechanism is in relation to the rest of the system.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
