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Rotary Components

We have compiled frequently asked questions from our customers and their answers.
Please use this if you cannot find the information you are looking for or need more detailed information.

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Stepping motors

Function / Technology

What are the advantages and disadvantages of stepping motors?
The main advantage is high-precision positioning via a simple open-loop control setup, while the disadvantage is the risk of a stall during high-speed rotation.
Because position sensors are unnecessary, they offer a low-cost, simple configuration. They excel in holding torque at a standstill and deliver high torque at low speeds. However, torque drops sharply at high speeds, requiring caution against stalls caused by overloads, heat generation, and vibration.
What is a stall, and why does it occur?
A stall occurs when the motor's rotation fails to keep up with operation commands (pulse signals), resulting in a loss of synchronization.
Main causes include sudden acceleration or deceleration, overloads exceeding the motor's capacity, and external physical impacts. Click here for details.
What is the difference between 2-phase and 5-phase stepping motors?
The difference lies in their internal structure (number of phases). 2-phase motors are highly versatile, whereas 5-phase motors provide higher precision and lower vibration.
2-phase motors generally feature a 1.8-degree step angle. 5-phase motors offer fine, smooth rotation with a 0.72-degree step angle. MinebeaMitsumi's lineup includes widely applicable 2-phase stepping motors, as well as 3-degree step hybrid stepping motors.
What is needed to operate a stepping motor?
Three components are required: a controller to issue commands, a driver to convert current, and a power supply.
The controller (e.g., PLC or microcontroller) outputs pulse signals. The driver receives these signals and converts them into the high current required to drive the motor.
What is the lifespan of a stepping motor?
They offer a long lifespan due to the absence of consumable parts like brushes. The main life-limiting factor is bearing degradation.
The standard expected lifespan depends on the bearing grease's service life, generally estimated at 20,000 to 30,000 hours. However, excessive shaft loads or high-temperature environments will reduce this lifespan.

Hybrid stepping motors

Function / Technology

What are the differences between Permanent Magnet (PM) stepping motors and hybrid types?

Hybrid stepping motors feature finer step angles, providing higher resolution and greater torque output than PM types.

While PM types have a simple structure and are low-cost, hybrid models incorporate a gear-toothed magnetic core and a permanent magnet in the rotor. This design makes them highly suitable for industrial equipment requiring precise positioning and high power output.

What is the lifespan of a hybrid stepping motor? Does it require regular maintenance?

The motor's lifespan is essentially determined by its internal bearings. Since there are no wearing parts like brushes, they are virtually maintenance-free over long periods.

Under normal conditions, they boast a lifespan of tens of thousands of hours. However, excessively high ambient temperatures or applying radial (lateral) or thrust (axial) loads exceeding specifications will accelerate bearing wear. Designing your system within the tolerances specified in the data sheet is crucial for maximizing service life.

How do they differ from servo motors, and which should I choose?

The primary advantages of stepping motors are the elimination of complex setups like gain tuning, combined with high low-speed torque and strong holding power at a standstill.

Servo motors are preferable when high-speed operation or rapid response to sudden load changes is critical. Conversely, hybrid stepping motors are recommended when exact positional holding is required or when implementing simple, cost-effective open-loop control.

About purchase, delivery and after-sales support

I found a motor(s) manufactured by MinebeaMitsumi when I opened the machine (equipment) which is not working properly. So I'd like to buy the replacement or the alternate motor(s) from you or the distributors to fix the problems.

Please contact the customer center of the machine or the equipment maker.

Most products we deliver are customized products at the request of each machine or equipment maker.
Please note that since these customized models are produced based on the confidentiality agreement we signed we can not disclose the specification or introduce the alternate parts to the third party.
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but please contact the machine or the equipment maker directly.

Where are the hybrid stepping motors manufactured?

They are manufactured in Lopburi, Thailand.

Can I purchase from a single unit for sample use?

We offer "standard catalog models" available for order from just one unit for prototyping and evaluation.

We have a lineup of 40 "standard in-stock models" that can be shipped within two weeks with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of one. We provide dedicated support and after-sales service even for small-lot orders, so please feel free to contact us.

About composite products, customs and solutions

Motor vibration and noise become severe at specific speed ranges. What is the cause?

This is likely due to the "resonance" phenomenon characteristic of stepping motors. You need to either avoid these speed ranges or change the driving method.

Resonance occurs when the natural frequency of the motor matches the input pulse frequency. Countermeasures include programming to quickly bypass the resonant speed band or changing to a driver with a "microstepping" feature, which finely divides pulses for smoother rotation.

PM stepping motors

About purchase, delivery and after-sales support

I found a motor(s) manufactured by MinebeaMitsumi when I opened the machine (equipment) which is not working properly. So I'd like to buy the replacement or the alternate motor(s) from you or the distributors to fix the problems.

Please contact the customer center of the machine or the equipment maker.

Most products we deliver are customized products at the request of each machine or equipment maker.
Please note that since these customized models are produced based on the confidentiality agreement we signed we can not disclose the specification or introduce the alternate parts to the third party.
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but please contact the machine or the equipment maker directly.

DC Brush motors

About purchase, delivery and after-sales support

I found a motor(s) manufactured by MinebeaMitsumi when I opened the machine (equipment) which is not working properly. So I'd like to buy the replacement or the alternate motor(s) from you or the distributors to fix the problems.

Please contact the customer center of the machine or the equipment maker.

Most products we deliver are customized products at the request of each machine or equipment maker.
Please note that since these customized models are produced based on the confidentiality agreement we signed we can not disclose the specification or introduce the alternate parts to the third party.
I'm sorry to disappoint you, but please contact the machine or the equipment maker directly.

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