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.
Product Category
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*Search example : Stator Ass'y, Rated Torque
- Stepping motors
- Hybrid stepping motors
- PM stepping motors
- Hybrid stepping motor drivers and driver-integrated motors
- Brush motors
- DC Brush motors
- Brushless motors
- Vacuum Pump (under development)
Stepping motors
Function / Technology
What are the advantages and disadvantages of stepping motors?
What is a stall, and why does it occur?
What is the difference between 2-phase and 5-phase stepping motors?
What is needed to operate a stepping motor?
What is the lifespan of a stepping motor?
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
Function / Technology
How can I achieve higher torque with a PM stepping motor?
To achieve higher torque, consider models equipped with a gearbox, such as planetary gears, or types utilizing strong neodymium magnets.
Gearbox-equipped models can output significant torque depending on the reduction ratio. Additionally, high-speed types combining a bonded neodymium magnet and a silicon steel stator deliver high torque and responsiveness despite their compact size.
Why can PM stepping motors be designed so thin?
Their simple structure allows for a shorter axial length.
While hybrid stepping motors feature a complex three-dimensional structure sandwiching a magnet between two gear-shaped iron cores, PM types consist of a cylindrical magnet and a sheet metal frame. This facilitates a thinner profile, and we offer a lineup of thin models under 15 mm. For compact motors with an outer diameter of 10 mm or less, we also offer products under 5 mm in length.
Which is better for a PM stepping motor: unipolar or bipolar?
Bipolar drive is generally recommended because of its superior torque efficiency, delivering the required force in a smaller footprint.
While unipolar circuits are simpler to implement, they are less efficient as they only energize half of the coil at a time. In contrast, bipolar drives utilize the entire coil, generating substantial torque even with limited battery voltage or compact motor sizes.
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 production facilities for PM stepping motors?
As of June 2026, our PM stepping motors are produced at our Lopburi plant (Thailand), Phnom Penh plant (Cambodia), Kaohsiung plant (Taiwan), Cebu plant (Philippines), and Korea plant.
This distributed, multi-site production network ensures a highly stable supply chain and supports strong Business Continuity Planning (BCP) measures for our customers.
About composite products, customs and solutions
I want to run a PM stepping motor at maximum speed, but the torque drops abruptly and it stops. What is the cause?
This sudden torque drop-off is a fundamental physical limitation caused by back electromotive force (back EMF) and coil inductance, which restrict current flow at higher speeds.
As the motor’s speed increases, the motor acts like a generator, producing a reverse voltage. Overcoming this back EMF to drive current requires a higher driver power supply voltage.
Hybrid stepping motor drivers and driver-integrated motors
Function / Technology
What is the origin of the name "cX-stepper" ?
The name "cX-stepper" originates from the acronym of our proprietary control technology enabling diverse motion control.
Specifically, it stands for "Complete motion control with 'X-tec' stepper drive technology."
Are there other motors compatible with the cX-stepper driver besides those with absolute encoders?
We plan to gradually expand compatibility to include motors with electromagnetic brakes and gearheads.
Please contact us for detailed schedules and specifications.
About purchase, delivery and after-sales support
What kind of support is available if I have trouble using the product?
Instruction manuals are available on our website, and we also offer support for operation and setup.
For details, please refer to the online instruction manuals or contact our support desk.
Can I purchase just one cX-stepper?
Yes, you can purchase as few as one unit of both the S and D Series.
Please contact us form via the form.
What optional accessories do you offer for motors and drivers?
For the S Series, we offer encoder cables and motor cables that connect the motor to the driver. For the D Series, we offer connector cables that connect to the motor.
Please click here for details on optional accessories for each series.
Brush motors
Function / Technology
Where are brushed DC motors used in multi-function printers (MFPs)?
They power paper feeds, move ink cartridges and scanner heads, and operate trays.
They are ideal for applications requiring simple unidirectional or reciprocating motion.
What are the advantages of choosing a brushed DC motor over a brushless one?
The primary advantage is its simple configuration, which requires no motor driver.
They operate simply by connecting them to a DC power supply, and speed is easily controlled by varying the voltage via PWM. This reduces costs and saves PCB space. As long as they meet your required lifespan, brushed DC motors are the more cost-effective choice.
How can the lifespan of a brushed DC motor be extended?
Effective measures include operating within rated limits, providing rest periods, and adding capacitors.
Fundamentally, you must adhere to specifications by avoiding excessive loads and overcurrent. Adequate rest periods prevent overheating, while adding capacitors absorbs sparks that degrade the contacts, ultimately extending the motor's life.
How can I reverse the rotation direction of a brushed DC motor?
Simply swap the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals (polarity reversal).
The ability to change direction without complex electronic circuits is a key advantage.
Can a brushed DC motor be run directly from a household AC outlet?
No. As the name implies, they operate on direct current (DC).
You must convert alternating current (AC) to DC using an AC adapter or similar device before connection.
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.
Brushless motors
Function / Technology
How much longer is the lifespan of a brushless DC motor compared to a brushed DC motor?
It is typically over 10 times longer, depending on operating conditions and brush materials.
While a brushed motor's lifespan is limited by brush/commutator friction and electrical spark wear, a brushless motor's lifespan is determined by bearing grease degradation and electronic circuit longevity. Brushed motors average 200 to 1,000 hours, whereas brushless motors can last for several thousand hours or more.
What are the disadvantages of brushless DC motors?
The primary disadvantages are higher upfront costs compared to brushed DC motors, and the need for a dedicated driver (drive circuit).
Brushless DC motors cannot operate simply by connecting a power supply directly to them. Because an IC and PCB are required to control current switching, the initial cost is higher than that of brushed DC motors.
Why do brushless DC motors require a driver circuit?
To precisely switch the direction of the coil current in sync with the rotor's position.
Unlike brushed DC motors, they lack mechanical contacts that automatically switch the current. An electronic circuit must perform this function to maintain motor rotation.
How is the rotation speed of a brushless DC motor controlled?
The rotation speed is controlled by finely switching the timing of the electrical current.
Specifically, increasing the voltage results in higher speeds, and decreasing it results in lower speeds. PWM and VSP control are the primary methods used for this speed adjustment.
What are the specific applications for brushless DC motors?
They are widely used in drones, air conditioners, refrigerator compressors, cordless vacuum cleaners, and electric vehicle (EV) drive units.
Because they lack wearing parts (brushes), they feature long service life, quiet operation, and high efficiency. These characteristics make them an essential power source for products requiring these three features.
Vacuum Pump (under development)
Function / Technology
Are there any orientation restrictions for installing the pump (e.g., vertical or horizontal)?
There are no specific restrictions on the installation orientation. It can be mounted vertically, horizontally, or upside down to fit the available integration area.
Note: Ensure that the tubing does not kink during routing and that the pump is properly secured to prevent vibration from affecting other precision components.
Are there performance impacts when using the pump at high altitudes?
Yes. Because atmospheric pressure decreases at higher altitudes, the achievable vacuum pressure (absolute pressure) and effective flow rate will be lower than at sea level.
Since vacuum pump performance is relative to ambient atmospheric pressure, please account for this performance reduction and set up higher safety standards if you plan to use the pump at altitudes above 1,000m.
About composite products, customs and solutions
What causes increased noise and vibration during pump operation?
The primary causes are typically bearing wear due to aging or the end of the diaphragm lifecycle. Replacing the cartridge pump unit is recommended.
Although our product features a long-life design, exceeding the specified service life can lead to increased noise and vibration.
Is it necessary to install an air filter on the suction side?
If the workpiece may carry dust or debris, installing an air filter is strongly recommended to protect the pump and preserve performance.
Debris trapped in the diaphragm or valves reduces vacuum pressure and causes insufficient flow. Installing a compact inline filter between the suction pad and the pump can significantly reduce failure rates.
Is it possible to customize the pump to achieve our required flow rate and vacuum pressure?
Customization beyond standard catalog specifications is available, subject to minimum order quantities (MOQs).
We can propose optimizations tailored to your application, such as adjusting motor speed by changing the windings or modifying materials based on your operating environment. Please contact us with your detailed requirements.
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