Types of stepper motors

The name stepper motor is derived from the diverse movement, which is forged by the motor which is quite similar to the movement of steps we take while walking or running briskly.Within these motors electromechanicalpulses instigate movement, making them reliable and robust.

There are fan like blades which spin in a diverse pattern like a step in a sequence to establish movement. The movement of the motor is solely dependent on the amount of electrical pulses applied. As stepper motors are reliable, robust and cost efficient they are gaining popularity largely. As these motors contribute in performing varied functions and tasks, they are simplified in distinct types.

Depending on the extensive uses within applications and procedures stepper motors are segregated commonly used three main types, which are evident in practice largely are highlighted below.

Permanent magnet stepper motor/ PM: As the name suggests these kinds of motors have a permanent magnet incorporated with the structure of the circuit. They function on the response between the rotor, which is a permanent magnet and an electromagnetic field.The angle of the step is determined by the number of fangs or teeth which are located on the stator and the rotor respectively. With the advancement of technologies to deliver accuracy, stepper motors are made up of a thin- disk rotor as compared to the traditional thick-bulky rotor. The new thin rotors also prevent heating and deliver accuracy precisely.

Variable reluctance stepper motor/ VR: This kind of stepper motor is the most primitive among the motors used widely. This type of motor has multiple fangs/teeth made up of soft iron, rotor and one coiled stator. The motor is set in movement when the fangs attain energy due to the impact of the magnetic field between the poles and the magnetisation.

Hybrid stepper motor/ HB:Within this device there are two main components namely soft iron magnetized and a rotor which is round and is a permanent magnet. These motors use the core values of permanent magnet and variable reluctance stepper motor which are compiled. In hybrid motors, there are namely two different segments of coils which are attached on the same pole. Each pole of the motor are evenly placed between the fangs made out of soft steel.

However although there are three types of stepper motors available, the most frequently used are the permanentmagnet and the hybrid motors, which can be easily made to order to suit certain specifications. Designers as well as engineers prefer using these two motors over others as they are easy and simple to combine and customise within complex applications and tasks. Among the two- PM and HB, HB is the best as it is cheap and durable.