Why do step motors sometimes lose a step?

The stepper motor can realize the open-loop control of the position and speed of the motor according to the number of pulses and pulse frequency. However, since the stepper motor is not a closed-loop control, if the selection is not appropriate or the use is not appropriate, the stepper motor may easily lose step, that is, the stepper motor does not reach the position it should reach according to the instruction, which brings distress to the user. So, what is the reason for the stepper motor out of step?

1. The working torque of the stepper motor itself is not enough, and it does not have enough ability to drive the load.
2. The acceleration and deceleration process of the start and stop of the stepper motor is not sufficient, and the stepper motor loses steps during the acceleration and deceleration process.
3. The power supply of the stepper motor is insufficient, resulting in insufficient input power of the stepper motor.
4. The drive voltage of the stepper motor is not enough or the drive current is set too low.
5. The drive or controller is disturbed by the signal.
6. The resonance of the stepper motor system causes the load capacity of the stepper motor to decrease.
7. The backlash of the synchronous wheel or the reduction box or the backlash error of the back and forth is not compensated in the program or the compensation value is incorrect.

What is a step motor?

A Stepper motor is an open-loop control element stepper motor that converts electrical pulse signals into angular displacement or linear displacement. By controlling the sequence, frequency, and quantity of electrical pulses applied to the motor coil, the steering, Control of speed, and rotation angle. Stepping motors are generally composed of bearings, central shafts, rotor cores, stator cores, and stator components.

Does missing steps damage a stepper motor?

Stepper motors often miss a step due to hard stops, and overloading. The lack of steps is not a problem if the stepper motor driver is tuned to limit the coil current to an amount within the motor specification.

Conclusion

As one of the common motor drive methods in the electronics industry, stepper motors are widely used in various fields of production practice. Therefore, it is necessary to be familiar with the reasons for the lack of steps of stepper motors and take corresponding measures.