Stepper Motors, DC Motors & EC/BLDC

A:  igus offers a complete line of Stepper, BLDC (EC), and DC motors for different applications.

A:  A stepper motor will provide you with precise motion control as it is programmed by its unique “step” design. These steps can be broken down further into microsteps for smoother, more precise motion. Stepper motors are ideal for automation applications, especially when an encoder is added. Stepper motors are also characterized by high holding torques. A brushless DC (EC/BLDC) motor is ideal for dynamic applications with high speeds/accelerations, as well as where smooth operation is required. These are commonly used in pick-and-place applications and in the joints of industrial robots. DC motors provide the simplest movements and are designed for lower-speed applications. They offer high torque at low speeds but are generally not programmed and are meant for “on-off” applications with very simple controls.

A: igus stepper and brushless DC (BLDC/EC) motors allow for a lifetime of 20,000 hours. DC motors offer a lifetime of 3,000 hours.

A:  Stepper: 24-48V
BLDC/EC: 48V
DC: 24V

A:  Yes, we offer both inductive sensors as well as mechanical limit switches. https://www.igus.ca/e-motors/proximity-switches

A:  Yes, igus offers stepper motors with underwater (IP68), splash-water (IP65) as well as vacuum-rated motors. https://www.igus.ca/contentData/wpck/pdf/global/MOT-xx-S-...EN.pdf

A:  Yes, igus offers lead screw motor actuators for much of our stepper motor range.

A:  igus has a spindle motor calculation tool as well as an actuator tool that can provide application recommendations and details on these systems

A:  We offer incremental encoders for our stepper motors and hall sensors and encoders for our brushless DC (EC/BLDC) motors. Brakes are also available for both these motor types for additional security during power loss or failure. They require voltage to release the braking mechanism which will magnetically impede movement when the voltage is released.

A:  We have a complete line of cable assemblies for motor power and encoders as well as sensor cables. These are available for our metric plug-style connections as well as JST connector-style motors.

A:  Our flagship drive is the D1 drive. This controller offers compatibility with stepper, DC, and BLDC (EC) motors. There is a graphical user interface that allows for easy automation of your motor and is accessed offline via ethernet connection. It has CANopen and modbus TCP for use with a PLC or master controller. There is also the ability of choosing open vs closed loop for smoother operation, essentially turning a stepper motor into a servo. A DC motor paired with our low-cost D3 motor driver will give you control of how much torque is applied before the driver and motor error out. This can be very useful for certain applications where too much force may damage the system.