Welcome to Thành Thái MotorStepper Motors Warehouse - The number 1 reputable distributor of imported precision control equipment in the market. Here, we provide a full range of 100% brand new models, varying from NEMA 23 (size 57), NEMA 17 (size 42), and NEMA 34 (size 86) to heavy-duty models like size 110 and 130 Stepper motors specialized for CNC machines and 3D printers.

1. What are Stepper motors? Why must CNC machines use Stepper motors?

Stepper motors (English name: Stepper Motor or Step Motor) are a type of electric motor that performs rotational movement in discrete “steps” instead of rotating continuously like conventional motors. By receiving control commands via electrical pulses, they can stop precisely at the desired position without needing feedback sensors.

In Vietnam, these are the indispensable “heart” of automation systems requiring absolute precision, such as CNC cutting machines, 3D printers, laser engravers, robotic arms, and packaging lines.

Operating Principles and Outstanding Advantages:

Unlike old surplus motors that often lose magnetism leading to “step loss” (errors), the line of 100% brand new Stepper motors at Thành Thái Motor operates based on the principle of permanent electromagnetism with the following advantages:

• Extremely High Precision: Accurate step angle (usually 1.8 degrees), ensuring CNC machines produce sharp products without errors.
• High Torque at Low Speeds: Helps the motor hold the load firmly even when stopped (Holding Torque).
• Durable Operation: Brushless construction, providing a lifespan many times longer than conventional DC motors.

2. Classification of Stepper motors by Technical Construction

There are many types of Stepper motors on the market today, but at Thành Thái Motor, we focus on distributing Hybrid Stepper motors because they offer the best balance of performance and cost for industrial machinery.

a. 2-Phase Stepper motors

This is the most popular type on the market.

• Step Angle: 1.8 degrees/step (equivalent to 200 steps/revolution).
• Advantages: Low cost, easy to find control drivers, good torque.
• Applications: Suitable for 90% of 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and small to medium CNC routers.

b. 3-Phase Stepper motors

• Step Angle: 1.2 degrees/step.
• Advantages: Runs smoother, with less vibration than the 2-phase series at low speeds, and higher precision.
• Applications: Laser engravers, medical equipment, and devices requiring low noise.

c. 5-Phase Stepper motors

• Step Angle: 0.72 degrees/step.
• Advantages: Extremely high resolution, virtually zero vibration. However, they are more expensive and require complex drivers, making them less common.

3. Common NEMA Standard Sizes

Technical customers usually refer to Stepper motors by NEMA standards (National Electrical Manufacturers Association). Below is a conversion table to help you choose easily:

4. Guide to Selecting Control Drivers for Stepper motors

Stepper motors cannot run directly from a power source; they must have a controller (Driver). For a durable system, please note:

• Current Selection: The Driver must handle a current greater than or equal to the Rated Current of the motor. For example: For a 4A motor, you should choose a Driver with 5.6A or higher (such as DM556).
• Microstepping: Modern drivers allow for microstepping (1/2, 1/4, 1/8…), which helps the motor run smoother and reduces noise.
• Brand: Thành Thái Motor provides high-quality synchronous Drivers with overcurrent and overvoltage protection features to maximize motor safety.

5. Basic Wiring Diagram for Stepper motors (4-Wire, 6-Wire)

Most modern Hybrid Stepper motors have 4 output wires (Bipolar). Here is how to identify the wire pairs:

1. Use a multimeter (VOM) to measure continuity.
2. Two wires that have continuity form a coil pair (Phase A or Phase B).
3. Connect those pairs to the A+ A- or B+ B- ports on the Driver.

Note: If the motor rotates in the opposite direction of what is desired, simply swap the positions of the 2 wires of any one pair (Example: swap A+ and A- wires).

6. Why shouldn’t you buy used Stepper motors (Japanese Surplus)?

Many customers choose salvaged motors to save on initial costs. However, technically, used Stepper motors pose significant risks:

• Demagnetization: The permanent magnets inside weaken over time, leading to weak torque; the machine can easily suffer from “step loss,” ruining the workpiece.
• Worn Bearings: Causes vibration and dimensional inaccuracies in products.
• Lack of Synchronization: It is very difficult to find 2-3 used motors with identical specifications for the X, Y, and Z axes of a CNC machine.

=>At Thành Thái Motor, we commit that 100% of our products are brand new, officially imported, ensuring absolute synchronization for your machinery.