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Introduction to Nema 16 stepper motor

1、Definition and Naming Rules

A stepper motor is an open-loop control motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy through electrical pulse signals. A stepper motor is mainly composed of a stator and a rotor, with windings on the stator and permanent magnets or variable reluctance iron cores on the rotor. Each revolution is divided into discrete steps. Taking the common 1.8 ° step angle as an example, each revolution requires 200 pulses to complete, which is 360 °/1.8 °=200 steps. Its working principle is to gradually rotate the rotor through a fixed step angle, thus having high precision and good control characteristics. The name Nema 16 stepper motor is derived from the standard established by the American Electrical Manufacturers Association. Nema is the abbreviation of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and 16 refers to the installation size of the motor's base flange, which is 1.6 inches by 1.6 inches, approximately 39mm by 39mm.

2、Appearance dimensions and structural characteristics

The appearance of Nema16 stepper motor is square, and the installation size of the motor base is 39mm × 39mm. The height of the body varies depending on the specific model, generally ranging from 20mm to 44mm. Its shaft diameter is usually small, usually around 4mm to 6mm, and its lead length is generally between 100mm and 300mm, making it convenient for users to wire and install.

The structural characteristics of Nema16 stepper motors are distinct. The stator is made of stacked silicon steel sheets, which utilize their good magnetic conductivity to concentrate and guide the magnetic field, reduce hysteresis and eddy current losses, and improve efficiency and performance. Two or four phase windings are distributed, and the rotor is driven by a rotating magnetic field generated by applying different electrical pulse signals; The rotor structure is diverse, using permanent magnets or soft magnetic materials, including permanent magnet, reactive, and hybrid types. The surface teeth are matched with the stator teeth to form the position with the minimum magnetic resistance to achieve step motion. The number and shape of these teeth affect the step angle and torque characteristics; In addition, the front and rear end caps protect the interior of the motor, support bearings to ensure rotor rotation accuracy, reduce rotor rotation friction and wear, improve motor efficiency and lifespan, and connect the rotor to external loads through the central shaft to achieve precise position control and motion drive.

3、Technical parameters and performance indicators

In the basic parameters of Nema16 stepper motors, the step angle determines the angle at which the rotor rotates for each pulse signal received by the motor, commonly 1.8 °, 0.9 °, etc. The smaller the step angle, the higher the motion accuracy. The number of phases refers to the number of stator windings, divided into two phases and four phases. The two-phase structure is simple and cost-effective, while the torque and accuracy of the four phases are higher. Voltage is the value required for the normal operation of a motor, commonly 12V, 24V, 48V, etc. The appropriate voltage is related to the performance and lifespan of the motor, and being too high or too low can have adverse effects; The current includes rated current and peak current. The former determines the output matrix of the motor during long-term stable operation, while the latter is the maximum current that can be sustained in a short period of time, commonly used for starting or in high load situations.

In the performance indicators of Nema16 stepper motors, the holding torque is the maximum torque that can maintain the rotor stationary when the motor is not powered on, measured in N · m. The larger the value, the stronger the motor's ability to resist external forces and maintain position accuracy when stationary. Dynamic torque is the output torque of a motor during rotation, which is related to speed, load inertia, etc. It usually decreases with increasing speed and is the key to measuring driving capability. The no-load starting frequency is the highest pulse frequency at which the motor can start normally under no-load conditions, and the higher the frequency, the better the rapid response performance; The operating frequency determines the maximum speed of the motor and is generally higher than the no-load starting frequency. The positioning accuracy is the deviation between the actual and theoretical stopping positions, which is influenced by various factors such as step angle accuracy, and is commonly represented by angles or linear displacements. The inertia of the motor reflects the inertia of the rotor. The larger the inertia, the higher the difficulty of acceleration and deceleration, and the higher the requirements for the control system. When selecting, it is necessary to match the load inertia to ensure system stability and response speed.

4、Application Fields and Typical Cases

In 3D printers, Nema16 stepper motors are used to control the movement of print heads and the lifting of the platform. It can accurately move according to the preset path and distance, ensuring that the printed model has high accuracy and quality. For example, in some desktop level 3D printers, precise motion in the XYZ directions can be achieved through the collaborative work of multiple Nema 16 stepper motors, thereby constructing complex 3D models.

In small-scale automated production lines, Nema 16 stepper motors are commonly used for material conveying, positioning, and joint driving of robotic arms. It can accurately control the position and movement speed of objects according to the requirements of the production process, improving production efficiency and product quality. For example, on the assembly production line of electronic products, Nema 16 stepper motors can drive robotic arms to complete operations such as grabbing, placing, and welding parts, achieving automated production.

In some medical devices, such as small precision surgical instruments, medical testing equipment, etc., Nema 16 stepper motors are used for precise position control and motion drive. For example, in the stage drive system of a microscope, the Nema 16 stepper motor can achieve high-precision movement of the stage, making it convenient for doctors to observe different parts of the sample. In some small medical pumps, stepper motors can precisely control the amount of liquid delivered, meeting the precise measurement requirements in medical processes.

In smart home devices, such as curtain motors, smart door locks, etc. In the curtain motor, it can accurately control the opening and closing degree and speed of the curtain by receiving control signals, achieving intelligent curtain control. In smart door locks, stepper motors are used to drive the rotation of the lock cylinder, achieving unlocking and closing actions, and have high safety and reliability.

In the field of aerospace modeling, Nema 16 stepper motors are commonly used to control the control surfaces, landing gear retraction, and attitude adjustment of model aircraft and model satellites. Due to its small size, light weight, and high control accuracy, it can meet the requirements of aerospace models for component miniaturization and high-precision control. For example, in some small remote-controlled aircraft models, using Nema 16 stepper motors to control the deflection angle of the control surface can achieve precise flight attitude control of the aircraft.

5、Selection and usage suggestions

In terms of purchasing, it is necessary to first clarify the requirements and determine the required parameters such as torque, accuracy, and speed based on the actual application scenario; Ensure that the selected motor is compatible with the existing drive and control systems. Different motors have different requirements for drive current and voltage, and it is necessary to select the appropriate driver based on the motor parameters. At the same time, consider whether the motor size can meet the installation space requirements of the equipment. In addition, it is necessary to carefully consult the specifications and technical documents of the motor to understand its detailed performance parameters, working characteristics, and application cases; If necessary, consult the manufacturer for technical issues and obtain professional advice.

In terms of use, the first step is to install it correctly and strictly follow the motor installation instructions to ensure that the motor is securely installed. The second is to reasonably set the current, voltage, and other parameters of the driver based on the rated parameters of the motor and actual application requirements. The third is to try to control the temperature of the motor usage environment within the specified range, avoiding environments with humidity, dust, and corrosive gases. Finally, regular maintenance and inspection should be carried out to check whether the appearance of the motor is damaged, whether the connection parts are loose, and whether there are any abnormal noises and vibrations during operation; At the same time, the electrical performance of the motor should be tested to promptly identify potential problems and carry out maintenance and replacement, in order to extend the service life of the motor.