Need a motor for your project, but not sure
Which type to get?
- So hopefully this article on the difference between Servo and Stepper OR stepper motor vs servo motor OR servo vs stepper Motors will help you decide.
- In this article we learn Differences Between Servo Motors and Stepper Motors.
- Many are under the misconception that there are vast differences between servo motors and stepper motors.
- Here, we attempt to display the motion and provide a more realistic view.
Mainly difference between stepper motor and servo motor is a Stepper Torque and Servo Torque
1. Torque.
- A Stepper motor has about the same torque as a comparably sized servo motor frame.
- A servo motor offers an additional time-dependent peak torque rating, a more flexible speed curve, and higher performance but a properly sized stepper motor could help you realize a better cost savings over a servo.
- It is important to note however, that stepper motors operate at full torque while the advantage of a servo motor is the ability to control torque in an application.
Mainly difference between stepper motor and servo motor in a Stepper applications and Servo application
2. Applications.
- If an application requires complete stability, a stepper motor is the better choice.
- Servo’s are the better choice in vertical applications in which the motor must hold a load still and for smooth operations while applications such as vision system positioning are better suited for a stepper motor.
3. Terminology.
- ‘Servo’ is the term used of a motor applied on a closed-loop system.
- A stepper motor can be optimized for the same application with identical functionality as a servo but at a reduced cost and a slower speed.
4. Micro-stepping.
- Micro-stepping is the means of providing half-steps to a motor that offers fewer steps than desired.
- Micro-stepping is achieved by dividing the current between the two poles in the motor thereby increasing the resolution.
- However, micro-stepping can have an adverse effect on a stepper motor because it can reduce torque up to 30%.
Key difference between stepper motor and servo motor is a servo accelerometer and Stepper accelerometer
5. Acceleration.
- Stepper motors are not as flexible with torque as are servo motors.
- Stepper motors require much more power on acceleration that at any other time therefore torque requirements must lie within the nominal curve for the stepper motor.
- Peak torque for a servo motor must lie within Peak torque curve and the Root Mean Square torque of the overall cycle.
Stepper motor vs Servo motor terms of Servo Size Vs Stepper Size :
6. Size.
- Manufacturers of stepper motor vs servo motor generally offer comparable frame sizes with the only difference in size being the length.
- Length allows different torques and inertia values to be obtained by the same size motor, offering greater performance without increasing the size of the motor or its cost.
- The result is a more cost effective solution that requires less installation space.
Stepper motor vs Servo motor terms of Servo Speed and Stepper Speed:
7. Speed.
- Servo motors are known for speed however,servo’s are often used for applications in which the motor provides more RPMs than necessary. In such cases, belt drives, for instance, a stepper motor would fully suffice.
8. Power.
- Whether it’s a stepper motor vs servo motor,the more current applied results in more torque. The advantage of a stepper motor in this regard is the amount of torque that can be generated at a safe voltage.