Re: Stepper Motor Controllers

[Ron Sluiter <sluiter@aps.anl.gov>]

On 7/16/2015 1:03 PM, Mark Davis wrote:

I am surprised that - at the very least - the option to use an encoder to CONTINUOUSLY adjust/correct the position as needed during movement isn't the norm.

Continuous closed-loop control of stepper motors is relatively new and there are not very many vendors that offer it. Nanotec Electronic GmbH & Co. and Oriental Motor are two I found.

Oriental Motor has an interesting product configuration tool where you can see the price difference between a stepper motor/driver package with and without closed-loop control.  In the case of the stepper motor I looked at it was $205 vs. $259 USD; about 25% more for closed-loop.  Paying 25% more is worth it if the requirements call for it.

Ron