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Permanent Magnet (PM) Captive Stepper Linear Actuators
Permanent Magnet (PM) Non-Captive Stepper Linear Actuators
Our Hybrid Stepper Motor Linear Actuators are available in NEMA frame sizes 08, 11, 14, 17, 23, and 34. Each series offers several motor windings, as well as lead screw lengths and pitches. The AW series models come in both Non-Captive and Exterior Linear options, while the A series units are available only as Non-Captive. Complete your system with our compatible Stepper Drivers, Stepper Controllers and Indexers, and Stepper Drivers with Controllers.
Our Permanent Magnet Captive and PM Non-Captive Stepper Motor Linear Actuators are available in 20 - 57mm diameter designs. These simple, cost-effective models are offered with either four or six lead wire configurations.
Custom solutions are available, as well. We can customize your linear actuator to fit your exact specifications for screw modifications, speed, voltage, current, and more. Accessories such as connectors and cables are available for separate purchase, or as part of a value-added assembly.
Note: If you require further assistance with making a selection, please contact our friendly engineers for technical support.
FAQ
What is a stepper motor linear actuator?
Stepper motor linear actuators, sometimes called "can-stack actuators," are devices which convert rotary motion from the stepper motor into linear motion. A stepper
actuator uses a threaded nut and leadscrew in place of the motor shaft. For each pulse of electrical current, the stepper actuator will achieve a given amount of rotary motion.
This makes these devices an excellent option for positioning applications.
Why choose a stepper linear actuator?
Stepper motors rotate a given distance per electrical input pulse received. This "stepping" characteristic makes them an excellent choice for linear applications that require
precise positioning with minimal components.
What is the difference between Captive, Non-Captive, and External Linear Stepper Actuators?
Captive stepper motor linear actuators (a.k.a. "rotating screw stepper actuators") are typically used in applications requiring short stroke lengths. A captive actuator utilizes an
anti-rotation mechanism and a splined output shaft, allowing it to extend and retract as a unit without additional anti-rotation requirements.
Non-captive stepper motor linear actuators (a.k.a. "rotating nut stepper actuators") include a leadscrew which passes through the motor and, theoretically, has no stroke limits. This
makes them ideal for applications requiring longer strokes. Non-captive actuators must be mounted in the assembly in such a way that it will not rotate. Because of this, the lead screw can extend and
retract without rotating.
External linear stepper motor actuators (a.k.a. "traveling-nut stepper actuators") use a leadscrew and nut assembly which extends out from the motor in one direction. Rotary motion from
the motor is converted into linear motion, allowing the nut to traverse back and forth along the lead screw as it turns.
Where are stepper motor linear actuators used?
Stepper motor linear actuators are ideal for applications which require some combination of precision positioning, high speeds, and a long running life. Some examples include automated medical equipment,
X-Y and X-Y-Z tables, telecommunications equipment, and many more.
Can stepper actuators be run to a hard stop?
Running a stepper actuator to a hard stop may cause the unit to lock up, especially at higher speeds/forces. It is possible to do so under reduced input power, but
it is not typically recommended.
Can stepper actuators be back-driven?
This is possible, depending upon the lead screw pitch. Finely-threaded screws cannot be back-driven.
Do stepper linear actuators require positioning feedback?
Stepper motors and actuators are designed to run in open loop systems, and therefore do not typically require feedback. However, if the unit is being run in a closed-loop system or
if exact positioning must be known, an encoder may be needed.
Will micro-stepping increase the accuracy and/or torque/force output of my system?
No, microstepping may actually decrease accuracy of a stepper actuator. Torque/force will also be reduced with microstepping. To improve system accuracy, consider the addition of an encoder.
What is the difference between 4 and 6 lead wire configurations? What is the difference in performance?
A 4-lead motor has 2 coils which will be on at any given time during operation. Current is reversed in the coils to rotate the motor. This is called "bipolar", and is the most common choice.
A 6-lead motor is considered "unipolar," having 4 coils with the commons connected together in each phase. Bipolar motors typically produce about 30% more torque than their unipolar counterparts.
Helpful Information
Basic Stepper Actuator System Setup
PLC, PC, or microcontroller
Motor controller
Stepper motor driver
Stepper motor linear actuator
Manual linear actuators use a crank or control knob in addition to a lead screw. The knob of can also be indexed to indicate the angular position of the load. The displacement of is related to the
angular displacement of the knob by the lead screw pitch.
Precision linear actuators do not use a lead screw. Linear actuators of that caliber use a fine-pitch screw which presses on a hard metal pad on the platform of the storage. Rotating the screw will
move the platform in a linear motion. A spring is used to keep force between the platform and the actuator. This provides more precise motion.
Linear Actuators mounted vertically are somewhat different. The actuator is connected to the moveable platform and its tip rests on a metal pad on the fixed base. The weight of the platform and its
load is supported by the actuator.
In some linear actuators, a stepper motor may be used in place of a manual knob. A stepper motor can move in fixed increments dependant on the step resolution of the system. The stepper actuator,
in this case, moves similarly to an indexed knob. In other actuators, a DC motor may be used in place of a manual knob control or step motor. A DC motor, however, does not move in fixed increments like
a stepper motor.
If an alternate means of position verification is required, an encoder may be integrated into the system to provide feedback. The encoder allows a motion controller to reliably move the stage to set
positions on the linear actuator.
Diagram: Closed Loop vs. Open Loop Stepper Actuator Systems
