Smooth Motor is specialized in high precision stepper motor and customized assembly for 30 years.
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Smooth Motor is specialized in high precision stepper motor and customized assembly for 30 years.
Have you wondered recently - why is my stepper motor vibrating and if something's gone wrong? Find your answers in this article.
Are you too the victim of one lingering question, “Why is my stepper motor vibrating?” Don’t worry. It’s the story of every mouth! Vibrations are physical movements or oscillations produced in machines that often lead to the production of unwanted noise. Due to their step-by-step movement, stepper motors naturally produce vibrations, and to minimize these vibrations, you need to know where they come from. However, understanding and controlling these vibrations is essential for optimal motor performance. Read this article to learn about stepper motors, types of vibrations, and how and where to find a good-quality project.
Stepper motors have tiny air gaps between the rotor and stator, allowing the magnetic flux to flow with the least friction possible, except in the ball bearing. When the motor moves, the shaft overshoots and undershoots due to inertia, leading to vibrations. Vibrations can cause missed steps, especially at resonant frequencies. Adjusting torque stiffness and inertia can shift the resonant frequency out of the operational range, which decreases the number of vibrations.
Stepper motors exhibit three main types of vibrations:
Low-speed Vibration: Caused by step movement. It involves 0-50 revolutions per minute.
Mid-speed Vibration: Caused by torque variability or resonant frequency. It involves 50-200 revolutions per minute.
High-speed vibration: Caused by back EMF and instability of constant current control. It involves 500 revolutions per minute or more.
Reducing vibrations in stepper motors involves a mix of mechanical and electrical strategies. Let’s learn about the fundamental methods to reduce vibrations across all speed ranges.
Reducing vibration in stepper motors can be achieved through several mechanical methods:
Mechanical Clean Damper
A clean damper on the motor's rear shaft is an effective way to reduce vibration. Clean dampers are sealed plastic cases containing an inertia body packed with silicon gel, which provides stable damping.
High-Resolution Stepper Motor
Some manufacturers offer stepper motors with more rotor teeth. This increases the full-step resolution twice and mitigates vibration amplitude as the motor moves a shorter distance.
Geared Stepper Motors
Gearheads increase torque while reducing motor speed. This added rigidity helps suppress vibration transmission from the motor to the load, reduces overshooting and undershooting, and provides consistent torque output for more stable operation.
A Perfect Motor Sizing
Proper motor sizing involves finding the "sweet spot" where the motor operates comfortably without reaching its maximum specifications. Avoid oversizing the motor to prevent excessive torque and vibration. If necessary, use rubber grommets to suppress noise.
Electrical methods can also help reduce vibration:
Microstepping Motor Driver
Microstepping divides motor current between phases using a driver, reducing torque ripple, vibration, and noise. Consistent phase current is crucial; uneven steps or torque caused by inconsistent current increase vibration.
Driver that Resolves Vibrations Freely
The stepper motor drivers are designed to provide low-vibration performance across all speed ranges by independently addressing each type of vibration. These drivers use individual phase current detectors to regulate current effectively and provide a uniform current waveform.
To find the best stepper motor, assess your machine's torque, speed, and precision requirements. Use motor sizing tools and consult with engineers to match the motor specifications to your application's needs.
For those seeking customized stepper motor solutions or a reliable supplier, we got you the perfect provider in the form of “Smooth Motor.”
Founded in 1994 in Ningbo, China, Smooth® is a certified company specializing in high-precision and reliable hybrid and planetary stepper motors and linear actuators.
With a massive enlisted range of products from size 8 to size 34, our motors are essential in high-performance automation equipment, including medical devices, semiconductor fabrication, and 3D printers. Smooth® excels in providing accurate motion solutions, especially with our linear actuators, can-stack linear actuators, anti-backlash nuts, and rail and guide systems.
Our stepper motor production line can deliver samples in 15 days, with larger orders typically completed within 10-20 days based on order confirmation. With a capacity of two million units annually, our team of 210 workers and six production lines are well-equipped to meet your demands.
If your stepper motor is vibrating, it could be due to several factors, such as improper sizing, lack of damping, or electrical issues. Addressing these problems with the right mechanical and electrical solutions can make a big difference. By controlling these aspects, you can ensure smooth and precise movement in your projects.
So, if vibration is an issue, you now know how to tackle it effectively, or you can refer to a competent technician.
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