Inside-Out Stepper Motors

Intelligent Motion Systems, Inc.tors can be converted to ball-screw linear actuators by mounting a standard off-the-shelf miniature ball screw to the front shaft face. Each motor shaft face diameter offers a range of threaded-hole patterns for coupling. The motors can be direct coupled in applications within the torque range of the motor, eliminating couplings and increasing overall system efficiency. The hollow-shaft design allows electrical or pneumatic lines to be directed through the center of the motor, enabling motors to be stacked end-to-end or applied in robotic and effector applications. A stationary through-hole prevents cables from being chaffed by a moving hollow shaft. Light beams can be directed through the motor for refraction by a mirror or filter wheel mounted on the shaft-mounting face.

The motors are adaptable to valves allowing the valve stem to protrude above the motor frame. Stems can be retrofitted with a dial indicator showing valve position. The motors can replace gearboxes in applications where they are used for inertia dampening between the motor and load. The included backlash from the gearbox is eliminated, providing improved bi-directional position accuracy. They can operate up to 3000 rpms and are compatible with off-the-shelf bipolar chopper microstepping, halfstep and fullstep drivers.

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