Stepper Motors > Stepper Motor Only > αSTEP Closed Loop Stepper Motors > AZ Series αSTEP Closed Loop, Absolute Mechanical Encoder Stepper Motors
αSTEP AZ Series Closed Loop, Absolute Stepper Motors
αSTEP Hybrid Step-Servo
Mechanical Absolute Encoder Stepper Motors
The αSTEP AZ Series stepper motors offers high efficiency, low vibration and incorporates our newly developed Mechanical Absolute Encoder for absolute-type positioning without battery back-up or external sensors to buy. Closed loop performance without hunting or gain tuning. Available with a built-in controller or pulse input driver which substantially reduces heat generation from the motor through the use of high-efficiency technology. Requires αSTEP AZ Series Driver.
- Battery-Free, Mechanical Absolute Encoder Stepper Motors
- Closed Loop Performance, No Hunting or Gain Tuning
- AC or DC Input Types
- Wide Range of Gear Types for Inertia Matching & Higher Torque
- Linear & Rotary Actuators
- Electromagnetic Brake Type Available
- AZ Series Stepper Motor Driver Required*
Product Types
Eliminate Extra Sensors with a Battery-Free Absolute System
The αSTEP AZ Series Mechanical Absolute Encoder is available as a leading closed loop, battery free absolute motion solution sold as a Stepper Motor + Driver, Linear Actuator and Rotary Actuator packages allowing for absolute, battery free, advanced performance across a wide range of applications. All αSTEP AZ Series products offer guaranteed performance are available in EtherNet/IP™, EtherCAT, Pulse Input, Built-In Controller (Network) Types in AC or DC Input. A DC Input Multi-Axis Controller / Driver is also available to connect up to 4 axes with one unit.
Mechanical Absolute Encoder
Advanced Technology at Affordable Prices
Oriental Motor has developed and patented a compact, low-cost, battery-free mechanical type absolute sensor. The αSTEP AZ Series is available at affordable prices and can contribute to improved productivity and cost reductions.
Mechanical-Type Encoder (No Battery Required)
A mechanical sensor composed of multiple gears is employed. Positioning information is detected by recognizing the angle of the individual gears. As a result, it does not require a battery.
Multiple-Rotation Absolute System*
Absolute position detection is possible with ±900 rotations (1800 rotations) of the motor shaft from the home position.
Home Setting Method*
The home position can be easily set by pressing a switch on the drivers surface, which is saved by the Mechanical Absolute Encoder. In addition, home setting is possible with the MEXE02 data setting software or external input signal.
Home position is easy to adjust by moving the motor to a desired position manually.
*Requires AZ Series Driver
No External Sensors Required
Positional information is managed mechanically. External sensors such as home sensor and the limit sensor are not needed.
Reduced Cost
Sensor costs and wiring costs can be reduced, allowing for lower system costs.
Simple Wiring
Wiring is simplified and the degree of freedom for equipment design is increased.
Not Affected by Sensor Malfunctions
There is no concern about sensor malfunctions (when operating in environments filled with oil mist or filled with metal pieces due to metal processing), sensor failures or sensor wire disconnections.
Improved Return-to-Home Accuracy
Home position accuracy is increase because the return-to-home operation is performed regardless of any variations in home sensor sensitivity.
Shortened Reset Time - High Speed Return-to-Home
Because return-to-home is possible without an external sensor, return-to-home can be performed at high speed without taking the sensor sensitivity into account, allowing for a shortened machine cycle.
No Battery Required
No battery is required thanks to a mechanical-type sensor. Because positioning information is managed mechanically by the Mechanical Absolute Encoder, the positioning information can be preserved, even if the power turns off, or the cable between the motor and the driver is disconnected.
Reduced Maintenance
Because there is no battery that needs replacement, maintenance time and costs can be reduced.
Unlimited Driver Installation Possibilities
Because there is no need to secure space for battery replacement, there are no restrictions on the installation location of the driver, improving the flexibility and freedom of the layout design of the control box.
Safe for Overseas Shipping
Normal batteries will self-discharge, so care must be taken when the equipment requires a long shipping time, such as when being sent overseas. The Mechanical Absolute Encoder does not require a battery, so there is no limit to how long the positioning information is maintained. In addition, there is no need to worry about various safety regulations, which must be taken into consideration when shipping a battery overseas.
Position Holding Even when the Cable between the Motor and Driver is Detached
Positioning information is stored within the Mechanical Absolute Encoder.
*Because the positioning information is stored in the Mechanical Absolute Encoder, the home position must be reset if the motor is replaced.
High Reliability
High Reliability is provided by using the control method unique to Oriental Motor that combines the merits of both open loop control and closed loop control.
Continues Operation Even with Sudden Load Fluctuation and Sudden Acceleration
In normal conditions, it operates synchronously with pulse commands under open loop control, and because of its compact size and high torque generation, it has excellent acceleration performance and response. In an overload condition, it switches immediately to closed loop control to correct the position.
Alarm Signal Output in Case of Abnormality
If a continuous overload is applied, an alarm signal is output. Also, when the positioning is completed, a signal is output. This provides high reliability.
No Tuning Required
Because it is normally operated with open loop control, positioning is still possible without gain tuning even when the load fluctuates due to the use of a belt mechanism, cam or chain drive, etc.
Holding the Stop Position
During positioning, the motor stops with its own holding force without hunting. Because of this, it is ideal for applications where the low rigidity of the mechanism requires absence of vibration upon stopping.
Energy Saving
Heat generation is reduced thanks to the high efficiency motor, resulting in energy savings.
Lower Heat Generation
Heat generation by the motor has been significantly reduced through higher efficiency.
αSTEP Hybrid Control Systems
αSTEP products are stepper motor based hybrid motors with a unique hybrid control system combining the benefits of "open loop control" and "closed loop control".
The position of the motor is always monitored, and then the driver automatically switches between 2 types of control depending on the situation.
Normally Operates in Open Loop Control for the Same Ease of Use as a Stepper Motor
High Response
By utilizing the high responsiveness of the stepper motor, moving a short distance for a short time is possible. The motors can execute commands without lag.
Holding the Stop Position without Hunting
During positioning, the motor stops with its own holding force without hunting. Because of this, it is ideal for applications where the low rigidity of the mechanism requires absence of vibration upon stopping.
Tuning-Free
Because it is normally operated with open loop control, positioning is still possible without gain adjustment even when the load fluctuates due to the use of a belt mechanism, cam or chain drive, etc.
Switches to Closed Loop Control during Overload for More Reliable Operation like a Servo Motor
Continues Operation Even with Sudden Load Fluctuation and Sudden Acceleration
It operates synchronously with commands using open loop control during normal conditions. In an overload condition, it switches immediately to closed loop control to correct the position.
Alarm Signal Output in Case of Abnormality
If an overload is applied continuously, an alarm signal is output. When the positioning is complete, and END signal is output. This ensures the same level of reliability as a servo motor.
αSTEP Performance
What is the Output of αSTEP?
"Rated Output" is not listed because αSTEP has no "rated speed". Refer to the graph below to compare rate torque of the αSTEP to Watts of of servo motor's rated output torque.
What is the Stopping Accuracy of αSTEP?
The stopping accuracy of a typical αSTEP is ±0.05° (under no load), which is equivalent to that of servo motors. The graphs below show the actual measured stopping accuracies when an αSTEP and an AC servo motor were rotated once.
Hybrid Control System
The hybrid control system constantly monitors the motors position allowing for the benefits of performance from "open loop" control while providing the assurance of "closed loop " performance.
AZ Series Drivers
AZ Series AC Input Drivers
The αSTEP AZD (AC Input) Drivers offers superior high speed performance, high functionality and closed loop control. There are no external sensors to buy as the motor and driver complete the system. Available in 5 types; EtherNet/IP™ compatible, EtherCAT compatible, a stored data (network) driver, pulse input driver or pulse input with RS-485 communications for monitoring. Advanced operation and function control is included through our MEXE02 software (free download). The αSTEP AZD (AC Input) Drivers can perform quick positioning operations over a short distance without the need for tuning, while providing smooth performance.
- Built-in Protective Functions
- Driver Types:
- Pulse Input
- Pulse Input with RS-485 Communications
- Built-in Controller (Network)
- EtherCAT Types
- EtherNet/IP™ Types
- PROFINET Types
- Single-Phase 100-120 VAC or Single-Phase/Three-Phase 200-240 VAC
- For use with αSTEP AZ Series Motors (AC Input)
AZ Series DC Input Drivers
The αSTEP AZD-K Drivers offer 24/48 VDC input voltage, high functionality and closed loop control. There are no external sensors to buy as the motor and driver complete the system. Available in 5 types; EtherNet/IP™ compatible, EtherCAT compatible,a stored data (network) driver, pulse input driver or pulse input with RS-485 communications for monitoring. Advanced operation and function control is included through our MEXE02 software (free download). The AZD-K (DC Input) can perform quick positioning operations over a short distance without the need for tuning, while providing smooth performance.
- Built-in Protective Functions
- Driver Types:
- Pulse Input
- Pulse Input with RS-485 Communications
- Built-in Controller (Network)
- EtherCAT Types
- EtherNet/IP™ Types
- PROFINET Types
- Single or Multi-Axis
- 24/48 VDC
- For use with αSTEP AZ Series Motors (DC Input)
*
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