StepSERVO Integrated Motors

HEIDENHAIN Corp. has partnered with Applied Motion Products Inc. in the development of their StepSERVO integrated motors for high-performance motion control applications. Utilizing’s HEIDENHAIN’s RENCO brand RCML 15 rotary encoder inside, StepSERVO reportedly offers the next evolution in step motor technology, combining the high-torque capabilities of step motors with the closed-loop dynamic control of servo systems.

The result is a motor-and-drive solution that operates more quietly and efficiently, while providing greater torque and higher acceleration rates than traditional step motor systems. To develop this system for use by machine builders, Applied Motion started with a proven integrated motor design, added closed-loop servo firmware and RENCO’s high-resolution incremental encoder to create StepSERVO.

“The RENCO encoder is compact, and its thinness allows us to minimize the length of our integrated motor and its relatively small OD allows it to fit inside a NEMA 17 integrated motor,” explained Applied Motion’s CTO Jeff Kordik. “Also, it is easy to mount, the connector is easy to work with and it delivers 20,000 counts per rev (5,000 lines), which is important to a 50-pole sine commutated servo system.”

Kordik further explains that the StepSERVO motor’s increase in torque and acceleration leads to greater throughput for the user, especially where repeated indexing or start-stop motion is required.  It is ideally suited for applications such as packaging and labeling, automated test and measurement, automated assembly and life sciences, among others.

HEIDENHAIN’s RENCO brand RCML 15 incremental rotary encoder is well known for its particularly low profile with a height of only 8.9 mm, still offering performance potential of modern rotary encoders, and particularly useful in applications with limited space and installation conditions.  Its performance includes providing a resolution of 5000 signals per revolution, commutation signals U, V and W, and an operating temperature range of –30 °C to +100 °C.  It also features a patented slide-lock mechanism for simple, self-centering mounting.