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Stepper Motor or Servo Motor: Which Should it be?

This article presents an overview comparison of stepper motor and servo motor capabilities to serve as selection criteria between the two technologies. A thorough understanding of these technologies will help you achieve optimum mechatronic designs to bring out the full capabilities of your machine.

Each technology has its niche, and since the selection of either stepper or servo technology affects the likelihood of success, it is important that the machine designer consider the technical advantages and disadvantages of both to select the best motor / drive system for an application.

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Recent work done by Kollmorgen—a global leader in manufacturing motor and motion solutions—has shown that it is possible to synchronize components within the flexo printing process without mechanical transmission by using closed loop control technology. This synchronization is key to managing web tension throughout the process while ensuring a steady repeat length.

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