Stepper motors can be used as brushless servos

Because of this, it enables a stepper motor to operate safely at its maximum torque curve - hence sizing a motor with a 25-50 per cent torque margin is no longer necessary. This may also enable a smaller frame size or shorter stack length motor to be used in some applications. AccuStep also enables a system to ride through known transient overloads, further eliminating the requirement for a larger motor. In addition, variable current control can be used, so motor heating and energy consumption can be greatly reduced.

There are two MDrive AccuStep product types available in the size of NEMA23 and NEMA34: one is Step "¢ Torque "¢ Speed - which is the AccuStep technology integrated with a stepper motor, microstepping drive and internal encoder, featuring three AccuStep operating modes: Step, Torque and Speed. The other version is Motion Control - in which AccuStep technology is integrated with a fully programmable motion controller, stepper motor, microstepping drive and internal encoder.

MDrive AccuStep systems offer advantages as an economical alternative to using brushless motor technology for a wide range of motion control applications such as point-to-point positioning, conveyor control, web handling, drilling, and low-end camming. With the addition of torque control, rotary and linear positioning to torque specifications is also possible.

Follow the link for more information about the AccuStep stepper motors with integrated electronics.