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Stepper motors are a crucial component in modern automation, robotics, and control systems. They offer precise control of motion without the need for feedback systems, making them ideal for applications that demand accurate positioning, speed regulation, and repeatability.
A Stepper Motor is a brushless, synchronous electric motor that divides a full rotation into a number of equal steps. Unlike traditional DC motors that spin continuously, a stepper motor moves in discrete step increments, making it exceptionally well-suited for digital control systems.
Each step is controlled by electrical pulses sent from a controller or driver, and the motor moves one step for every pulse received. This unique operation allows precise control over rotation angle, speed, and position—even without feedback.
These use permanent magnets in the rotor and are known for low speed and low torque applications. They offer:
Simple construction
Low cost
Larger step angles (e.g., 7.5° or 15°)
VR motors have a toothed iron rotor and rely on magnetic reluctance to generate motion. Features include:
No permanent magnets
High stepping rates
Low torque output
The most common type used in precision applications. These combine the features of PM and VR motors to offer:
High torque
Small step angles (e.g., 1.8°, 0.9°)
Better accuracy and control
A Stepper Motor is a type of brushless, synchronous motor that converts digital pulses into precise mechanical movements. Unlike conventional motors that rotate continuously when powered, a stepper motor moves in discrete, fixed angular steps, making it ideal for applications where positioning accuracy, repeatability, and control are critical.
The working principle of a stepper motor revolves around electromagnetic induction and digital pulse control. The motor has two main components:
Stator: The stationary part that houses multiple electromagnetic coils arranged in a circular pattern.
Rotor: The rotating part, usually made of permanent magnets or soft iron, aligned with the stator’s magnetic field.
When electrical pulses are supplied to the stator coils in a specific sequence, magnetic fields are generated that attract or repel the rotor teeth or poles, causing the rotor to turn incrementally. Each pulse causes the rotor to move one precise step, hence the name "stepper" motor.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how a Stepper Motor works:
A pulse signal is sent from a controller to the motor driver.
The driver energizes the stator coils in a defined order.
The energized coil produces a magnetic field.
The rotor aligns itself with the magnetic field.
As the sequence progresses to the next coil, the rotor moves one step forward.
This process repeats, resulting in controlled rotation.
The number of steps needed for a full 360° revolution depends on the motor’s step angle. For instance:
A step angle of 1.8° equals 200 steps per revolution (360° ÷ 1.8° = 200 steps).
One or two stator windings are energized at a time.
Moves the rotor one full step per pulse.
Delivers the highest torque, but lower resolution.
Alternates between one and two windings energized.
Rotates the motor at half the step angle.
Offers smoother motion and better resolution than full step.
Applies precisely controlled current to each winding.
Allows the rotor to move in fractions of a step, such as 1/8 or 1/16 step.
Provides extremely smooth operation and high positioning accuracy.
Common in 3D printers and precision robotics.
A typical Stepper Motor system includes:
Controller: Sends step and direction signals (e.g., microcontroller like Arduino or PLC).
Driver: Translates signals into electrical pulses and powers the motor coils.
Stepper Motor: Receives the pulses and rotates accordingly.
Power Supply: Provides required voltage and current to the driver.
The controller determines the speed and position, while the driver ensures the correct power and sequence is applied to move the motor.
The step angle is the angular movement of the rotor for each input pulse. It determines the resolution of the motor. Smaller step angles mean higher resolution and more precise movement.
7.5° (48 steps per revolution)
1.8° (200 steps per revolution)
0.9° (400 steps per revolution)
With microstepping, a 1.8° motor can produce thousands of micro-steps per revolution.
No feedback system.
Motor relies on incoming pulses to move.
Simple and cost-effective, but can miss steps under heavy load or high speed.
Incorporates an encoder or sensor to monitor position.
Provides feedback to the controller for accuracy.
Prevents missed steps and improves torque, speed, and efficiency.
Holding Torque: Ability to maintain position when powered.
Detent Torque: Natural resistance to movement when unpowered.
Speed-Torque Curve: Torque decreases as speed increases.
Resonance Zones: Specific frequencies may cause vibrations; microstepping helps mitigate this.
A Stepper Motor works by converting electrical pulses into mechanical movement, advancing by fixed angular steps. With the right controller and driver, it offers an affordable and precise motion solution for a wide range of applications. Whether you're designing a robotic arm or automating manufacturing equipment, understanding how a stepper motor works is the key to successful motion control.
The UK stepper motor industry stands as a cornerstone of automation, robotics, and industrial machinery. Whether you're looking for precision motion control in aerospace, medical equipment, or manufacturing, these leading UK stepper motor manufacturers provide cutting-edge engineering solutions. Below is a carefully researched, detailed list of the top 25 Stepper Motor manufacturers in the United Kingdom, including essential company profiles, primary products, and distinctive advantages.
Portescap, a globally renowned motor manufacturer, operates a robust UK division offering specialized motion solutions.
Hybrid stepper motors
Can-stack stepper motors
Disc magnet motors
Medical-grade motors
Ultra-high precision
Custom motor design
Based in Berkshire, Maxon Motor UK is the British arm of Maxon Group, delivering advanced microdrives and control systems.
Miniature stepper motors
High-precision BLDC motors
Integrated motor drives
Swiss-engineered quality
Strong R&D capabilities
Tailor-made solutions
Located in Poole, Astrosyn is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and has been supplying stepper motors and drives for over 40 years.
Hybrid stepper motors
PM stepper motors
Motor driver units
UK-based manufacturing
RoHS compliant products
Extensive technical support
Trinamic’s motion control technology is represented in the UK through Wurth Electronics, a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and offering seamless motor integration.
Stepper motor ICs
Stepper motor drivers
Embedded motion controllers
Plug-and-play modules
Low-noise operation
Energy-efficient design
Based in Hebden Bridge, Zikodrive is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and specializes in custom stepper motor control solutions for niche and industrial sectors.
Pre-programmed stepper controllers
Custom motor driver PCBs
Integrated stepper systems
Bespoke design services
Fast turnaround prototyping
Open communication with clients
A part of the maxon group, Parvalux is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and has over 70 years of experience in designing and manufacturing electric motors in the UK.
Hybrid stepper motors
Gearbox-integrated stepper units
Brushed and brushless DC motors
British manufacturing excellence
OEM integration experience
Global delivery channels
Headquartered in Bournemouth, Motion Control Products is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer of automation solutions and motors.
Stepper motors
Servo motors
Integrated stepper solutions
Comprehensive product range
Engineering consultancy services
Rapid prototyping availability
Active Robots, based in Somerset, is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and known for delivering educational and industrial robotics components across the UK.
Stepper motors
CNC kits
Motion control modules
STEM education expertise
High availability of stock
Tech support for institutions
EMS Ltd in Dorset is a trusted Stepper Motor manufacturer of drive systems and is the sole UK distributor of FAULHABER motors.
Precision stepper motors
Linear motion systems
Compact drive systems
ISO-certified production
In-house design support
Access to premium European motors
RS Components is a global Stepper Motor manufacturer of electronic and electrical components, with a strong UK presence.
Hybrid and PM stepper motors
NEMA-standard motors
Stepper motor controllers
Massive inventory
Fast UK-wide delivery
Competitive pricing
Ametek is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and offers high-reliability motors and blowers, including stepper variants, with operations in the UK aerospace sector.
High-performance stepper motors
Thermal management motors
Custom-built motion systems
Aerospace-grade durability
Advanced testing facilities
Industry certifications
London-based Stepper Motor manufacturer specializing in micro motion solutions for commercial, industrial, and medical applications.
Micro stepper motors
Haptic feedback motors
Vibration motors
Custom mechanical integration
Cleanroom production
Small-batch capabilities
Eurolec is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and offers wide selections of electromechanical parts, including reliable stepper motors suited for industrial projects.
Bipolar stepper motors
Unipolar stepper motors
Drive boards and accessories
Cost-effective solutions
In-house stock availability
Custom sourcing support
Operating for over 40 years in Andover, Mclennan is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and designs and supplies high-performance motion control solutions.
Stepper motors
Servo and BLDC motors
Positioning systems
Engineering support team
High-reliability products
Custom configuration options
A division of Lenze Ltd, Techdrives is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and supplies mechanical and electrical drive components, including stepper motors.
Compact stepper motors
Gear motors
Motion control systems
German technology base
UK stock and support
Robust warranty policies
A Birmingham-based Stepper Motor manufacturer focused on intelligent drives and stepper motor solutions.
Stepper motors
Drives and motion software
Industrial sensors
Technical training for clients
Full lifecycle support
Smart automation integration
Parker’s UK division is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and offers automation technologies including electromechanical systems.
Stepper motors
Motion controllers
Linear actuators
Global engineering resources
ISO 9001 certification
Application-specific solutions
Engineering innovation hub with capabilities in prototyping custom motor-based systems.
Prototype stepper motors
Mechatronic devices
Control electronics
University-linked R&D
Smart product testing
Contract manufacturing
Based in Huddersfield, Reliance is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and delivers precision mechanical components and assemblies including motors.
High-accuracy stepper motors
Custom mechanical interfaces
Miniature motion solutions
Medical and space-grade quality
60+ years experience
Cleanroom assembly services
A European gearmotor giant with a strong UK presence and local customer support.
Stepper motors with gearheads
Industrial motor kits
Control panels
Italian engineering precision
Industry 4.0 readiness
Integrated gearbox systems
Jkongmotor is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and focuses on plug-and-play automation systems including stepper-based drives.
Intelligent stepper drives
All-in-one motors
Motion software
System integration ready
UK tech support
Easy system upgrades
JVL’s integrated stepper motors are supplied in the UK through Motion Control Products.
ServoStep™ stepper motors
Closed-loop steppers
Integrated Ethernet drives
Industry 4.0 compatibility
Compact modular design
Wide voltage ranges
A motion systems integrator offering bespoke stepper motor assemblies for aerospace, defence, and industrial applications.
NEMA stepper motors
Motion stages
Feedback systems
Specialist engineering support
ISO 9001 certified
System-level integration
Electromen is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and offers high-quality controllers for stepper and servo motors across the UK.
Motor control modules
Stepper drivers
Linear motion products
Compact controller designs
Intuitive user interface
Quick lead times
OEM Automatic is a leading Stepper Motor manufacturer and offers automation components to OEMs across multiple industries, including motion systems.
Industrial-grade stepper motors
Sensors and encoders
Motion controllers
Technical sales support
Large partner network
Competitive pricing models
Open-Loop Control: No need for feedback systems, simplifying design and reducing cost.
Excellent Repeatability: Once calibrated, it reliably returns to the same position.
High Torque at Low Speeds: Makes them suitable for direct-drive applications.
Robust and Durable: Fewer moving parts mean longer service life.
Precise Positioning: Ideal for CNC machines, 3D printers, camera platforms, etc.
Precise Position Control without feedback (in open-loop systems)
Simplified System Design (no encoder required)
High Reliability due to minimal wear components
Cost-Effective for applications needing accurate movement
Wide Compatibility with digital systems such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PLCs, etc.
3D Printers – Layer-by-layer movement control
CNC Machines – Accurate cutting, milling, or engraving
Robotics – Joint and arm movement
Medical Devices – Syringe pumps, lab automation
Textile Machinery – Precise tension and fabric movement
Camera Platforms – Smooth and repeatable pan/tilt motion
Automated Valves – Regulated flow and pressure control
All coils are energized in sequence, rotating the motor one full step at a time. Offers higher torque but less resolution.
Alternates between one and two phases on. Doubles the number of steps per revolution, improving resolution.
Divides each full step into many smaller steps (e.g., 1/16, 1/32). This results in ultra-smooth motion and improved precision, but slightly less torque.
When selecting a Stepper Motor, consider the following:
Step Angle: How precise does your movement need to be?
Holding Torque: Will it need to hold position under load?
Current and Voltage Ratings: Ensure compatibility with drivers
Size and Form Factor: NEMA 17, NEMA 23, etc., depending on space
Environmental Conditions: Dust, heat, moisture, vibration, etc.
A Stepper Motor driver controls the current to the motor coils and determines stepping sequences. It converts digital signals (like PWM or logic pulses) into motor movement. High-end drivers offer:
Microstepping capabilities
Current control settings
Overheat and overload protection
Popular drivers include A4988, DRV8825, and TMC2209 for small motors, and more powerful industrial drivers for large-scale operations.
While versatile and cost-effective, stepper motors also have limitations:
Torque drops at high speeds
Can lose steps under overload without feedback
High current consumption even when stationary
Resonance issues at certain frequencies
For demanding tasks, closed-loop stepper systems (with encoders) or servo motors may be more suitable.
Stepper Motors offer outstanding performance in countless applications where precision, reliability, and cost-efficiency matter most. From industrial automation to consumer electronics, they provide a versatile and robust solution for motion control needs.
The UK stepper motor industry continues to deliver technological excellence, meeting the evolving demands of automation, robotics, and industrial efficiency. These 25 manufacturers represent the finest in engineering, innovation, and customer-centric delivery.
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