Linear Stepper Motor Externally Guided 42mm- Suzhou Retek Electric Technology Co., Ltd.

External Lead Screw Stepper: Robust, Low-Cost Linear Actuation

The Linear Stepper Motor (Externally Guided), typically a NEMA 17 or 23 frame (42mm to 57mm), uses a motor with a threaded rotor (often a captive design) to directly drive a lead screw.

In this externally guided version, the lead screw nut is integrated into the motor's rotor, and the screw extends out and must be attached to the load. The motor is the moving part, or the screw is held fixed, and the motor body moves linearly. This provides a robust, low-cost solution for converting rotary steps into precise linear movement. The digital nature of the stepper ensures accurate open-loop positioning, making it a staple in 3D printing and automated laboratory equipment.

Introduction

Detailed Parameters and Performance Data

RETEK: Integrated Linear Motion for Z-Axis and Positioning

Suzhou Retek Electric Technology Co., Ltd. provides fully integrated linear stepper assemblies, where the lead screw, nut, and motor are factory-matched for zero-backlash or low-backlash performance. We focus on optimizing the thread pitch and nut material (often anti-backlash plastic or bronze) to maximize lead accuracy and life while minimizing friction.

Applications

Advanced Technology Highlights

Precision Linear Positioning Applications for External Steppers

3D Printer Z-Axis/Extruder: Motors for lifting the gantry or driving the filament feed mechanism. Challenge: High resolution and non-back-drivability.
Laboratory Fluidics: Drives for syringe pumps and micro-pipetting systems requiring precise volume control.
Actuators for Dampers/Valves: Linear drives for adjusting flow or position in HVAC or industrial piping.
Optical Stage Coarse Adjustment: Linear movement for stages that do not require sub-micron precision.

Technical Specifications

Industrial & Commercial Usage

Technical Parameters (External Linear Stepper)

Parameter	Range / Typical Value	Unit
Frame Size	NEMA 17 (42mm)	Standard
Lead Screw Pitch	0.4 to 12	mm/rev
Max Thrust Force	50 to 200	N (Load Dependent)
Precision	Step Resolution (e.g., 0.005 mm/step)	Feature
Actuator Type	Non-Captive or Captive Options	Design

Additional Information

Supplementary Details & Notes

Production & Customization Services

Production includes factory mounting and calibration of the lead screw assembly, including zero-backlash adjustment, and testing for the specified lead accuracy.

Custom Pitch/Length: Providing a wide range of lead screw pitches and custom lengths to match specific linear stroke requirements.
Anti-Backlash Nut: Integrating a spring-loaded or custom-tensioned anti-backlash nut assembly for high repeatability requirements.
Environmental Sealing: Adding shaft bellows or end wipers to protect the lead screw from dust and debris in industrial environments.
Custom Flange: Providing customized mounting flanges to interface directly with the client's linear rail blocks.

Service & Support

Technical Advantages and Core Design Features

Integrated Linear Actuator: Combines the motor and drive mechanism into one compact, easy-to-mount unit.
High Positional Resolution: Achieved by the combination of the stepper's fine step angle (1.8∘) and the lead screw's fine pitch.
Self-Locking Potential: Low pitch lead screws can provide self-locking capability, preventing the load from back-driving the screw.
Low Cost: A highly cost-effective solution for linear motion compared to linear motors or ballscrews.
Open-Loop Accuracy: Provides highly repeatable positioning without the need for an external linear encoder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Inquiries Regarding External Linear Steppers

Q: What is the difference between Captive and Non-Captive?
A: Non-Captive means the screw is free to rotate and must be externally constrained against rotation. Captive (often used here) means the nut mechanism in the rotor is designed to prevent the screw from rotating, forcing the motor to move linearly along the screw.

Q: How do I select the lead screw pitch?
A: A finer pitch (e.g., 1mm/rev) gives higher resolution and higher thrust force but lower top speed. A larger pitch (e.g., 8mm/rev) gives faster speed but lower resolution and force. Selection is a trade-off.

Q: Do these motors generate a lot of noise?
A: Yes, they can be noisy at high speeds due to the combination of the stepper motor resonance and the friction/vibration of the sliding lead screw nut, particularly if the screw is long or unsupported.

Resources

Advanced Material Selection Guide

Lead Screw: Precision rolled or ground stainless steel lead screw, often with PTFE or other anti-friction coating for reduced wear.

Nut Material: Wear-resistant polymer (e.g., Acetal, POM) or bearing bronze for the highest thrust capacity, often used in an anti-backlash mechanism.

Bearings: High-quality thrust bearings within the motor housing to handle the axial force generated by the lead screw.

About Suzhou Retek Electric Technology Co., Ltd.

Unlike other motor suppliers, Retek engineering system prevents the selling of our motors and components by catalogue as every model is customized for our customers. The customers are assured that every component they receive from Retek is designed with their exact specifications in mind. Our total solutions are a combination of our innovation and a close working partnership with our customers and suppliers.

As China Linear Stepper Motor Externally Guided 42mm Manufacturers and Wholesale Linear Stepper Motor Externally Guided 42mm OEM/ODM Suppliers, Retek business consists of three platforms: Motors, Die-Casting and CNC manufacturing and wire harness. Retek products are widely supplied for residential fans, vents, boats, airplanes, medical facilities, laboratory facilities, trucks and other automotive machines.

Welcome to send us an RFQ, it is believed you will get the best cost-effective products and services here!

Customized Solutions

Quality Assurance

Global Export

Suzhou Retek Electric Technology Co., Ltd.

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