"Positioning Systems for Science and Industry Since 1967"
          (585) 657-6151


Vexta Motors



MOTORS

Velmex offers a variety of motor configurations and sizes to power Velmex positioning slides, stages and tables. Motors are sold separately.


Motors That Power Velmex Slides and Stages

Velmex Stages including UnSlides®, BiSlides®, XSlides™ and Rotary Tables can be powered by electric motors. Velmex products are built motor-ready. Motors are an adder to the product. Customers may purchase the motors needed direct from Velmex or they can add their own. Most commonly used is a DC step motor although, gear motors, servo motors and high resolution step motors in AC and DC can run Velmex products.

Step motors are preferred for incremental position or scanning when computer controlled motion is desired. They are beneficial for complex motion requirements of more than one distance interval and/or speed, for very fast or slow starts/stops and fast reversing.

Velmex offers a variety of sizes and configurations of Step Motors all at fractional horsepower. Motors should be selected with sufficient minimum torque to reach the top speed required. Review the Step Motor Speed and Torque Charts under the specification section, review the attached pdf chart on Steps, Distance, Speed Calculations or consult with a Velmex Application Engineer to select the appropriate motor for the application.


Motor Features


Motorized BiSlide with VXM Motor Controller


An electric stepper motor transfers rotational power into linear or rotary movement with the help of a driver/controller. Stepper motors control how far and how fast the movement. They are very accurate. One pulse of electricity to the motor turns it one step, thus the name.

Stepper motors are ideal for short, quick moves which are used in many positioning and motion applications. They can:

• Respond and accelerate quickly.
• They have low rotor inertia that can get to speed quickly.

The standard PK 2-phase stepping motor offers balanced performance enhanced by high torque, low vibration and low noise.

Control step motors with a Velmex VXM™ Motor Controller.

See Limits for more information on the use of limit switches on the Velmex stages with step motors.


Motors

Velmex uses primarily 2-phase stepper motors on its products. Additional motor types including servos are available for custom systems. Please discuss your needs with one of our Application Engineers.

Stepper Motor

Single Shaft Stepper Motors – Used for most Velmex motorized products – UniSlide, BiSlide and XSlide Assemblies along with Rotary Tables. (sold separately)

Double Shaft Motor

Double Shaft Stepper Motors – Can be used when a dual function stage is desired – i.e., manual and motorized both. Can also be used to drive a rotary encoder and serves as a damper in vertical applications to keep the motor from stalling. (sold separately)


Standard Steppers are 1.8° motors running half-step mode or 400 steps per revolution. We also offer 0.9° motors, which offer twice the resolution at half the speed.

Servo Motors and others available for custom systems. Please contact an Application Engineer so that your requirements can be met with a system designed to deliver optimal performance for the specific application.

Control step motors with a Velmex VXM™ Motor Controller.

 


Motor Specifications

The standard stepper motors Velmex uses have an accuracy of ± 3 arc minutes (0.05°). (This error does not accumulate from step to step.)

Please see the Motor Specification Sheets for details on each motor.

The torque charts display step motor torque versus shaft speed for the different Vexta stepper motor used on Velmex products. All charts are rated using the VXM™ Controller to drive the motor on the positioning equipment.

*Note: motor performance with the VXM control may not be identical to that shown in the data. Payload, length of linear slide, lead screw pitch and other factors influence the ratings.

Motor Torque - Speed Chart
Vexta PK245 Vexta PK245
Vexta PK264 Vexta PK264
Vexta PK266 Vexta PK266
Vexta PK268 Vexta PK268
Vexta PK296 Vexta PK296

Dimensions of the Vexta Motors

(Click image to enlarge)

PK245 Dimensions
Motor dimensions
PK296 Dimensions
Motor Wiring

Motor Wiring


Motor Model Number

Motor model number

The model number for the stepper motors can be found on the end of the motor.


Options/Accessories for Motors

Additional options / accessories can be purchased that will optimize motor performance or facilitate connecting the Velmex stage to the customer's own motor or motor controller. They include:

Motor Damper

Step Motor Damper - Delivers the optimum resonance frequency to the motor deliver a smooth operation. The damper adds an inertial load to reduce resonance in the motor to eliminate vibration and jitter.

Motor Cable

Cables – Motor and Limit Cable Assemblies - Motor cables with connector on motor end for customers with their own controllers. Various lengths are available.

For details on Limits, visit the Limits page.

Motor Cable Connector

Cable Adapters - Connectors for older motors.

Dual-shaft motor Motorized / Manual OperationIt is possible, using a double shaft motor, to produce a Velmex stage that can be manually operated or motor-driven. A shaft extension accommodates the either a Rogan (pictured left) or standard aluminum knob (pictured below).

The motor is purchased separately. Customers can mount their own motors, if they chose
Double Shaft Motor with Control Knob

 


 

 

Motor Specification Charts

Type File Name Description Download View
NEMA Type 17 Stepper Motor
PDF PK243A1A-SG18,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with 18:1 gear, single shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK243B1A-SG18,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with18:1 gear, double shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK245-01AA,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with round shaft - single shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK245-01BA,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with round shaft - double shaft Download Button View PDF
NEMA Type 23 Stepper Motor
PDF PK264-03A,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with round shaft - single shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK264-03B,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with round shaft - double shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK264M-03A,_StepperMotor.pdf High Resolution, 2-Phase motor with round shaft - single shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK264M-03B,_StepperMotor.pdf High Resolution, 2-Phase motor with round shaft - double shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK266-03A,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with round shaft - single shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK266-03B,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with round shaft - double shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK266M-03A,_StepperMotor.pdf High Resolution, 2-Phase motor with round shaft - single shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK266M-03B,_StepperMotor.pdf High Resolution, 2-Phase motor with round shaft - double shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK268-03A,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with round shaft - single shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK268-03B,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with round shaft - double shaft Download Button View PDF
NEMA Type 34 Stepper Motor
PDF PK296-03AA,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with round shaft - single shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK296-03BA,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with round shaft - double shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK296B2A-SG3.6,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with 3.6:1 gear, double shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK296B2A-SG7.2,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with 7.2:1 gear, double shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK296B2A-SG10,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with 10:1 gear, double shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK296B2A-SG18,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with 18:1 gear, double shaft Download Button View PDF
PDF PK296B2A-SG36,_StepperMotor.pdf 2-Phase motor with 36:1 gear, double shaft Download Button View PDF

 

Other Technical Documentation

Type File Name Description Download View
PDF Motor Wiring.pdf Diagram - Wiring for step motors installed on Velmex devices Download Button View PDF
PDF VXM - Stepper Motor Speed Charts.pdf Information on speed and linear distance at revolutions per minute and per second - measured using a Velmex VXM Motor Controller Download Button View PDF
PDF Increments with VXM and Steppers.pdf Tech Chart:- Increments that can be moved using various Velmex linear stages, the VXM Controller and step motors Download Button View PDF
PDF Calculation Steps Direction Speed with VXM.pdf Tech Chart -: Various calculations for determining speed, steps and direction using step motors and the VXM Controller Download Button View PDF

 


Velmex Motorized Examples

These are examples of Velmex products. If you wish a similar product, please contact us with your specific application specifications (travel distance, payload, hours per day in use, resolution, speed range, etc.). You can use the Request Assistance form.

The example displayed may be a custom configuration, designed to the customer's specifications; and not offered as a standard product. Custom configurations could contain custom, externally-fabricated components.

Product and accessory offering is subject to change and availability.

The following images are examples of Velmex products with stepper and servo motors. For information about the Velmex product, please refer to the specific brand/model page.

Example Key Code Meaning Example Key Code Meaning
A Manually Operated M Motorized
S Standard C Custom Configuration
B BiSlide U UniSlide
X XSlide R Rotary Tables
T XY / Elevating Tables TT Turntables
E Elevating Tables FS Fun Stuff (Ingenious, Cool, or Just out of the ordinary applications)

 

Single Axis Stages
Click to Open


Stepper Motors
  • BiSlide with Stepper description
    Exp: BiSlide®
  • UniSlide with Stepper description
    Exp: UniSlide®
  • XSlide with Stepper description
    Exp: XSlide™
  • Rotary Table with Stepper description
    Exp: Rotary Table
  • Motor and Knob on small Rotary Table description
    Exp: Dual Power

Servo Motors
  • UniSlide with Servo description
    Exp: UniSlide
  • description BiSlide with Servo Motor
    youtube
    Exp: BiSlide

Multiple-Axes Assemblies
Click to Open

Stepper Motors
  • 3-Axes BiSlide with Steppers description
    Exp: BiSlide
  • XY UniSlide with steppers description
    Exp: UniSlide
  • XY XSlide with Stepper description
    youtube
    Exp: XSlide
  • XY Table with steppers description
    Exp: XY Table
  • Pan and Tilt Rotary System with Steppers description
    Exp: Rotary
 

Combination Assemblies
Click to Open

Stepper Motors

Working Images
Click to Open

Stepper Motors
  • Breathing using Velmex slide and stepper description
    Breathing
  • Scanning with XSlides and steppers description
    youtube
    Scan Fixed Point

Examples of other Velmex products can be found on the Examples page or in the Examples section for each product.

 

 

 

 

 

Many questions can be answered by reviewing the "Features", "Model / Series", "Specifications", "Options / Accessories" and "Technical Documentation" sections for each product line. Additional FAQs about product comparisons, product construction, purchasing and shipping can be found on the company FAQ page.

Motor FAQs

When should I use a step motor?

• For incremental positioning or scanning when computer-controlled motion is desired.
• For complex motion requirements of more than one distance and/or speed; fast or slow starts/stops, and fast reversing.
• When accurate speeds are required.
• For speed range requirements as high as 1 to 8000 steps/sec.
• When a brushless motor is required.

Why use step motors with Velmex stages as opposed to other types of motors?

Step motors are very common in linear positioning because of their ability to operate within very precisely defined increments. They work efficiently when there is frictional load to dampen them. Velmex assemblies have friction, and a polymer lead screw drive nut which absorbs step vibration. Velmex lead screws have low inertia relative to the motor inertia, making very fast accelerations and decelerations possible. Step motors reach full torque in just one step.

Will the motor miss/lose steps occasionally?

Step motors, when controlled with Velmex Controllers, do not miss or lose steps. Step motors run synchronously to their phase switching speed. When an external motor load exceeds the running torque of the motor, the motor may stall and lose a position greater than one step.

Velmex step motor controllers remove the problems of low speed motor resonance by utilizing half-stepping and controlling the current. The VXM™ Controller switches the motor drive amplifiers directly, eliminating the sensitive pulse to motor translator link.

How do I insure the motor will not stall?

Proper motor sizing and operating the motor in a range that provides a torque reserve will ensure reliable operation. Review the motor speed/torque curves to determine the maximum reliable operating speed. Our Sales Application Engineers can help you determine the right motor size to operate the Velmex slide efficiently and effectively.

Will a stalled motor damage the motor?

No. When the motor stalls (loses synchronicity) the motor output torque drops very low, and the motor current drops slightly. No mechanical components slip, only the magnetic field. A step motor is a good solution for torque limiting applications.

Does the stepper motor and/or VXM Controller give any indication it is not running properly?

Depending on the situation, the system may sound different than it does under normal operation. The following are some sound bytes to help troubleshoot motor and controller operation.

Description Sound
The sound of a normal operating stepper motor: Click for Sound
The sound of an overloaded motor: Click for Sound
The sound of a motor when acceleration is set too high: Click for Sound
The sound of a motor when the speed is set too high: Click for Sound
The sound of a motor with a broken wire: Click for Sound