Stepper Motor Repair

How Does a Stepper Motor Work?

A stepper motor is a specific application of a brushless, synchronous DC motor. While many standard electric motors just rotate continuously when the current flows, a stepper motor is constructed to operate differently. A series of electromagnets is arranged around a central rotor such that the motor can be rotated through a series of controlled, measured steps. The motor can also be held in any defined rotational position for however long is needed. This is of particular benefit for applications where precise movement control is required.

Stepper motors and servo motors are sometimes confused because they operate similarly in some ways, but each is really designed to serve a different function. Servo motors came first, and are still a preferred solution when the ability to produce the high acceleration and/or manage heavy loads is needed. Stepper motors can’t operate at the same high speeds as servos, but they have a higher holding torque and are preferable for applications that call for very specific positioning. Stepper motors are commonly used in computing, robotics, cameras, 3D printers, instrument panels, automated applications, CNC machinery, and other specific motor control applications.

What Can Lead to Stepper Motor Failure?

Stepper motors are brushless, so they don’t suffer from the same brush wear issues that tend to plague other DC motors. Even so, even the best-made stepper motors can eventually develop their own sets of problems. Here are a few of the more common issues we tend to see in terms of stepper motor repair and maintenance at AES:

Disconnected wires

In some cases, the problem may revolve around wires which aren’t making good contact, or have become disconnected. Your power supply may be fine, but the driver isn’t able to produce desired results thanks to some faulty motor connections.

Contaminant infiltration

Just as is the case with any motor application, contaminants like chemical vapors, oil, moisture, dust, debris, etc., can cause real damage to a stepper motor and its electronic components. Stepper motors need to be placed on a regular schedule of cleaning and maintenance in order to promote their longevity, especially in harsh industrial environments.

Negative effects of back-driving voltage

A stepper motor being turned by a load creates a back EMF voltage on the driver. At lower speeds, this isn’t usually a problem, but if the rotational speed gets too high this back-driven voltage can damage the driver. This can be particularly problematic when the motor is back-driven while the driver is still on. Utilizing a mechanical stop or brake in applications like these can help to prevent potential negative impacts.

Shorted or faulty winding

Over time, a stepper motor may simply need to be rewound, as is commonly the case for most every type of electric motor. Thankfully, the skilled technicians at AES are experienced in rewinding virtually every type of industrial or commercial motor, including servos and stepper motors.

Stepper Motor Repair with AES

Got a stepper motor that needs adjusting, repairing, or maintenance? The AES team can take care of that for you; our machine and motor technicians are specifically equipped & trained for servicing, rewinding, and restoring all sorts of stepper motors and servos. Electric motor repair is one of our specialties!

Send Your Stepper Motor to AES

Pack your stepper motor (along with any other equipment in need of repair) with foam, bubble wrap, or appropriate protective material, and send it on to us! And if you’re able to describe any specific issues or symptoms you’ve been noticing, that will help our team too. But if all you know is that your stepper motor simply isn’t working right, that’s OK. Just send it to AES anyway! We’ll troubleshoot it for you, and we can also deliver whatever service solution your equipment may need.

Shipping Instructions

Ship your equipment to AES at 101 Technology Lane, Mount Airy, NC 27030, with your name, company name, phone number, email, mailing address, and any other relevant contact information. We’ll take it from there, and we’ll get the ball rolling on restoring your stepper motor back to its proper working condition.

Equipment Check-in, Troubleshooting, & Repair Quote

Once we receive your stepper motor, we’ll check it in and assign a unique tracking ID. We’ll then move right to troubleshooting and evaluation, where we thoroughly check out your equipment. At that point, we’ll be able to generate a repair quote describing exactly what will be needed to get your equipment back up and working as good as new.

Personalized Follow-Up

Your individually-assigned Customer Service Representative will connect with you personally; at AES, we just believe that the individual, personal touch is best. We’ll let you know what we discover after analyzing your equipment, including our recommendations for service and repair.

Let’s Get That Stepper Motor Fixed!

Once you approve the repair service quote, we’ll get your stepper motor on our technician team’s schedule! We follow a thorough process for stepper motor breakdown, repair, rewinding, and restoration. Once everything is ready to go, we’ll conduct full-load testing on your stepper motor to make sure everything is working properly. After quality assurance is complete, we’ll carefully package your items for a safe return, and then we’ll promptly ship your equipment back to you.

Why You Should Entrust AES with Your Stepper Motor Repair Services

Of course, there are other companies out there who offer stepper motor repairs, but none of them will take care of your equipment – and of you through the process – like AES does! Here are a few specific reasons you should choose AES as your trusted stepper motor repair partner.

Quality Repairs

At AES, quality work is at the heart of what we do. We’re committed to delivering the best possible quality of repair services for every stepper motor, along with everything else you choose to send our way. We’ve successfully repaired countless numbers of electric motors, servos, stepper motors, and more for our satisfied clients, and we’re happy to serve your specific equipment repair needs, too.

Quick Turnaround

In thinking about a timetable, we imagine that you’d like to have your repairs done NOW. Honestly, who wouldn’t? But you should understand that a quality stepper motor repair will require a certain amount of time and attention in order to complete it with excellence. But don’t worry; our trained & skilled technicians can also get it done for you as fast as possible! We have a quick standard turnaround time of 8-10 business days for most projects, but you can also opt to place a RUSH on your order, if that’s what you really need!

Experienced Repair Technicians

Stepper motor repair isn’t just some side job for us at AES. In fact, we have a full team exclusively dedicated to motor repair, rewinding, and rebuilding. We collectively possess several decades of combined experience, so you can trust that we know what we’re doing! Plus, we don’t just rest in our wealth of experience. We also provide regular, ongoing training opportunities for our technicians, so we’ll always be ready to serve your needs, both now and down the road.

A More Cost-Effective Solution

Complete stepper motor systems can be expensive to replace, and not all repair outfits are best-suited for repairing stepper motors, either. Thankfully, AES checks all the boxes! We can service and restore your stepper motor for less, plus we’ll return it to you in like-new (or even better) condition. Our clients appreciate how AES comes alongside to meet their equipment repair needs, while also saving them lots of time, money, and needless headaches!

Industry’s Best Warranty!

You don’t want to miss this important fact about AES, either. Every repair provider claims to do excellent good work, but not all providers are willing to take the step of actually putting their money where their mouth is. At AES, we’re proud to stand behind everything we do, which is why we offer a 24-Month Limited Warranty for ALL REPAIRS. If a problem should arise within the warranty period that’s deemed to be related to repair workmanship, we’ll provide a follow-up service for you at NO extra cost! Now, that’s the kind of service which really creates peace of mind for customers like you!

Connect with AES for Your Stepper Motor Service Needs

Ready to get your stepper motor rotating properly, so your motor control applications can keep putting in work for you? We can make that happen for you, and more; AES has your needs covered! Reach out today at (866) 386-1001, and let us provide you with your perfect repair solution! We’re standing by to help!