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ProductsLeveraging its advanced servo architecture and deep industry expertise, Qifan specializes in the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of customized drives and servo systems tailored to specific industries. This enables the company to deliver cutting-edge European-style servo technology and comprehensive servo system solutions that span across critical areas such as industrial automation, motion control, and energy conversion.
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Application areasProduct application areas include artificial intelligence, laser cutting, die bonders, woodworking, textiles, semiconductors, 3C electronics manufacturing equipment, industrial robotics, lithium batteries, photovoltaics, packaging, printing, aerospace, and more.
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StrengthIn the context of globalizing smart manufacturing and China's dual-circulation strategy—both domestic and international—Qifan is committed to doing its part in advancing domestically produced servo technology, striving to become a world-leading provider of integrated drive-and-control servo systems.
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BlogQifan refines customization needs at every stage of the product lifecycle, seamlessly integrating them into both large-scale standardized R&D and manufacturing while also delivering exceptional services for non-standard, custom solutions!
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ProfileNingbo Qifan Automation Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Qifan) was established in 2019. The company boasts a team with 15 years of expertise in servo technology research and development, focusing on the creation and application of high-performance, high-power servo drives.
Detailed information
12
2025
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09
What is the difference between stepper motors and servo motors?
Stepper motors and servo motors are two common types of electric motors widely used in industrial applications. The key differences between stepper motors and servo motors lie in their operating principles, control methods, output torque characteristics, and the complexity of their control systems. By understanding these distinctions and features, you can better select the most suitable motor type and ensure optimal performance and results in your specific application.
1. Differences in operational principles
A stepper motor rotates by sequentially activating each electromagnetic coil. When current flows through a coil, the resulting electromagnetic force causes the rotor to turn—either directly engaging with gears or driving a mechanical transmission system. With each coil activation, the rotor moves precisely by a fixed angular step. This discrete motion allows for highly accurate control of the motor’s position at every step.
In contrast, servo motors achieve precise control and positioning through a feedback control system. The system structure of a servo motor includes a motor, an encoder, and a feedback controller. The encoder continuously monitors the rotor's position in real time and sends this data back to the controller. Based on the difference between the desired position and the actual position, the controller adjusts the motor’s speed and torque output, ensuring accurate motion control.
2. Differences in Control Methods
Stepper motors typically use open-loop control systems. In such systems, the controller sends commands to the motor, and the motor executes the corresponding actions as instructed. Because each step of a stepper motor is discrete—and there’s a fixed angle between any two consecutive steps—position feedback isn’t required under normal operating conditions. This simplicity makes stepper motor systems relatively straightforward, both in terms of their design and control mechanisms.
Servo motors typically use a closed-loop control system. In a closed-loop system, the motor's rotation is controlled via real-time position feedback. An encoder continuously monitors the actual position of the motor rotor and sends this information back to the controller. The controller then compares the feedback with the input position command and adjusts the motor accordingly based on any discrepancies. This type of closed-loop control system delivers enhanced precision and stability, making it ideal for applications that require highly accurate positioning.
3. Differences in Output Torque Characteristics
Stepper motors typically deliver high torque output, especially at low speeds, where their torque performance outperforms that of servo motors. This makes stepper motors particularly well-suited for applications requiring the handling of heavy loads or demanding high static torque. However, at high speeds or during acceleration/deceleration, the output torque of a stepper motor drops significantly, leading to suboptimal dynamic response in the control system.
Servo motors, on the other hand, exhibit smoother and more stable torque output characteristics. Thanks to their closed-loop control systems, servo motors can deliver consistent torque across the entire speed range. This makes them ideal for applications that demand high-speed operation, exceptional acceleration/deceleration performance, and precise positioning.
Keywords:
Servo drive
Qifan
Ningbo Qifan Automation Technology Co., Ltd.
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Room 302, Building 4, No. 515 Kangzhuang South Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province