NEMA 23 Stepper Motor: Specifications, Applications, and How to Use One

Published on May 18, 2022 , Last modified on October 24, 2024
by Hommer Zhao
image of an isolated stepper motor

Motors are essential components when converting the energy in your system’s connections. Importantly, for electronics enthusiasts looking for motors, your priority is to find a reliable motor with high motor efficiency. Therefore, this article discusses the nema23 stepper motor, its pin configurations, specifications, applications, and how to use one in your connections.

What is the Nema 23 Stepper Motor?

The NEMA 23 is mostly a hybrid bipolar stepper motor with high torque. Additionally, the motor is a 2-phase stepping motor used to generate power. Notably, it stands out because its step angle is 1.8 degrees. With this angle, there are 200 steps for every single turn. Therefore, each revolution of this dual-shaft motor covers 1.8 degrees.

Also, the motor’s design focuses on delivering maximum torque at operating speeds. As a result, the design reduces vibration and noise. Thus, it is preferred in precision motion controllers.

Image of a disassembled stepper motor set

(Image of a disassembled stepper motor set)

Pin Configuration

Notably, the nema23 motor wirings have four wires that are different colors. These are; (Black, Green, Red, and Blue). However, these wires are uncovered.

Diagrammatic representation of the NEMA 23 pin configuration

    (Diagrammatic representation of the NEMA 23-pin configuration)

Simply, one coil is wired with black and green wires. However, the remaining coil attaches to the red and blue wires. Additionally, using two H-bridges can control this motor. But keep in mind that you should always use a motor drive. 

Specifications of the Nema-23 Stepper Motor. 

  • Firstly, its operating motor driving voltage is 3.2V
  • Second, the current working rating is 2.8A
  • Has a motor length of 3.1 inches
  • Its step angle is 1.8 degrees.
  • Notably, the running steps per revolution (SPR) is 200
  • Number of Phases: 4
  • Also, it produces a torque output of 270 oz-in (N-cm)
  • Additionally, it experiences a low noise level (3dB) 
  • The number of Leads is 4
  • Also, the motor diameter shaft is 0.250 (6.35)
  • It operates at a Phase resistance of 3.6mH
  • Lastly, the maximum motor shaft length is roughly 0.810 inches.
isolated stepper motors on white background

(isolated stepper motors on a white background)

Other stepper Motors and Motors

Firstly, notable stepper motors are NEMA 14, NEMA-17, NEMA-34, and the 28BYJ-48 Stepper Motor.

Also, other important motors you should know are BLDC Motor, DC motor, 12V DC motor, and the servo motor.

electrical motors used in appliances

(electrical motors used in appliances)

How to use the NEMA 23 stepper motor?

Particularly, this stepper motor needs a lot of power for torque-speed performance. Therefore, instead of directly monitoring it with H-bridges, use a powerful stepper motor driver. Moreover, to make this motor move, we must look at the coil diagram below.

Diagram showing motor coil energizing logical sequence

     (Diagram showing motor coil energizing logical sequence)

Notably, from the diagram above, our NEMA23 motor has four wires. All wires have different colors. Significantly, the motor can only move if the coils turn on in a logical order. Importantly, a microcontroller may easily set up the motor driving procedure. Also, you can make a digital circuit instead.

Note: Always check the stepper motor datasheet for additional information.

image of a stepper motor on a wooden desk

(image of a stepper motor on a wooden desk)

Applications

Notable uses of this hybrid stepper motor are in ;

  • 3D printers
  • CNC machines
  • laboratory automation
  • Robotics
  • Medical imaging applications
  • Industrial automation
  • Security cameras
stepper motor used in 3D printers and pulleys

(stepper motor used in 3D printers and pulleys)

Conclusion

The NEMA 23 Stepper motor provides excellent characteristics that make it an easy-to-use, reliable electronic component.

Moreover, if you’re interested in further learning about your related motor projects, contact us! Our team is always happy to answer any electronic component questions from you.

Avatar photo
Hommer Zhao
Hi, I'm Hommer Zhao, the founder and Chief Editor at WellPCB. With extensive experience in the PCB industry, I oversee all content to ensure it meets the highest standards of accuracy and insight. We proudly serve over 4,000 customers globally. For inquiries or more information, don't hesitate to reach out. Your satisfaction is my top priority!