Often used for small automation applications, such as pick-and-place machines, these servomotors deliver lots of power in a small package. With accurate positioning and fine motor control, they create rotary motion based on signals from a drive (sold separately). The commands for speed and positioning are the same as those used for stepper motors, so you can upgrade your system without the hassle of reprogramming it. As these servomotors move, their encoder relays the shaft’s distance, direction, and speed back to the drive. The drive increases your system’s efficiency by taking the electrical signal from the encoder and dynamically adapting the motor’s movements, also accounting for inconsistent loads and unexpected forces.

Servomotor Drives—Drives have several control modes that power the motor—step and direction, position, speed, or torque. Use a computer to set motion parameters and calibrate the servomotor to your system. After initial setup, you can use a separate controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), microcontroller, or indexer. A brake resistor protects the drive from regenerated electricity as the motor slows or stops.