What is a hollow shaft stepper motor?

 

In the realm of motion control, stepper motors play a crucial role in various industries and applications. One particular type of stepper motor gaining popularity is the hollow shaft stepper motor. 

 

Picture from：8HS12-0494H

 

 

 

 

 

 

A hollow shaft stepper motor, also known as a hollow bore stepper motor, is a type of stepper motor that features a central opening or bore along its axis. Unlike conventional stepper motors with solid shafts, the hollow shaft design allows for the passage of cables, shafts, or other objects through the motor's center, enabling convenient integration and space-saving benefits.

 

 

Picture from：23HS18-2004H

 

 

 

 

 

The construction of a hollow shaft stepper motor typically includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor consists of a permanent magnet and a shaft with a central bore, while the stator comprises multiple windings arranged in a specific pattern. The interaction between the rotor's magnetic field and the stator's windings generates the necessary torque for motor operation.

 

Advantages:

Space-saving: The primary advantage of a hollow shaft stepper motor is its ability to accommodate the passage of cables or other components through its center. This feature saves valuable space, especially in applications where compactness and efficient use of available space are critical.

 

Improved cable management: With the central bore, cables, wires, or even pneumatic/hydraulic lines can be routed through the motor, simplifying cable management and reducing the risk of cable damage or entanglement. This advantage is particularly valuable in robotics, automation, and other applications that require complex cable routing.

 

Enhanced design flexibility: The hollow shaft design allows for greater design flexibility since it enables the integration of other rotating elements, such as encoder disks, optical sensors, or additional shafts. This flexibility opens up possibilities for more advanced and customized applications.

 

Easy access and maintenance: The hollow bore provides convenient access to the motor's internal components, making maintenance and repairs more accessible. It eliminates the need to disassemble other machinery or components that may be connected to the motor, reducing downtime and improving overall system efficiency.