Oriental Motor AZ Series Closed-Loop Stepper Motor: Features and Benefits

A closed loop stepper motor gives you the low cost of a stepper with the reliability of feedback. The Oriental Motor AZ series goes a step further with a battery-free mechanical absolute sensor called ABZO, so the machine always knows its position, even after power is cut.

Key features of the AZ series

• Battery-free absolute sensor (ABZO) — position is retained with power off, so no homing on start-up and no battery to replace.
• 24/48 VDC operation with torque from 0.02 to 10.5 N·m across frame sizes.
• Flexible control: pulse input, RS-485 and network options including EtherCAT.
• Closed-loop performance: the motor corrects position and avoids losing steps under sudden load.
• Encoder resolution of 1000 for fine feedback.

Benefits over an open-loop stepper

1. No missed steps or stalls when the load changes.
2. Lower heat and energy use, because current adjusts to the load.
3. Faster cycle times, since you need less safety margin in sizing.
4. Quicker restart after an emergency stop, thanks to absolute position.

AZ series versus a servo system

For many small axes, an AZ series motor delivers servo-like reliability with easier setup and lower cost. Choose a servo when you need very high speed with high dynamic loads; choose AZ when you want simple commissioning, high torque at low speed and absolute positioning.

Typical applications

• Multi-axis assembly and pick-and-place machines
• Conveyor indexing and gates in packaging lines
• Pharma dosing and inspection stages
• Textile and cutting machines that must resume after a power failure
• Robotic mechanisms — the AZ series is also the base of the OVR small robots

Buy AZ series in India

AB Automation is an authorised Oriental Motor distributor, so you get genuine products, warranty backing and selection help. See the Oriental Motor product page or request a quotation.