Best motors for 3d printer

What is the Best Stepper Motor/Driver for Your 3D Printer? – 3D Printerly

If you’ve wondering just which stepper motor/driver is best for your 3D printer, you’re in the right place. It’s a quite overlooked part of a 3D printer and it deserves a bit more of an informed decision rather than just sticking with what your printer came with.

Many people have reported prints improving after installing a better stepper motor on their 3D printer so which one is best for your 3D printer?

For such an essential part of a 3D printer, I’ve wondered which stepper motor is the best so I created this post to find that out so read along for the answers.

For the people that came for a quick answer, the best stepper motor for your 3D printer is going to be the StepperOnline NEMA 17 Motor. It’s highly rated on Amazon and is the #1 listing for Electric Motor Mounts. Low noise, long lifetime, high performance and no loose steps!

Many have described it as a plug-and-play motor but it does require a bit of know-how, but shouldn’t take too long at all to install. Once you install this stepper motor, any slip problems you’ve had previously should be dealt with easily.

If you are looking for the best stepper motor driver, I’d go for the BIGTREETECH TMC2209 V1.2 Stepper Motor Driver from Amazon. It significantly reduces noise in 3D printers and produces much smoother movements overall.

Now let’s get into what makes a stepper motor so important.

What are the Key Functions of a Stepper Motor?

Under the hood of every 3D printer out there, you’ll find a stepper motor.

The proper definition of a stepper motor is a brushless DC electric motor that divides a full rotation into an equal number of steps. The position of the motor can be ordered to move and hold at certain steps and used at your desired torque and speed.

In simpler terms, stepper motor is what the motherboard uses to communicate to the motors of your 3D printer to make it move around the various axes. It gives the precision, speed and positioning of how things move so it’s a very vital component of a printer.

The reason stepper motors are used in 3D printers is because of their wide range of benefits such as low cost, high torque, simplicity, low maintenance while being highly reliable, and works in just about any environment.

Also on the technical side of things, they are very reliable because there are no contact brushes in the motor, meaning the life of the motor depends solely on the longevity of the bearing.

Stepper motors are also used in medical instruments, engraving machines, textile equipment, packaging machines, CNC machines, robotics and much more. 

What Makes a Stepper Motor Better Than Others?

Now it’s important to know that there are many different sizes, styles and characteristics that a stepper motor can give you.

The factors that are important to us are the ones that work best for a 3D printer specifically. Since we need to consider how much work the motor is going to be doing, we take a few things into account.

The main factors that make a stepper motor better than another are:

• Torque rating
• Size of motor
• Step count

Torque Rating

Most stepper motors have a torque rating which roughly translates to how powerful the motor is. Usually, the bigger the size of the motor, the more torque rating you’ll have because they have a better ability to deliver power.

You do have smaller 3D printers such as the Prusa Mini which would require less torque than lets say, an Anycubic Predator Delta Kossel so do keep the size of your printer in mind.

Size of Motor

You have a wide range of sizes for stepper motors, but many can definitely be too strong for a simple 3D printer, which doesn’t require too much performance.

For 3D printers, we generally go for the NEMA 17 (face plate dimensions 1.7 by 1.7 inches) because they are large enough to get the job done. 

You would usually use larger NEMA motors in products that require industrial applications or CNC machines. Do keep in mind that NEMA simply describes the size of the motor and not it’s other characteristics. Also, two NEMA 17 motors could be very different and are not necessarily interchangeable.

Step Count

The step count is what gives us the precision that we need in terms of movement or positioning resolution.

We call it the number of steps per revolution and it can range anywhere from 4 to 400 steps with the common steps counts being 24, 48 and 200. 200 steps per revolution translates to 1.8 degrees per step

For you to get a high resolution, you will have to sacrifice speed and torque. Basically, a high step count motor will have lower RPMs than another motor of a lower step count of comparable size.

If you need higher step rates to turn the motors efficiently, it will require more power so the torque comes in lower and vice versa. So if you want great precision of movement, you will need high step counts therefore reducing the amount of torque you have.

Best Stepper Motors You Can Buy Now

NEMA-17 Stepper Motor

StepperOnline NEMA 17 Motor as recommended at the start of this post is a great choice for a stepper motor. Thousands of happy customers have used this stepper motor with great success with its high quality and flexible customization.

It comes neatly packaged and is a bipolar, 2A motor with a 4-lead and 1M cable/connector. The only downside here are the cables are non-detachable. Do note that the colors of the cables don’t necessarily mean they are a pair.

The way to determine wire pairs is to spin the shaft, then touch two wires together and spin it again. If the shaft was more difficult to spin, those two wires are a pair. Then the other two wires are a pair.

Once you do install this stepper motor, your performance should be second to none and smooth for years to come.

Usongshine NEMA 17 Motor is another choice that is well-liked between 3D printer users and is slightly smaller than the above choice. This high torque stepper motor is made of high quality steel and has great performance.

A few advantages of this stepper motor is its effective thermal conductivity and quality control for each stepper motor that’s sold. You get your stepper motor (38mm), 4pin cable and connector a strong/quiet device to assist you in your 3D printing journey.

The wiring is better set out, with the black and red wires being A+ & B+ then the green and blue wires being A- & B-.

Customer service is also at the forefront of their product so you have good peace of mind after your purchase.

Even at print speeds of 120mm/s+ this stepper driver will deliver amazing performance every time.

Best Stepper Motor Driver for 3D Printers (Upgrades)

Kingprint TMC2208 V3.0

There are many stepper motor drivers out there you can get for your 3D printer, but you’ll want to get one that works well for your particular machine.

The Kingprint TMC2208 V3.0 Stepper Damper with Heat Sink Driver (4 Pack) from Amazon is a great choice that many users have loved using. One user said he went from using standard drivers to these, and the difference in noise and control was astounding.

Previously, he had a very noisy 3D printer that also had jitters throughout the printing process, but now, the printing is silent and really smooth. They have a good large exposed heatsink area, so the installation is made a little easier.

The difference between these and classic 4988 steppers are huge. Another nice feature that has been added to this is the pin headers for UART access, so you don’t have to solder them on yourself.

One user mentioned how she didn’t realize 3D printing could be so silent, making a really dramatic difference in noise. If your 3D printer vibrates a lot, even to the point where your table vibrates like another user, you’ll want to get these installed as soon as possible.

After installing this, the loudest thing on people’s 3D printers are the fans.

BIGTREETECH TMC2209 V1.2 Stepper Motor Driver

BIGTREETECH is a very well-known 3D printer accessories company that produces really reliable and useful parts. If you are looking for some of the best stepper motor drivers, you’ll want to look into getting yourself the BIGTREETECH TMC2209 V1.2 Stepper Motor Driver from Amazon.

They have a 2.8A peak driver, made for SKR V1.4 Turbo, SKR V1.4, SKR Pro V1.2, SKR V1.3 Motherboard, and comes with 2 pieces.

• The motor makes it very hard to lose steps; ultra-quiet mode
• Has a large thermal pad area to reduce the temperature of the work
• Prevents motor shake
• Supports stall detection
• Supports STEP / DIR and UART mode

The TMC2209 is an upgrade over the TMC2208 in that it has an increased current of 0.6A-0.8A, but also increases the function of stall detection. It has some cool technology within the part such as SpreadCycle4 TM, StealthChop2TM, MicroPlyer TM, StallGuard3TM & CoolStep.

These do things such as give more control, reduce noise, and provide a smoother operation.

One user said they paired these stepper motor drivers with the SKR 1.4 Turbo, along with a new screen and now their 3D printer is smooth and silent. You won’t regret making this great upgrade if you are facing issues of noise and large vibrations.

Best Stepper Motor for 3D Printer (Top 3 Choices 2022)

Stepper motors are an essential part of many modern 3D printers. They help power the machine and perform a range of important tasks like moving the build platform or extruder along a specific path.

While you can build a setup without one, it’s much more costly and likely not worth the time. That’s why you want to ensure you get the best one for your machine.

In the following sections, we will cover the best 3D printer stepper motors by breaking down their various aspects and then explaining how those aspects enrich or further the printing process.

Each model is similar in function, but there are a few differences that every user should take note of before making their final purchase.

Contents

• Quick Summary
• Who Should Get This?
• Best Stepper Motor for 3D Printer: What to Consider?
• Best Stepper Motor for 3D Printer: Our Picks
  • 1. Usongshine Nema 17
  • 2. Kysan 1124090
  • 3. DROK Stepper Motor
• Useful Tips and Information
• Final Words

Quick Summary

• The Usongshine Nema 17 is one of the more durable stepper motors money can buy. This high torque option has a steel body, is highly responsive, and utilizes both a motor coil and a silicon steel rotor.
• If you’re searching for a strong-but-quiet motor, the Kysan 1124090 might be your top choice. This device, which has a 1.8-degree step angle, is tough and can work for extended periods of time without overheating.
• The DROK Stepper Motor is perfect for people who need a tough stepper motor. This has a high-quality steel design, a rotor rubber to reduce noise, and a side wall matte texture.

Who Should Get This?

As the title suggests, the stepper motors in this article are for people who either own or want to build a 3D printer. The devices play an essential role in the machine’s construction and they help give you great results time and time again. As they are also affordable and easy to find, steppers tend to be perfect for anyone on a budget.

The only users who would not want one for their device are people who either don’t mind spending extra money for a different setup or who don’t like stepper motors and want to try out something else.

Best Stepper Motor for 3D Printer: What to Consider?

Type

The first thing you need to know when getting a stepper motor is its type. There are three different varieties (pancake, standard, high torque), and each one has a specific purpose. Pancake motors are small and best for low torque situations, while standard motors are much more versatile and have many more applications. High torque options are typically not used for 3D printing, but there are some fringe cases where they come in handy.

Size

When it comes to stepper motors, size also matters. There are a few different ranges out there, and they are marked by the Nema size as well as the number length. Knowing that, the most popular for 3D printers is Nema 17. That’s largely due to the different available lengths and extra versatility. However, you can also find Nema 23 and Nema 24 motors for extra torque if you so need. Nema 14 is available as well.

Construction

The final aspect to consider with your stepper motor is build quality. As with any piece of your 3D printer, you want to make sure it’s sturdy, well-made, and can stand the test of time. Getting a cheap motor that will only last a short while doesn’t just leave you with a worse printer, it also means you’re going to have to pay more in replacements down the line. Always get high-rated motors from reliable or trusted brands.

Best Stepper Motor for 3D Printer: Our Picks

1. Usongshine Nema 17

Sturdy and well-made, the Usongshine Nema 17 is a powerful device that’s able to stand up to a lot of abuse. That power works with the natural longevity to ensure you get a lot of time from the small device. Not only is it high torque, but it also has a well-constructed steel body complete with a motor coil and silicon steel rotor.

This device is extremely responsive and is designed in a way that avoids errors and gets you maximum consistency. In fact, it’s one of the most stable 3D printer stepper motors money can buy. You’ll find no jamming issues here, and the speed is incredibly consistent. If you have any issues, Usongshine has a great customer service team that will be able to help you through any problems that might arise. This option is quiet and doesn’t get too hot as well.

What We Like:

• High torque
• Excellent customer service
• Motor coil and silicon steel rotor
• Uniform speed
• Low heat
• Stable and reliable
• Durable
• Quiet

What We Don’t Like:

• Cannot connect it directly
• Not the best for longer prints

2. Kysan 1124090

One of the most popular stepper motors used in the world of 3D printing, the Kysan 1124090 is a little device that can do just about everything. This machine is used, not just for its reliability, but for its durability as well. The tough shell is able to withstand a lot of use and will operate for long periods of time with no issues. It also doesn’t overheat, which is a great bonus for anyone who likes performing long tasks.

Beyond that, the Kysan has a holding torque of 5.5kg-cm and works incredibly well at 12 volts. Add on the 1.8-degree step angle and you have something that can do it all. It’s also extremely quiet, which is a feature that every 3D printer user can greatly appreciate. If you want something with no jumps that will stick around for quite a long time, this may be the way to go.

What We Like:

• Does not overheat
• No jumps
• Reliable and durable
• 1.8-degree step angle
• Works well at 12 volts
• Tough construction
• Silent

What We Don’t Like:

• Could be more durable

3. DROK Stepper Motor

The DROK Stepper Motor makes the list due to a combination of responsiveness, reliability, and sturdiness. This device is made up of high-quality steel to ensure durability, and it’s extremely reliable in a way that actively cuts down on potential errors. In addition, it’s incredibly responsive and has a 1.8-degree stepper angle. Those who value silence will also love the rotor rubber that exists purely to cut down on noise.

What We Like:

• Made of high-quality steel
• Rotor rubber cuts down on sound
• .46 Nm holding torque
• 1.8-degree stepper angle
• Versatile
• Responsive
• 42 x 42 mm motor frame

What We Don’t Like:

• Not the strongest motor on the market

Useful Tips and Information

Stepper motors are important parts of any 3D printer setup, but they can also overheat to unfortunate consequences. You want to keep them cool whenever possible. To do that, consult this guide and follow the tips listed inside.

3D printing is an involved process. There are many steps to getting started, and that can be a bit overwhelming for newbies to the hobby. Rather than going in alone, this video will give you a good place to get started.

Final Words

At the end of the day, all 3D printer users want a reliable stepper motor. There are many different options to pick when making your final decision, but few can match the excellent models outlined above. If you want to enhance your device and get the best possible prints, simply choose the one that works for your needs.

What stepper motor do you use with your 3D printer? Are there any great ones we didn’t cover above? Let us know below.

stepper motor choice, which is better

With the advent of 3D printers, people's lives have become much easier. Devices are successfully used in many areas - dentistry, industry, jewelry and medicine. Now a 3D printer is not a luxury item, but a design that is quite affordable. But still there are those who decide to independently manufacture printing presses. Next, let's talk about how to choose a stepper motor for a future 3D printer and what features should be taken into account.

Motor on a 3D printer

In the design of a 3D printer, the main function for the movement of the extruder along the axes is performed by stepper motors. They have low weight and high torque.

A stepper motor is a motor without a commutator, whose rotation is not smooth, but discrete (in steps). By setting the speed and duration of the pulses, you can make the device rotate in a certain direction. In this case, it is possible to adjust the direction of rotation and the number of revolutions of the rotor.

If we talk about the design of such devices, then there are three main types:

• Motors with variable magnetic resistance - have several poles on the stator and a rotor made of soft material, and 3 windings independent of each other. This type is practically not used.
• Permanent Reluctance Motors - Includes stator and magnetized rotor. Such motors have 24 to 48 steps per revolution.
• Devices combining variable and constant magnetic resistance (hybrids) - combination of the best properties of an alternating and constant rotating motor. The number of steps is from 100 to 400.

The hybrid engine is the most common design, which, in turn, is divided into unipolar and bipolar types.

Which stepper motors to choose for a 3D printer: the best options

When buying a rotator for a 3D printer, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• rotating structure size;
• holding torque - from 2.5-4 kg/cm;
• rated current - optimal version for 1.7 A;
• Shaft - Diameter must match the design of the printer.

The most common motors that are installed on the design of the printing device are bipolar with four leads. Such structures in the event of a breakdown are easy to find and replace.

NEMA marked rotary motors are installed in 3D printers.

NEMA is a National Electrical Manufacturers Association that standardizes rotating devices in terms of flange size and fit. This standard allows different manufacturers to produce engines according to certain parameters, depending on the marking.

Most popular models in the NEMA series:

• NEMA 17 with 42*42mm flange;
• NEMA 23 with 57*57mm flange;
• NEMA 34 size 86*86mm.

Stepper motor drivers for 3D printer

To control motors in 3D devices, drivers installed in the board slot were developed.

There are several types of drivers:

• Constant voltage - such drivers are inefficient and are used in a product with low speeds.
• Two-Level - These controllers support stepping and half stepping. They reduce engine heat and are efficient in operation.
• PWM drivers are the most popular on the market. They are highly intelligent and have many additional features.

Also, when choosing a driver, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• current strength;
• supply voltage;
• availability of optoisolated inputs;
• availability of resonance suppression mechanisms;
• availability of protocols necessary for engine operation;
• surge protection;
• micro stepping;
• driver quality.

It is quite possible to assemble a high-quality 3D printer if you follow the recommendations and carefully study the design devices. It is quite possible that such a printing press will cost its owner less. But for beginners, we recommend ordering ready-made 3D devices in specialized stores. So you can learn the basics of 3D printing and get acquainted with the printer device. Good luck!

• May 17, 2021
• 3949

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