What is the limiting factor for the maximum speed of stepper motors?

AI Thread Summary
The maximum speed of stepper motors is limited by the time it takes for the coils to become fully saturated with current, which can be calculated using Kirchhoff's and Lentz's laws. The theoretical speeds derived from these calculations often exceed the speeds listed in manufacturer data sheets. Power requirements play a significant role, as full torque is only achieved at peak magnetic fields. Additionally, stepper motors may miss steps when operating above their rated maximum step rate during acceleration or deceleration. Overall, the electrical characteristics of the motor, including coil reactance, contribute to the observed limitations in performance.
liquidFuzz
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I was discussing stepper motors with a friend. We touched upon different aspects. I showed how the coils in the motor have a limit to how fast they can be fully saturated with current, and how this time can be calculated by the aid of Kirchhoff's and Lentz's law. The theoretical speed calculated is significantly higher than the speed listed in data sheets for standard stepper motors.

Is there anyone here that know what is limiting the speed for stepper motors?
 
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liquidFuzz said:
Is there anyone here that know what is limiting the speed for stepper motors?
It depends on how much power you require.
The peak magnetic field is only needed for full torque.
It is probable that the stepper will miss steps when accelerating or decelerating at speeds higher than the rated maximum step rate.
 
According to my estimate, or approximation might be a better way of describing it, the current saturation time in the coils is:##t = - \frac{L} {R} \ln \left( \frac{U-iR}{U} \right) ##As seen in the model I only consider the electrical behavior of the circuit, i.e a coil L and a resistor R in series. The reactance of the coil might affect the efficiency but probably not account for the difference between this kind of model and the specs in data sheets.
 
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