Stepping motors improve the functionality of food factories

Stepping Motors Used in Food Processing Plants

Why Stepping Motors Are Recommended for Food Processing Plants

Simple Control with High-Precision Positioning

A stepping motor is a motor that is controlled to rotate by a fixed angle each time a pulse signal is input.
By adjusting the frequency of the pulse signal, the motor can be moved accurately to the intended position, enabling high-precision positioning.

In terms of control, rotation can be achieved simply by properly turning the driver transistors ON and OFF. The rotational speed can also be increased easily by shortening the ON and OFF timing.

Maintaining Productivity and Ensuring Consistent Product Quality Through Stable-Speed Operation

As synchronous motors, stepping motors maintain a constant speed unlike induction motors.This ensures stable operation without speed variations caused by changes in material weight, helping to maintain productivity and consistent product quality.

Contributing to System Simplification

Since stepping motors rotate by a fixed angle each time a pulse signal is input, accurate positioning can be achieved without the need for sensors. As a result, feedback from external sensors is not required, contributing to a simpler system configuration.

For more details on the operating principles, types, drive methods, and control techniques of stepping motors, please refer to the information below.
What Is a Stepping Motor? — Operating Principles, Types, Applications (Driving Methods and Control Methods), and Key Characteristics

Case Study: Stepping Motors in Food Processing Plants

Saving Space in Food Machinery with Hollow-Shaft Stepping Motors

Previously, motors were mounted on the outside of conveyors.By fixing the shaft inside the hollow shaft, the motor can be installed within the conveyor structure.

In addition, hoses, liquids, and gases can be routed through the hollow shaft, enabling a simpler structure and achieving further space savings.

Simplifying Food Machinery Mechanisms with High Load-Capacity Hollow-Shaft Stepping Motors

This stepping motor features a permissible thrust load that has been increased by 37 times* compared to conventional SANYO DENKI models, allowing it to be used in applications subject to large loads.
* Compared with a conventional value of 10 N, the permissible thrust load has been increased to 370 N for the 42 mm square frame size

The increased permissible thrust load allows a table to be mounted directly to the motor.This makes it possible to simplify the mechanism by eliminating conventional gear mechanisms or pulley and timing belt systems that were previously required to drive tables indirectly due to load limitations. In addition, a non-backlash configuration can be achieved.

Sorting tables and rotary tables can also be driven directly.

Realizing Food Machinery Without Protective Covers Using IP65-Rated Waterproof and Dustproof Motors

These motors offer excellent waterproof and dustproof performance and are rated IP65*.
They can be used in food-related industrial machinery and other equipment exposed to water or powder.
* The IP rating does not apply to the shaft or cable end sections. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is defined in IEC 60529:2001.

As the motor can withstand direct exposure to water, protective covers are not required, enabling a simpler system design.

Even in equipment used for food products involving flour or other powders, such as bread and cakes, the motor can be used safely without a protective cover.

Food Feeding Equipment Leveraging Synchronous Operation

With induction motors, it is necessary to adjust operating time according to the material being handled or to control rotational speed by using an inverter.
In contrast, stepping motors maintain consistent product quality even when material conditions change due to variations in temperature or humidity.

Food Processing Equipment Leveraging High Torque at Low Speeds

When load fluctuations occur—for example, when processed products harden due to drying—induction motors typically require additional measures. These include increasing motor capacity to ensure operation under hardened conditions or increasing the gear ratio to obtain higher torque.
As a result, increasing motor capacity leads to higher costs and requires additional installation space.
In contrast, stepping motors deliver high torque at low speeds, allowing them to handle load fluctuations without increasing motor capacity.

Food Processing Equipment Leveraging Fast Start-Up Characteristics

In food conveying mechanisms, conventional variable-speed AC motors may continue moving due to inertia at higher operating speeds, even after reaching the stop position. As a result, friction between the conveyor belt and the food can cause damage to the food surface.
As stepping motors have excellent start-up characteristics, they can decelerate more rapidly than AC motors.

Food Sorting Equipment Leveraging High Torque at Low Speeds

In equipment designed to sort products by size, a shorter takt time was required.
Even after replacing the air cylinder with an AC geared motor, the desired reduction in takt time could not be achieved, making this an ongoing challenge.
To address this issue, stepping motors provide high torque in low-speed operating ranges, allowing short-distance movements to be performed quickly and enabling a reduction in takt time.

Please Feel Free to Consult Us for Stepping Motor Customization for Food Processing Equipment

Leveraging our extensive customization expertise, we can proactively propose functional improvements.Through SANYO DENKI’s customization solutions, we help enhance the competitiveness of our customers’ equipment.

* Please note that customization may be subject to certain conditions, such as minimum order quantities. Contact us for further details.