Building compact handling systems

With the new AZ Hollow Shaft, Oriental Motor is launching a hollow-shaft version of its proven AZ stepper motors. The drives, with frame sizes of 20 mm and 28 mm, are particularly suitable for applications requiring low weight, optimized installation space, and high positioning accuracy. Application areas include end effectors, robotics, and microhandling.

The integrated 2 mm diameter hollow motor shaft enables direct connection of vacuum hoses. This not only reduces design effort but also application complexity. This solution offers significant advantages, especially for the precise positioning and rotation of microcomponents in pick-and-place systems – both functionally and in terms of space requirements and assembly time.

New absolute encoder for greater efficiency and cycle performance

A key feature of the AZ Hollow Shaft is the newly developed, battery-free absolute encoder with a magnetic measuring principle. This eliminates the need for external reference sensors and enables a compact design without compromising functionality. Furthermore, the motor can now also be operated with a 48 VDC supply, achieving higher torque in the upper speed range with reduced heat generation. The result: shorter cycle times and increased productivity.

Flexible control via common fieldbus systems

Various driver variants are available for communication between the AZ Hollow Shaft and the higher-level controller, supporting common fieldbus protocols such as Profinet, EtherCAT, or EtherNet/IP. Furthermore, the drive can be controlled directly via the MRC01 robot controller from Oriental Motor – ideal for seamless integration as an end effector into automated processes.

With the new AZ Hollow Shaft, Oriental Motor is expanding its drive portfolio with a sophisticated solution for compact handling systems. The combination of space-saving design, intelligent encoder, and flexible integration makes the new stepper motor particularly attractive for applications in robotics, automation, and special-purpose machinery.