Solution for dispensing machine based on stepper motor
1、 Background of the plan
In many industries such as electronic manufacturing, automotive electronics, medical devices, etc., dispensing technology is a key production process, and its accuracy and stability directly affect the quality and performance of products. There are many problems with the drive system of traditional dispensing machines, such as high cost when using servo motors, and low energy efficiency utilization in some scenarios where precision requirements are not extremely high; When using a regular motor drive, it is difficult to ensure the accuracy and stability of dispensing, which can lead to uneven dispensing and leakage, increasing production costs and product defect rates.
To address these issues, this solution proposes using a stepper motor as the driving device for the dispensing machine. Stepper motors have the characteristics of high control accuracy, fast response speed, and relatively low cost. Applying them to dispensing machines can effectively improve their energy efficiency, save costs, and enhance operational stability.
2、 Advantages of the plan
（1） Improve energy efficiency and effectiveness
A stepper motor is an open-loop control motor that converts electrical pulse signals into angular or linear displacement. Its operation relies on pulse signals, and the motor can remain stationary without additional energy loss when there is no pulse input. Compared with traditional servo motors, stepper motors have higher efficiency at low speeds and can accurately control the operating speed and displacement according to the requirements of the dispensing process, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and improving the energy efficiency of the entire dispensing machine system.
（2） Cost savings
In terms of hardware cost, the price of stepper motors is relatively low, which can significantly reduce the manufacturing cost of dispensing machines compared to servo motors of the same specifications. Meanwhile, the control system of the stepper motor is relatively simple and does not require complex feedback devices, further reducing the cost of the system. In addition, the stepper motor-driven dispensing machine can improve dispensing accuracy and stability, reduce product defect rates, lower waste disposal and rework costs, and save production costs as a whole.
（3） Improve stability
Stepper motors have good positioning accuracy and repeatability accuracy, and can accurately move according to the preset trajectory, ensuring the consistency and uniformity of dispensing. Its output torque remains stable within a certain range, and there will be no speed fluctuations due to slight changes in load, ensuring stable dispensing volume. Moreover, the structure of the stepper motor is simple, the number of components is small, the operation is reliable, the failure rate is low, and it can operate stably for a long time, improving the overall stability of the dispensing machine.
3、 Scheme system structure
（1） System composition
The dispensing machine solution based on stepper motor mainly consists of the following parts:
- Stepper motor drive system: including a stepper motor and a driver, it is the power source of the dispensing machine, responsible for driving the movement of the dispensing needle.
- Glue dispensing device: composed of dispensing needles, glue cylinders, etc., used to store glue and apply it to the product as required.
- Control system: composed of PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or microcontroller, responsible for receiving external instructions, controlling the operation trajectory and dispensing parameters of the stepper motor.
- Workbench: used to place products to be dispensed, ensuring the stability of the products during the dispensing process.
- Sensor: used to detect the position of the product and relevant parameters during the dispensing process, providing feedback information to the control system.
（2） Workflow
Firstly, the operator places the product to be dispensed on the workbench and sets the dispensing parameters through the control system, such as dispensing position, dispensing amount, dispensing speed, etc. Then, the control system sends a pulse signal to the stepper motor driver based on the preset parameters and the product position information detected by the sensor. The stepper motor, under the action of the driver, moves precisely according to the requirements of the pulse signal, driving the dispensing needle to move to the designated dispensing position. Next, under the control of the control system, the dispensing device applies the glue to the product according to the set dispensing amount point. After the dispensing is completed, the stepper motor drives the dispensing needle back to its initial position and waits for the next dispensing command.
4、 Selection of key components
（1） Selection of stepper motor
Select the appropriate type of stepper motor based on the working requirements of the dispensing machine, such as the movement speed of the dispensing needle, load size, positioning accuracy, etc. Considering the working environment and operational stability of the dispensing machine, a stepper motor with high torque, low vibration, and noise should be selected. At the same time, in order to ensure dispensing accuracy, the step angle of the stepper motor should be as small as possible.
（2） Driver selection
The selection of the driver should match the stepper motor, and based on the model and parameters of the stepper motor, choose a driver that can provide sufficient driving current and pulse signals. The driver should have good stability and reliability, and be able to achieve precise control of the stepper motor, such as subdivision control function, to improve the positioning accuracy of the stepper motor.
（3） Selection of other components
The selection of dispensing needles should be based on the type of glue and dispensing requirements to ensure that the glue can flow out smoothly and form adhesive dots that meet the requirements. The rubber cylinder should have good sealing to prevent glue leakage. The control system should choose a PLC or microcontroller with stable performance and easy programming to meet the control requirements of the dispensing machine.
5、 Scheme application images
(Insert a picture of the application of the solution here, which shows the application of a stepper motor based dispensing machine in actual production scenarios, such as dispensing on electronic circuit boards, dispensing on mobile phone casings, etc., clearly demonstrating the working status and application effects of the dispensing machine.)
6、 Scheme system image
(Insert a system image of the solution here, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dispensing machine system based on a stepper motor, clearly showing the connection relationship and position distribution between the various components such as the stepper motor drive system, dispensing device, control system, workbench, and sensors.)
7、 Installation and maintenance
（1） Installation
- According to the requirements of the design drawings, install the stepper motor, driver, control system and other components in the designated positions to ensure that each component is securely installed and positioned accurately.
- Connect the wires between various components, pay attention to the connection sequence and polarity of the wires, and avoid short circuits or open circuits.
- Install the dispensing device, adjust the position and height of the dispensing needle to accurately align with the position to be dispensed.
- Perform a power on test on the entire system to check whether each component can work properly, such as whether the stepper motor moves smoothly and whether the dispensing device can dispense glue normally.
（2） Maintenance
- Regularly check the working status of stepper motors and drivers to see if there are any abnormal heating, noise, etc. If there are any abnormalities, stop the machine in a timely manner for inspection and troubleshooting.
- Regularly clean the dispensing device, including the dispensing needle and cylinder, to prevent glue from blocking the needle or contaminating the cylinder.
- Regularly check the program and parameter settings of the control system to ensure its normal operation.
- Regularly inspect the connection lines of each component to ensure that the connections are secure and free from aging.
8、 Conclusion
The dispensing machine solution based on stepper motors fully utilizes the advantages of stepper motors in energy efficiency, cost, and stability by using them as the driving device. This solution can meet the precision and stability requirements of different industries for dispensing processes, improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, and has broad application prospects. Through reasonable system design, selection of key components, and standardized installation and maintenance, the long-term stable operation of the dispensing machine can be ensured, providing reliable support for the production of enterprises.
