home About Forum Troubleshooting Used Parts search menu
search
Obsolete Industrial
Maintenance Tech App

Obsolete Stepper Motors

The steppermotor (or stepping-motor) is an integral part of industrial manufacturing today. Precise motor control has revolutionized the way we make just about everything in an industrial environment. When they operate properly, they provide us with phenomenal accuracy and lightning speed production. When they fail, they can leave us stranded in a bad situation on the shop floor. However, obsolete stepper motors open up a new page in the book of down-time.

Stepper Motors Troubleshooting Tips | Search eBay for Used Stepper Motors | Stepper Motors in our Forum

OI is user supported. When you buy through our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission, our full disclosure is here.

Stepper Motor Troubleshooting

Fortunately, steppermotor problems can be fairly simple to diagnose, sometimes the bigger issue is finding a suitable replacement for an obsolete stepper in an environment where ever-changing technology and design can phase out or virtually eliminate models from the available parts catalog annually.

For ease of use, accessibility, and available new and used steppermotors, we've been referring individuals to eBay. It almost seems too easy, but we've found many used and even new parts available that we thought we'd never find. Even after checking with larger parts houses, we still come back and check here regularly. It is not unusual to find obsolete stepermotors from Siemens, Mitsubishi, Allen Bradley, ABB, Fuji, GE, and many more. These parts are those that were posted as a result of liquidation or possibly excess parts inventory no longer required by other companies. In many cases, they are NOS (new old stock).

img class="alignright" src="https://obsoleteindustrial.b-cdn.net/409pics/obsolete-Stepper-Motors.jpg" width="141" height="240" alt="obsolete stepper motors">Machine downtime due to an obsolete stepper motors is a reality for many. There are options, however, nothing is ever easy. Here is a systematic approach, a simple yet effective method in dealing with a failed component that has likely been phased out by the manufacturer and no longer readily available.

1. Identify your problem... Making a positive identification of the failed component is the crucial first step. Troubleshooting is not a synonym for guess-work. It is a scientific method of determining a problem. There should be no doubt as to the source of the problem. This is determined through testing and not guessing.

2. Check the shelf... That's right, all too many times has a spare component or unit been passed over and found a day late. It sounds simple, but it is always the next step. Don't go looking for something that doesn't need to be found.

3. Check with the manufacturer... A website visit, email, or quick phone call to inquire about a a drop-in replacement is common sense. This step will deliver the bad news if obsolescence is indeed the case.

4. Check eBay... Believe it or not, this has become somewhat of a flea market for old industrial parts. By many, it is still considered to be a website for collectibles and the like, but a quick search can actually reveal a different side to the 'bay. Many private sellers post industrial components as a buy it now type listing, therefore bypassing the auction format all together.

Take a moment and browse the eBay listings since they are always changing...

5. No positive results? explore other options... If your particular stepper motors is ultimately deemed obsolete and unavailable, you'll need to take the next path of least resistance. This may be upgrade or update your equipment with newer components. The good news is that your machinery or industrial equipment will most likely not need complete re-engineering or a top-to-bottom overhaul to accomodate new components. Adjustments to your system are possible when there is no other choice.


Search for Used Stepper Motors

search for used stepper motors
Search eBay Listings →

Search for Low Cost Motors

search for low cost industrial
Search Amazon →

Search the Forum

Our maintenance forum is jam packed with troubleshooting questions and answer, historical data, and general conversation on almost any topic . Forums are broken down into the maintenance saloon, troubleshooting 101, electrical and electronics, mechanical issues, and the classified ads.SMF file version (2.1.2) does not match SMF database version (2.1.4).
Run the SMF upgrader to fix this.
More information.

Search the Forum for Stepper Motors Q & A

Search the Classifieds

We also offer free industrial classified ad system complete with a category designed for want ads. We strongly encourage those with individual parts for sale, specifically new or vintage stepper motors, to list them at OI. Ad creation takes only a few minutes and is free of charge.

Those requiring an odd-ball part or obsolete component can place a want ad just as easily, again, with no fees associated with ads. The OI ad system is at your disposal... Place a want ad, list your individual parts for sale, or post a listing for your company here.

Search Classifieds →

About Us

We are a technology based organization. All information regarding stepper motors has been contributed by a community of industrialists. We do not warehouse parts and components, but provide a means for perspective buyers and sellers to achieve their goals.

See also: DC Magnetic Motor Starters | Contactors | Relays | Servomotors | Steppingmotors | Proximity Sensors | PLC Hardware | Variable Frequency Drives | Inverters | PLC Racks | Pneumatic Valves | Encoders | Resolvers | Pulse Coders | Reversing Starters | Variable Speed Drives | Contactor Coils | Control Coils | Gear Motors | Chuck Parts | Relay Solenoids | Solenoids | Varidrive Parts | Temperature Controllers | Soft Starters | Servo Amplifiers | Rotational Tachometers

Stepper Motors Troubleshooting Tips | Search eBay for Used Stepper Motors | Stepper Motors in our Forum


Automation, Electronics, & Industrial News