Step size and speed for common stepper/micrometer combinations.

The step sizes and maximum speeds available with a range of stepper motors and micrometer gear ratios. Three micrometer gear ratios are ranged along the columns. ThorLabs PT1 imperial micrometers are /rev (/rev are also available). The Newport HR-13 provides /rev and the bulky Newport HR-1 provides /rev. Stepper motor full step sizes are ranged along the rows. Here we list all 4 step sizes available from by Vexta (OrientalMotor.com). Each table cell lists the step sizes and theoretical maximum speeds that can be attained for a given motor/micrometer combination. The top row of each cell lists step sizes for full steps, half steps, and 1/16 steps. The bottom row of each cell lists the corresponding theoretical maximum speeds. Maximum speed assumes our OpenStage microcontroller code running at a maximum step pulse rate of 4.0 kHz (in principle this can be increased). Bold entries correspond to the combinations described in this paper.