Motion Control Solutions for Laser & CNC Machining

Smooth and Controllable High-Speed Trajectories Ensuring CNC Machining Accuracy and Surface Quality

Laser & CNC Machining

Industry technical challenges

Rigid trajectory interpolation, severe corner and arc distortion

Laser engraving and CNC cutting involve extensive arcs, corners, and complex geometric trajectories. Interpolation accuracy is primarily determined by the motion controller algorithm. Conventional open-loop drives paired with basic controllers yield poor trajectory fitting, resulting in corner stuttering, arc deformation, and rough surface finish — compromising final product quality.

High-speed operation vibration leading to machining accuracy degradation

During high-speed reciprocating machining, vibration stems from multiple factors including machine tool rigidity, guideway structure, and drive performance. Conventional stepper drives with poor vibration resistance, compounded by mechanical issues, produce noticeable machine vibration, resulting in rough cut edges, inconsistent engraving depth, and dimensional deviation — compromising yield and machining accuracy.

Excessive cumulative deviation in long-term continuous machining

CNC equipment requires extended continuous batch processing. Conventional open-loop steppers suffer from step loss and cumulative micro-deviation, leading to positional drift and pattern misalignment over time, resulting in poor batch-to-batch consistency and requiring frequent recalibration — reducing machining efficiency.

Wide span between light and heavy-load conditions, insufficient adaptability

The industry spans small light-duty engraving machines, medium-duty marking equipment, and large heavy-duty CNC cutting systems. Light-load applications prioritize cost-effectiveness, while heavy-load high-speed applications demand precision and stability — no single drive solution can adequately cover the entire spectrum.

Working Condition

Stepper Motor System Applications

Suited for light loads, low‑speed engraving, spot marking, and small‑medium stroke low‑speed machining in laser & CNC applications, including :
Open‑loop stepper : For basic graphic processing with standard controllers – smooth low‑speed paths with no noticeable jitter.
Closed‑loop stepper : For mid‑range engraving/marking, eliminating low‑speed step loss and accumulated errors, improving graphic consistency.
Common limitations : Not suitable for high‑speed cutting, heavy loads, or long‑stroke complex trajectory machining.

Servo Motor System Applications

Suited for core applications such as heavy loads, high‑speed cutting, complex trajectories, and long‑stroke precision machining in laser & CNC, including :
High‑voltage servo (220V/380V) : For large laser cutters, precision CNC engravers, and long‑stroke CNC cutting equipment.
Integrated servo : For compact high‑speed machining axes and distributed drive applications.
Technical features : With high‑precision trajectory interpolation algorithms (arcs, corners smooth and distortion‑free); servo parameter tuning effectively suppresses drive‑end vibration, ensuring fine surface finish, accurate dimensions, and high batch consistency.

Tiered Technical Solutions

Industry characteristics & selection logic:

Laser & CNC machining is defined by path accuracy (±0.01–0.05 mm), machining speed (no‑load >6000 mm/min), low vibration, and long strokes (>500 mm). Torque requirements vary widely (0.5–15 N·m). Selection must consider working area, load, speed, and accuracy. Dust (metallic/non‑metallic) is common; IP54 or higher is recommended.

Solution 1: General‑purpose economical open‑loop stepper – Light low‑speed engraving/marking

• Matched products 42J1848‑425 (0.48 N·m) or 57J1856‑440 (1.2 N·m) + 2DM542 (1.0–4.2 A, DC 24–48 V) or 2DM556 (1.4–5.6 A, DC 24–60 V) • Applicable equipment Small desktop laser engravers (working area ≤300×300 mm), light laser markers, simple CNC cutters, small‑medium stroke low‑speed machining fixtures • Technical features Smooth over most medium‑low speed range (≤300 rpm); resonance points (typically 150–250 rpm) need vibration suppression; Basic path following with standard controller, positioning accuracy ±0.05 mm; Not recommended for high‑speed cutting (>3000 mm/min), heavy machining (load >5 kg), or long strokes (>500 mm); Noise ≤42 dB, IP54 optional. • Selection boundary Working area ≤300 mm, line speed ≤2000 mm/min, load ≤3 kg; beyond these, use Solution 2 (closed‑loop stepper) or Solution 5 (servo).

Solution 2: Mid‑range closed‑loop stepper upgrade – Precision engraving/marking quality improvement

• Matched products 57J1880EC‑1000‑LS (2.0 N·m) or 86J1880EC‑1000‑LS (4.5 N·m, 1000 P/R) + 2HSS57 (0–5 A, DC 24–60 V) or 2HSS86H (0–6 A, DC 30–100 V) • Applicable equipment Medium laser markers (area ≤600×600 mm), mid‑range CNC engravers, standard sheet low‑speed cutters (thickness ≤5 mm) • Technical features 1000‑line encoder real‑time closed‑loop error correction eliminates low‑speed drift and step loss, repeatability ±0.02 mm; Lower vibration than open‑loop (<0.02 m/s²), smoother path; High‑speed dynamic response (torque drop >30% above 600 rpm) and vibration suppression weaker than servo; Noise ≤40 dB. • Selection boundary Line speed ≤3000 mm/min, load ≤8 kg, no high‑speed trajectory interpolation; for high‑speed cutting (>6000 mm/min) or arc interpolation, use Solution 5 (servo).

Solution 3: Integrated closed‑loop stepper – Compact engraving

• Matched products IHSS57‑36‑20 (2.0 N·m, 36 V) or IHSS60‑36‑30 (3.0 N·m, 36 V, 1000 P/R encoder) • Applicable equipment Small precision engravers (area ≤200×200 mm), compact markers, light cutters • Technical features Drive integrated, axial length shortened ~30 mm; 1000 P/R encoder closed‑loop, repeatability ±0.025 mm; Torque and dynamics at closed‑loop stepper level – only for compact low‑speed machining; IP54 optional. • Selection boundary Tight space, area ≤300 mm, line speed ≤2000 mm/min; for high speed or long stroke, use Solution 6 (integrated servo).

Solution 4: Bus integrated closed‑loop stepper – Distributed engraving/marking control

• Matched products IHSS57‑36‑20‑EC (2.0 N·m, EtherCAT) or IHSS60‑36‑30‑EC (3.0 N·m) • Applicable equipment Multi‑station laser marking lines, distributed engraving units, smart cutting positioning axes • Technical features EtherCAT distributed control, minimal wiring, sync <1 μs; Digital I/O (3 in/2 out) for simple logic; Stepper‑level dynamics – not for high‑speed continuous path machining. • Selection boundary Suitable for multi‑station independent marking/positioning; for high‑speed continuous cutting, use Solution 6 (integrated servo).

Solution 5: Heavy‑duty high‑speed high‑voltage servo – Large‑format cutting & long‑stroke machining

• Matched products For medium format (≤1000 mm): 130JASM515220K (1500 W, rated 7.2 N·m, peak 24.6 N·m, 17‑bit) or 130JASM520220K (2000 W, rated 9.55 N·m, peak 28.65 N·m) For large format (>1000 mm) or thick plate (>10 mm): 180JASM530315K (3000 W, rated 18.5 N·m, peak 46 N·m, 23‑bit) or 180JASM540320K (4000 W, rated 19 N·m) Drives: JAND15002‑23B‑EC / JAND30002‑23B‑EC (EtherCAT) + JMC‑101‑16 (EtherCAT controller) • Applicable equipment Large laser cutters (X‑Y, area >1000 mm), high‑precision CNC engravers (heavy load), long‑stroke precision CNC machining (stroke >1000 mm), multi‑axis CNC lines • Technical features High‑precision trajectory interpolation (lines/arcs/splines) with smooth, distortion‑free corners; 17‑bit/23‑bit encoder for complex path tracking (repeatability ±0.01 mm);<br Built‑in speed stabilisation and vibration suppression (speed fluctuation <±0.5%), with proper tuning significantly reduces drive‑end jitter; Bus multi‑axis sync accuracy <1 μs, extremely low accumulated deviation over long strokes (<0.02 mm/1000 mm); Selection constraint: For area >1000 mm or plate thickness >10 mm or load >50 kg, use 180 frame (≥15 N·m) with rated torque ≥1.5× load requirement; IP54/IP65 optional (mandatory in metal dust environments). • Selection boundary Large laser cutting, heavy engraving, long‑stroke high‑accuracy machining must use this solution; light loads (<10 kg) and small formats (<600 mm) may use 130‑frame options.

Solution 6: Bus integrated low‑voltage servo – Compact high‑speed high‑accuracy machining

• Matched products IESV80‑30‑75‑48‑EC (48 V, 750 W, rated 2.38 N·m, 17‑bit encoder, EtherCAT) • Applicable equipment Compact high‑speed engravers (area ≤400×400 mm), light laser cutters (small format, load ≤5 kg), precision marking positioning axes • Technical features Fully integrated drive, control, communication, EtherCAT high‑speed high‑accuracy control; 17‑bit absolute encoder, repeatability ±0.01 mm; Accel time <15 ms for high‑speed start‑stop; Torque limit 2.38 N·m (peak 7.14 N·m) – only for light load small‑format machining; IP54/IP65 optional. • Selection boundary Load ≤5 kg, area ≤400 mm, space‑constrained; for heavy or large‑format, upgrade to Solution 5 (high‑voltage servo).

Technical Advantages

Precise full‑application adaptation

Six‑tier solutions cover light low‑speed engraving, mid‑range marking, and high‑end heavy‑duty high‑speed cutting, balancing cost and machining accuracy.

Controller‑led high‑fidelity path control

Motion controller with optimised interpolation provides high‑fidelity arcs, corners, and complex paths – no deformation or stutter; servo enhances path control performance.

Servo high‑speed low‑vibration suppression

Built‑in speed stabilisation and vibration damping with proper tuning effectively suppresses drive‑end jitter, reducing cutting burrs.

Long‑term batch consistency

Closed‑loop steppers prevent low‑speed step loss; servos suit long‑term high‑speed machining; both reduce calibration frequency and ensure stable batch production.

Industry Application Cases

Light engraving – Open‑loop stepper for small laser engravers

For light low‑speed engraving, open‑loop steppers provide smooth operation and regular paths with high cost‑effectiveness for consumer‑grade light CNC equipment.

Precision upgrade – Closed‑loop/integrated stepper for mid‑range CNC machining

Addresses long‑term drift in low‑speed marking/engraving with real‑time compensation, improving surface uniformity and dimensional accuracy; high‑speed performance limited.

High‑speed cutting – Servo for large laser cutters

For high‑end high‑speed heavy cutting, servos deliver fast response, excellent speed stability and vibration suppression – smooth, burr‑free edges, greatly improving precision sheet processing accuracy.

Long‑stroke precision – Bus servo for long‑stroke CNC lines

For long‑stroke multi‑process machining, bus servo multi‑axis synchronisation ensures smooth coordination with minimal accumulated deviation over distance – suitable for industrial‑scale precision machining