Stepper drive
Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive) stepper drive
Compact stepper drives sharing MDrive Plus electronics, in step/direction, programmable RS-422/485 or CANopen versions.
Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
Pricing and availability
Get pricing, sourcing and replacement support
Need Novanta parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.
- Original parts or a checked alternative
- Pricing, lead time and delivery in one reply
- Components, complete axes and ongoing support
No obligation. Add what you know and an engineer will help with the rest. Prefer to configure it? Build a specification.
Spec builder
Configure Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive)
Select every part you need and answer the questions an applications engineer would ask. Our engineers use your specification to come back with the right products, pricing and lead times. You see your summary before we ask for any details.
Already know the part number? Send it to us directly.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Supply | 12-48 VDC (MicroDrive), 12-75 VDC (PowerDrive) |
|---|---|
| Fieldbus | CANopen (CiA301/402), RS-422/485 |
| Current (max) | 7 A |
| Current rms | 3 (MicroDrive), 5 (PowerDrive) |
| Control | step/direction (SPI setup) or programmable |
| Microstepping | 20 settings, full step to 256 microsteps |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive) replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original Novanta part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
3-phase open-loop stepper drives for 3S motors, from 50 VDC to 240 VAC input and up to 11.7 A.
| Published maximum | Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive) | Leadshine 3DM Series (3-phase) |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 7 A | 11.7 A meets or exceeds |
Legacy digital pulse drives from small 30 VDC units up to 240 VAC mains-input drives for NEMA 34-52 motors.
| Published maximum | Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive) | Leadshine DM-E / DMA / DM high-voltage… |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 7 A | 8.2 A meets or exceeds |
Digital open-loop pulse/direction stepper drives from 1.5 A to 8.2 A with auto-tuning, anti-resonance and soft start.
| Published maximum | Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive) | Leadshine EM-S Series (EM415S-EM882S, … |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 7 A | 8.2 A meets or exceeds |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Options
- step/direction, motion control or CANopen version
- PC interface software
Typical applications
What a stepper drive is
An open-loop stepper drive powers a stepper motor by switching current through its windings in sequence, usually using a chopper that regulates phase current to a set level. It receives step and direction pulses from a controller, and each pulse moves the motor by one step or microstep. Settings for current, microstepping and idle current are made by switches or software. Without position feedback, the drive assumes the motor follows each step.
When engineers choose a stepper drive
Choose an open-loop stepper drive for simple, low-cost positioning where loads are predictable and missed steps are unlikely, such as indexers, small axes and instruments. It is easy to set up with no tuning. The trade-offs are no stall detection, heat from constant current and resonance at some speeds. Where loads vary or a lost position would cause a fault, a closed-loop stepper drive or servo is safer.
How to specify the Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive) variant:
- Supply voltage (V DC or AC)
- Phase current range (A)
- Motor type: two-phase or three-phase
- Microstep settings
- Pulse input frequency and signal levels
- Idle current reduction
- Mounting and cooling
Common mistakes to avoid
- Supply voltage too low for the speed required
- Setting current above the motor rating
- Ignoring mid-speed resonance
- Mismatching pulse signal levels with the controller
Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive): frequently asked questions
Can you help replace Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive) or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive)?
Compact stepper drives sharing MDrive Plus electronics, in step/direction, programmable RS-422/485 or CANopen versions. Published series figures include current 7 A. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive)?
The Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive) is made by Novanta (Novanta Inc.) available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What is the current of the Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive)?
The published series maximum current is 7 A. Individual models and sizes in the Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive) range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive)?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Leadshine 3DM Series (3-phase) and Leadshine DM-E / DMA / DM high-voltage Series are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
How does supply voltage affect stepper performance?
Higher supply voltage lets current rise faster in the motor windings, so torque is maintained to higher speeds. A common rule of thumb is to keep the supply within the motor and drive limits, often several times the motor's rated voltage. Check the drive's maximum voltage and the motor's insulation rating.
What is idle current reduction?
Idle current reduction lowers motor current automatically when the motor is stationary, reducing heat while still holding position with reduced torque. It is useful for steppers that spend time at standstill. Check that the reduced holding torque is enough for the load.
Further reading: How to select a stepper drive · How to select a stepper motor · Servo drives
Often compared with
Engineers specifying this series often compare it with:
Other stepper drive series
Engineer support
Need Novanta IMS MForce (MicroDrive / PowerDrive) or a complete system around it?
Tell us the part or application, quantity and timing. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.
How it works
From enquiry to delivery
Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.
- 01Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- 02An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
- 03Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
- 04Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.