Miniature stepper drive
UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus) miniature stepper drive
Miniature CAN 2.0B stepper controller/drive, up to 100 nodes, onboard pulse generator for standalone running and encoder closed loop.
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
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Need UIRobot 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.
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- 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 UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus)
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.
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- 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 | 12-50 VDC |
|---|---|
| Feedback | encoder feedback for closed loop (type not stated) |
| Fieldbus | CAN 2.0B |
| Current (max) | 8 A |
| Microstepping | full to 1/16 |
| Motor nema sizes | 17, 23, 34, 42 |
| Dimensions | 42.3 x 42.3 x 16.5 |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus) replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original UIRobot 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 | UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus) | Leadshine 3DM Series (3-phase) |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 8 A | 11.7 A meets or exceeds |
Four-axis open-loop EtherCAT stepper drive, up to 8.2 A per axis.
| Published maximum | UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus) | Leadshine 4EM3E Series |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 8 A | 8.2 A meets or exceeds |
| Axes | — | 4 |
Cost-effective pulse/direction closed-loop drives for CS-M motors, replacing the ES easy-servo drives, up to 8 A and 110 VDC.
| Published maximum | UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus) | Leadshine CS-D Series |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous current | 8 A | 8 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
- 2 A / 4 A / 8 A versions
- 0-5 V analogue input (model dependent)
- SDK
Typical applications
What a miniature stepper drive is
A miniature stepper drive is a very small stepper driver, often mounted directly on the back of the motor or in a tight space near it. Despite its size, it provides current regulation and microstepping, and many versions add an onboard motion controller, encoder input for closed loop and a serial or CAN interface. Some run standalone, setting speed from a potentiometer or analogue input. They are designed for compact, distributed and embedded machines.
When engineers choose a miniature stepper drive
Choose a miniature stepper drive when space is very limited or you want each axis self-contained, such as laboratory instruments, small automation, robots and portable equipment. It cuts wiring and cabinet space. The trade-offs are current, heat and environment: small drives typically handle lower currents, and mounting on the motor raises temperatures. For larger motors or harsh environments, a separate drive is more robust.
How to specify the UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus) variant:
- Supply voltage (V DC)
- Phase current (A)
- Mounting: motor flange or panel
- Control: pulse, serial, CAN or standalone
- Closed-loop encoder support
- Size (mm)
- Ambient temperature (°C)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overheating when mounted on a hot motor
- Choosing a current rating with no margin
- Assuming standalone mode suits coordinated motion
- Ignoring connector access in tight spaces
UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus): frequently asked questions
Can you help replace UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus) 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 UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus)?
Miniature CAN 2.0B stepper controller/drive, up to 100 nodes, onboard pulse generator for standalone running and encoder closed loop. Published series figures include current 8 A. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus)?
The UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus) is made by UIRobot available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What is the current of the UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus)?
The published series maximum current is 8 A. Individual models and sizes in the UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus) 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 UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus)?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Leadshine 3DM Series (3-phase) and Leadshine 4EM3E Series are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Can a miniature stepper drive run without a controller?
Many can run standalone, setting speed or position from a potentiometer, analogue input or stored programme, which suits simple tasks. For coordinated motion with other axes, a controller or PLC usually commands them over a serial network, CAN bus or pulse interface.
Does mounting the drive on the motor affect performance?
It reduces wiring and space but exposes the drive to motor heat and vibration. The drive may need to run at reduced current in hot conditions. Check the drive's ambient temperature rating and the motor's surface temperature in your duty cycle.
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 miniature stepper drive series
Engineer support
Need UIRobot UI Robot UIM242 (CANbus) 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.