Integrated stepper motor
Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) integrated stepper motor
Integrated stepper with drive, optional controller and hMT closed-loop technology, in NEMA 17/23/34, available as pulse/direction, RS-422/485 motion control, CANopen or multi-protocol Ethernet versions.
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Pricing and availability
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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.
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Spec builder
Configure Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH)
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
| Ingress protection | IP20 standard, IP65 with M12 connectors |
|---|---|
| Supply | 12-48 VDC (LMD42), 12-60 VDC (LMD57), 12-70 VDC (LMD85) |
| Feedback | open loop (O), incremental magnetic 1000-line/4000 edges (C), or battery-free multi-turn absolute (A, 30 days; 5 years with battery) |
| Fieldbus | Pulse/Direction, RS-422/485 (MCode), CANopen, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP |
| Current (max) | 3.5 A |
| Holding torque | 0.31–6.5 Nm |
| NEMA sizes | 17, 23, 34 |
| Step angle | 1.8 ° |
| Microstepping | 20 settings, up to 51,200 steps/rev |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) 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.
110 mm 2-phase hybrid stepper, 11-33 Nm, for high-torque industrial and CNC axes; pairs with high-voltage AC stepper drives.
| Published maximum | Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) | NEMA 42 High Torque (M110STH) |
|---|---|---|
| Holding torque | 6.5 Nm | 33 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Current | 3.5 A | 8 A meets or exceeds |
86 mm 2-phase hybrid stepper with 22 windings from 2.2 to ~12 Nm, for CNC and heavier industrial axes.
| Published maximum | Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) | NEMA 34 High Torque (M86STH) |
|---|---|---|
| Holding torque | 6.5 Nm | 11.96 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Current | 3.5 A | 6.2 A meets or exceeds |
3-phase hybrid steppers in NEMA 23 and 34 for use with 3DM 3-phase drives; still sold, though Leadshine recommends CM for new designs.
| Published maximum | Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) | Leadshine 3S Series (3-phase) |
|---|---|---|
| Holding torque | 6.5 Nm | 6.8 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Current | 3.5 A | 5.8 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.
Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) model codes
Published model codes in the Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) range, with key figures from the manufacturer's data. Search this page for your part number, or send it to us for availability, pricing and lead time.
| Model code | Supply (VDC) | Description | Pricing / replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMD42 | 12-48 | NEMA 17 | Quote or replacement for LMD42 → |
| LMD57 | 12-60 | NEMA 23 | Quote or replacement for LMD57 → |
| LMD85 | 12-70 | NEMA 34 | Quote or replacement for LMD85 → |
Options
- 1, 2 or 3 stacks
- standard (LMD) or high-torque (LMH) motor
- linear external-shaft version (42/57)
- IP65 M12 connectors
- dual Ethernet port
- battery pack
- USB to RS-422/485 converter
- Profinet/Rockwell/Siemens automation libraries
Typical applications
What an integrated stepper motor is
An integrated stepper motor combines a hybrid stepper, its drive and often a motion controller in a single housing, sometimes with an encoder for closed-loop operation. The unit connects directly to a DC supply and a command interface, which may be pulse and direction, analogue, Modbus, CANopen or industrial Ethernet. Integration removes the separate drive and motor cable, reducing cabinet space and wiring, and some units can store and run simple motion programs on their own.
When engineers choose an integrated stepper motor
Choose an integrated stepper for compact or distributed machines with many small axes, such as format changeover, laboratory automation and small conveyors. Fewer components simplify assembly and reduce wiring faults. The trade-offs are heat and flexibility: electronics on the motor raise local temperature, and the whole unit is replaced on a fault. For high-power steppers or hot environments, separate drives are usually more practical.
How to specify the Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) variant:
- Holding torque and torque at speed (Nm, rpm)
- Frame size (NEMA or mm)
- Supply voltage (V DC)
- Control interface and protocol
- Open or closed loop
- I/O count and stored program capability
- IP code and ambient temperature (°C)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mounting in a hot spot and derating the electronics
- Choosing the wrong protocol variant for the controller
- Ignoring cable routing and connector orientation
- Overlooking supply sizing for many axes at once
Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH): frequently asked questions
Can you help replace Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) 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 Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH)?
Integrated stepper with drive, optional controller and hMT closed-loop technology, in NEMA 17/23/34, available as pulse/direction, RS-422/485 motion control, CANopen or multi-protocol Ethernet versions. Published series figures include current 3.5 A, holding torque 0.31 Nm, holding torque 6.5 Nm, step angle 1.8 °. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
What model codes are in the Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) range?
The Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) range includes LMD42, LMD57, LMD85. The table on this page lists each published model code with its key figures. Send us the code you use, or the one you need to replace, and our engineers will confirm availability, lead time or the closest equivalent.
Who makes the Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH)?
The Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) 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 Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH)?
The published series maximum current is 3.5 A. Individual models and sizes in the Novanta IMS Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH) 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 Liberty MDrive (LMD / LMH)?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Motion Control Products NEMA 42 High Torque (M110STH) and Motion Control Products NEMA 34 High Torque (M86STH) are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What are the benefits of an integrated stepper motor?
An integrated stepper reduces wiring, cabinet space and assembly time because the drive is built into the motor. It also shortens motor cables, which helps EMC. This suits distributed and modular machines with many small axes. The trade-off is that the electronics share the motor environment.
Can an integrated stepper run without a PLC?
Many integrated steppers can store simple motion programs and respond to digital inputs, so they can run standalone for basic tasks such as indexing or speed control. For coordinated multi-axis machines, a PLC or motion controller usually commands them over a fieldbus.
Further reading: How to select a stepper motor · Closed loop stepper motors explained · Servo and stepper motors
Often compared with
Engineers specifying this series often compare it with:
Other integrated stepper motor series
Engineer support
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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.