What is a characteristic of a stepper motor?

A stepper motor is defined by its ability to rotate in small, uniform angular movements. This characteristic makes it particularly useful in applications that require precise positioning and control, such as CNC machines and 3D printers. Unlike traditional DC motors that may rotate continuously without specific angles, stepper motors divide a full rotation into equal steps, each corresponding to a defined angle. This allows for accurate control over movement, making it ideal for tasks requiring fine-tuning of positions.

The reliance on predefined steps rather than continuous rotation ensures that stepper motors can be accurately controlled by sending a predetermined number of pulses to the motor. Each pulse causes the motor to move a specific angle, leading to predictable and repeatable movement. This is a fundamental aspect that differentiates stepper motors from other types of motors typically used in industrial and robotics applications.