Have you ever wondered how your CNC machine or 3D printer moves with such precision, step by step and without missing a beat? The smooth motion is actually the result of a small but powerful motor doing all the heavy lifting: the NEMA 23.
However, not all NEMA 23 stepper motors are the same. Picking the wrong one can result in poor performance, overheating or inadequate motion.
So, how do you know which motor is right for your setup? Whether you’re building from scratch, upgrading a machine or troubleshooting an issue, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by torque specifications, voltage ratings and part numbers that seem more like maths problems than product names.
That’s where this guide comes in.
We’ll talk you through everything you need to know about NEMA 23 stepper motors, from understanding the terminology to choosing the right model, setting it up and maintaining optimal performance. There’s no fluff or jargon, just clear, honest advice and real-world tips for makers, builders and engineers.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for, how to avoid common mistakes and how to maximise the potential of your NEMA 23 motor, whatever your project.
Understanding the Basics of NEMA 23
Before we dive into wiring diagrams or torque charts, let’s start with the basics. Whether you’re building a CNC router, designing a 3D printer or are simply curious about how stepper motors work, grasping the fundamentals of NEMA 23 will provide you with a robust foundation. Honestly, it’s much simpler than it initially seems.
What ‘NEMA 23’ Actually Means
Let’s clear this up right away: ‘NEMA’ stands for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. It’s a standardised system mostly used in the US to define sizes and mounting configurations for electrical enclosures, motors and other components.
So when you see ‘NEMA 23’, it’s not a model number or performance rating — it’s just the size.
The ’23’ refers to the faceplate size in 1/10 of an inch. This means that a NEMA 23 stepper motor has a mounting face measuring 2.3 inches by 2.3 inches (or approximately 57 mm by 57 mm if you prefer metric measurements).
It also indicates the mounting hole pattern, making it easier to swap motors across different brands.
🛠 Side note: People often assume that a larger motor is always stronger. Not quite. The actual power depends on the internal construction, such as windings and magnet type, not just the size of the frame.
Dimensions, mounting and shaft details
If you’re planning to bolt one of these motors into a machine or project box, you’ll need to know the physical details.
Mounting: Most NEMA 23 motors share a standard hole pattern of four mounting holes spaced 47.14 mm apart centre-to-centre. The motor itself is square, so orientation isn’t usually an issue.
Length: This varies. A ‘short’ NEMA 23 motor might be just 1.5 inches deep, while a longer one can exceed 3 inches. More depth often means more torque, but also more weight and heat.
Shaft types: There are two common variations:
Single shaft (one end only): Simple and compact for most applications.
Double shaft (both ends): Useful if you need to attach an encoder or manual knob to the back.
The shaft ends may be round or flat-sided (D-shaft), or keyed for couplers. Always double-check this before ordering, as some setups require a flat side to avoid slipping.
Pro tip: Some cheaper models skimp on tolerances. For example, a shaft that’s technically 6.35 mm might not fit your coupler if it’s off by even 0.1 mm. When in doubt, go with a trusted supplier.
Key electrical specifications explained
This is where the real performance information is found. Don’t worry, though — we’ll keep it plain and simple.
Step angle: Most NEMA 23 motors have a step angle of 1.8°, which means 200 steps per full revolution. With a decent driver using microstepping, you can achieve incredibly smooth motion.
Voltage and current don’t mean the same thing here as they do in a light bulb. For stepper motors:
The current rating (in amps) tells you how much power it draws per coil.
Voltage rating is more of a guideline — most modern drivers use higher voltages for better performance.
Torque:
Holding torque is the force that the motor can resist when powered but not turning. It’s similar to how difficult it would be to twist the shaft manually.
Running torque decreases slightly as speed increases. Always check the torque curve for an indication of real-world performance.
⚡ Quick reminder: Just because a motor says it can handle 3A doesn’t mean you should supply 3A to it continuously without considering heat build-up. Always consider cooling and duty cycle.
Comparing NEMA 23 to other sizes:
This is where the NEMA 23 size finds its sweet spot: big enough for real power, but small enough to remain practical.
Compared to NEMA 17:
NEMA 17s are ideal for light-duty tasks such as 3D printer extruders or small robotic arms.
NEMA 23s offer a significant torque increase, making them ideal for heavier loads or precision work under stress.
Compared to NEMA 34:
NEMA 34 motors have a lot of torque, but they are bigger, heavier and usually have higher power demands.
Unless you’re working with a full industrial rig, NEMA 23 motors tend to offer the perfect balance of performance and ease of use.
So, when is NEMA 23 the best choice?
When you need moderate-to-high torque, smooth motion and a size that can still fit into compact projects, NEMA 23 delivers without overcomplicating things.
Applications and use cases
Quick recap before we move on:
By now, you should have a solid grasp of what a NEMA 23 motor actually is, including its naming origins, physical dimensions, electrical characteristics and how it compares to other motor sizes. If you were feeling unsure about whether this motor fits your needs, hopefully things are starting to fall into place (pun intended).
Now that you know the ‘what’, let’s talk about the ‘where’. The NEMA 23 is not just a specification on a datasheet; it is the workhorse behind all kinds of machines that you see in workshops, factories and even art studios. Whether you’re building your first CNC router or retrofitting an old system, you’ll find this motor is used more often than you might expect.
CNC machines and 3D printers
It’s no exaggeration — NEMA 23 is the go-to choice for DIY and semi-professional CNC machines and 3D printers. And it’s not just because people like the sound of “23”.
So, why is it so popular? The real reason is torque. Compared to NEMA 17 motors, NEMA 23 motors deliver more force to drive gantries, lead screws or belts, which is especially useful when cutting tougher materials such as wood, aluminium or acrylic.
Precision in motion: Pair a NEMA 23 motor with microstepping drivers and you will achieve incredibly fine resolution without compromising stability. This is important for CNC engraving, PCB milling and high-detail 3D printing.
DIY-friendly: Hobby builders will love NEMA 23 because there are lots of brackets, mounts, and couplers designed specifically for it. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel — or worse, drill new holes in your frame.
🛠️ Heads-up for builders:
If your machine has long axis runs or heavier components, NEMA 23 motors can help to avoid skipped steps and ensure that your workpiece is clean and accurate. Just make sure your driver can handle the motor’s current rating and you’re ready to start building.
Robotics and Automation Projects
Robots aren’t just a thing of science fiction anymore — they’re in homes, labs and factories. And surprise: NEMA 23 motors are often at the heart of their movement.
Repetitive tasks? No problem! These motors excel at performing the same motion repeatedly without losing position. This is why they are ideal for pick-and-place machines, linear actuators and sorting arms.
They are stable and accurate. In robotic arms or precision motion rails, a NEMA 23 motor can maintain position without the need for complex feedback systems.
Know your limits: If your robot needs to move very quickly or change direction rapidly, stepper motors may struggle to keep up. NEMA 23 motors aren’t designed for lightning speed, but they excel in controlled, accurate motion.
🔄 Reality check:
Don’t expect them to replace high-end servo systems in cutting-edge automation lines. But if you’re looking to build something functional and reliable on a reasonable budget, they’re a great choice. They’re a rock-solid choice.
Industrial equipment and factory use
Yes, NEMA 23 is used in high-end applications too. You’ll find them in labelling machines, conveyor systems and automated testers – basically anywhere steady, reliable motion is needed.
Built for the long haul: When paired with the right driver, NEMA 23 motors can run for hours without missing a beat. They have been used in packaging lines, assembly machines and even textile equipment.
Heat matters: In setups where they are used constantly, thermal management becomes critical. Mounting the motor to a metal frame (which acts as a heat sink) and ensuring adequate airflow can significantly extend its lifespan.
The driver/controller combination is essential: Don’t cut corners here. A poor-quality driver can lead to jerky motion, overheating or even premature motor failure. Choose a driver that supports the motor’s rated current and you’ll avoid most problems.
📦 Bottom line:
For industrial use, NEMA 23 isn’t always the most powerful option, but for small-to-mid-scale automation, it strikes a good balance between performance, cost and reliability.
Niche or hobbyist projects worth mentioning:
This is where things get fun! You might be surprised at how many creative people are finding new ways to use NEMA 23 motors.
Camera gear: Motorised camera sliders, pan-tilt heads and stop-motion rigs often rely on NEMA 23s for smooth, controlled movement.
Musical installations: Think spinning drums, kinetic sculptures and synchronised instruments. Artists love the precision and repeatability that these motors offer.
Other cool uses: From motorised blinds and automated greenhouses to chess-playing robots — if an object needs to move and you don’t want it to drift off course, a NEMA 23 motor is a reliable choice.
🎨 Creative tip:
For hobbyists, the challenge often lies in space and power supply. Keep your wiring tidy, choose a driver that supports microstepping and share your project to keep the flow of new ideas going.
Quick recap:
So far, we’ve explored the areas in which NEMA 23 motors excel, from DIY CNC projects to industrial conveyor belts and creative hobbyist endeavours. One thing is clear no matter the setting: this motor is popular because it is reliable, versatile and the right size for a huge range of motion control applications.
Now that you’ve seen how and where it’s used, let’s talk about something else that’s important: how to choose the right NEMA 23 motor for your needs.
Choosing the right NEMA 23 stepper motor
Selecting a NEMA 23 motor isn’t as simple as buying the first one you find online and hoping it fits. With a little planning, you can avoid underpowered motion, overheating or compatibility issues. Let’s walk through what to look for without getting buried in the technical specifications.
How to Match Motor Specs to Project Requirements
Start with the load.
The first thing to determine is how much torque your motor needs to effectively move the load. This depends on:
- the weight of your moving parts
- friction in your system (e.g. belts, lead screws or gears)
- and the speed at which you want things to move.
If you are building a CNC machine or a 3D printer with heavy gantries, you will need a motor with a higher holding torque, usually in the range of 1.2 to 3.0 Nm. Light-load applications, such as small linear actuators, may be able to manage with less.
There’s a trade-off between speed and precision.
In general, the faster you run your stepper, the less torque it will deliver. This is normal, but it means you need to find the right balance depending on your goal.
Need high speed? Consider a lower step angle or fewer microsteps, but be aware of torque drop-off.
Need high precision? Use microstepping, but be aware that you’ll sacrifice some torque at higher speeds.
Don’t guess when it comes to voltage and current.
Current (amps) is key for torque. Your motor and driver should both be rated for similar current levels. Running a motor below its rated current may result in reduced power, while overdriving it can cause overheating.
Voltage mostly affects how quickly the motor can react. Many modern setups run NEMA 23 motors at 24V or even 48V, despite what the datasheet says. This is perfectly normal as long as the driver can handle it safely.
💡Side note: you don’t need a maths degree to figure this out. Just check your project’s weight, expected speed and available power, then look for a suitable motor. You’ve got this!
Drivers and controllers that pair well
The motor is only half the story — the driver actually sends the pulses that make it move.
Popular driver options:
- TB6600: a great budget choice for simple setups. Handles up to 4A. Easy to wire.
- DM542: a more advanced driver offering smoother microstepping and better torque curves.
- TMC5160 or similar: These newer chips are impressive if you want ultra-silent motion.
Microstepping settings:
Microstepping divides each full step into smaller steps, which is great for smooth motion and better positioning. A setting of 1/8 or 1/16 microstepping is ideal for most setups. Remember, though, that more microsteps mean less torque at high speed.
The power supply matters:
Match the voltage and amperage of your power supply to the needs of your system.
- Leave some headroom — don’t run a 3 A supply at exactly 3 A all day.
- Use fuses or circuit breakers for safety, especially if you’re building a 24/7 system.
Pro tip: always double-check the polarity and current settings before turning anything on. A reversed wire or an overloaded driver can destroy a motor instantly – and nobody likes the smell of burnt coils.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying or Using NEMA 23
Even seasoned builders make a few of these mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Skipping the torque curve: Just because a motor says ‘2.4 Nm’ doesn’t mean you’ll get that at high speeds. Always check the torque versus RPM graph to ensure it meets your requirements.
- Ignoring heat and mounting: Stepper motors get hot – sometimes very hot. Always mount them to a metal surface or use a heatsink plate. Mounting them to plastic or enclosing them tightly will cause problems.
- Driver mismatch: Not all drivers are created equal. Using a driver that cannot deliver the required current or does not support microstepping can cause even a great motor to perform poorly.
- Skipping testing: Don’t wait until the motor is buried in a frame to test it. Always perform a bench test first to check direction, torque, noise and temperature.
If something doesn’t feel right, stop and check it. It’s much cheaper to troubleshoot early than to burn out components.
Sourcing tips and what to watch out for:
Buying a motor online? Welcome to the Wild West. Here’s how to avoid getting ripped off.
Stick to trusted sources:
Well-known vendors such as Pololu, OMC-StepperOnline, AutomationDirect or your local electronics supplier tend to offer good quality products and reliable customer support. If an item on a third-party marketplace looks suspiciously cheap, there’s usually a reason.
Read the datasheet, not just the headline.
Specifications such as torque, voltage and current are just the beginning. Look at the torque curve, shaft diameter, wire length and mounting type to avoid any surprises.
Watch out for red flags:
- Unbranded or rebranded listings with vague specifications
- Inconsistent product photos
- No torque curve or datasheet available
- Reviews mentioning overheating, noise or mislabelling
A good rule of thumb is to skip any datasheet that is just a blurry JPEG or contains typos.
Quick recap:
In the last section, we talked you through how to choose the right NEMA 23 motor for your setup, covering everything from torque ratings and compatible drivers to how to avoid common pitfalls for buyers. Now you have that knowledge, you’re ready to move beyond the buying phase and start installing, running and hopefully enjoying a problem-free motor.
Let’s keep things moving by looking at what comes next: installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Installation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Even the best motor won’t do you much good if it’s wired incorrectly, misaligned, or neglected after installation. This section is your go-to checklist for getting your NEMA 23 motor up and running smoothly — and keeping it that way.
Wiring and initial setup:
Let’s start with the basics: colour-coded wires.
Most NEMA 23 stepper motors have four, six or eight wires depending on the coil configuration. The four-wire version is the most common for bipolar setups.
Here’s a standard four-wire colour code (though always double-check your datasheet):
Black & Green → Coil A
Red and Blue → Coil B
If the colours are different or unmarked, you can use a multimeter to manually find coil pairs by measuring resistance. Wires from the same coil will show a low resistance reading when connected.
Tips for a smooth setup:
- Keep wires short and tidy. Long wires can pick up noise or cause a voltage drop, particularly in high-current setups.
- Use ferrules or soldered tips to prevent fraying at terminal blocks.
- If you’re running wires alongside noisy electronics (like spindles or power supplies), shielded cable is a smart choice.
Test the rotation direction first!
Before securing everything in place, connect the motor and perform a basic test.
- Rotation direction
- Smoothness of motion
- Noise or vibration
If the rotation direction is incorrect, simply reverse one of the two motor coil connections on the driver. There’s no need to investigate further unless there are serious issues.
Mounting best practices:
- Alignment is key. Misalignment between the motor shaft and the driven component (such as a lead screw or pulley) can cause vibration, premature wear or even shaft damage. Use flexible couplers to reduce stress on the shaft if alignment isn’t perfect.
- Don’t overtighten. Tightening mounting bolts too hard can warp the motor face or even crack lighter brackets. Tighten snugly, not savagely.
- Add vibration dampers (optional, but helpful). These small rubber spacers sit between the motor and its mount, helping to reduce noise, which is especially useful in 3D printers or other open-frame machines.
- Shield it from dust and debris. Stepper motors aren’t completely sealed. In dusty workshops or places where metal shavings are present, cover the motor or place it inside a ventilated enclosure to prevent dirt build-up.
Bonus tip: if your machine runs hot, mounting the motor to a large metal plate can act as a passive heat sink and keep it cooler over time.
Ongoing care and maintenance
Stepper motors are generally low-maintenance, but not no-maintenance. Here’s how to keep yours humming happily for years.
- Check for overheating regularly. If a motor is too hot to touch for more than a few seconds, it is likely overworked. Either reduce the current or improve cooling.
Look out for signs of wear and tear, such as:
- Increased vibration
- A burnt smell
- Reduced torque or missed steps
Cleaning and lubrication:
- Keep the exterior of the motor free from dust.
- Do not lubricate the motor shaft unless the datasheet explicitly recommends it. Most are factory-sealed.
- Check attached mechanical parts (such as bearings, rails or belts) for grime or wear, as this can affect motor performance.
🚨 If something feels off, trust your instincts. Noise, heat or unusual smells are signs that you should pause and investigate.
Common issues and how to fix them
Even with perfect planning, things don’t always go smoothly. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for the most common NEMA 23 issues:
1. Skipping steps or stalling?
Possible causes:
- Low current setting on the driver
- Excessive load or friction
- The step pulse rate is too high for the driver/motor combination
What to do:
- Increase the current (carefully)
- Lubricate the mechanical parts
- Lower the speed slightly and test again
2. Is there excessive noise or vibration?
Possible causes:
- Motor resonance (common at certain speeds)
- Misalignment or loose mounting
- Poor microstepping configuration
What to do:
- Try different microstepping levels (1/8 or 1/16 often reduce noise)
- Use a damper between the motor and the frame
- Double-check that all mounting screws are tight, but not overtightened
3. The motor runs but gets very hot.
Possible causes:
- Driver current set too high
- No airflow around the motor
- Poor thermal dissipation
What to do:
- Reduce the current slightly in your driver settings
- Add ventilation or active cooling
- Consider mounting the motor to a metal bracket or heat sink
4. Is it not moving at all?
Check:
- All wiring and coil pair connections
- Driver signal connections (DIR, STEP, ENA)
- Power supply voltage and ground continuity
When in doubt, isolate the motor and test it with a simple pulse generator or a different driver to see if the problem follows the motor.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right NEMA 23 stepper motor doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, we have broken down what NEMA 23 really means, explained how to match motor specifications to your needs, explored its most common applications and walked you through the essential steps for installation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
Whether you’re building a CNC machine, upgrading a 3D printer or automating a project, knowing how to select and utilise the correct NEMA 23 motor can significantly impact performance and reliability.
Now it’s your turn – take what you’ve learned and apply it to your next project! Double-check those specs, test your setup and don’t be afraid to experiment. If you ever encounter any issues, refer back to this guide or share it with others who might need assistance.
With the right motor and a little know-how, your project is not just possible — it’s already on track!