Problem: Small motors cause big pain
You need a machine to move parts. You need it to be exact. You buy a NEMA 23 stepper and hope for the best. Then the machine skips a step. A cut goes bad. A label slips. You lose time and material. Your back hurts from constant tweaks. Your customer waits longer. That missed step cost you more than a motor.

We see this a lot. We at Jimi have fixed it. We know the pain of wasted parts and downtime. We know low-end drives and open-loop steppers can cause that pain.
Agitate: When a tiny error becomes a big problem
Missed steps look small. They add up. They make prints shift after 24 hours. They ruin a CNC pass. They slow packaging lines. They make lab results wrong. Open-loop systems run hot and loud. They waste energy. They make you tune and tune. You feel stuck between cheap parts and big servo budgets. You want reliability and low cost. You want quiet motion and real feedback. You want a smart fix that pays for itself.
Solution: The smart fix is a NEMA 23 closed-loop servo motor actuator
Enter the NEMA 23 closed-loop servo motor actuator. It gives you the torque and low-speed control of a stepper. It adds an encoder feedback system and a servo drive. That makes the motor smart. It knows its position. It corrects errors in real time. It prevents stalls. It saves parts. It runs cooler. It runs quieter.
We at Jimi build systems like this every day. We design drives and controllers. We pair motors with mounts and guides. We help customers pick the right torque and speed. We support integration with PLCs and HMIs. We deliver parts ready to install.
How it works — simple and clear
- A NEMA 23 stepper motor base gives the frame and torque.
- A high-resolution encoder sends position data back.
- A servo drive/controller runs the loop and tunes the system.
- The drive uses feedback to correct drift and missed steps.
That closed loop adds real-time error correction. It raises repeatability. It reduces vibration. It keeps motion smooth when loads change.
Key features and benefits
- Enhanced accuracy & repeatability for CNC, robotics, and lab gear.
- Anti-stall protection to stop lost steps and broken parts.
- Higher torque utilization so you use motor power better.
- Quieter operation & reduced vibration for better surface finish and less wear.
- Energy efficiency through smart current use.
- Simplified tuning with auto-tune in many drives.
- Cost-effectiveness that sits between open-loop steppers and big servos.
We test these claims in real shops. A CNC router upgrade cut scrap by 25% and raised feed rates 15%. A lab dispensing arm hit ±0.05 mm repeatability. A 3D printer stopped layer shifts for long prints. These wins matter.
Compare at a glance
| Metric | NEMA 23 Closed-Loop Servo | Open-Loop Stepper | Traditional Servo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holding Torque | 1.5 – 3.0 Nm | 1.0 – 2.5 Nm | Rated dynamic |
| Rated Speed | 1000 – 3000 RPM | 500 – 1000 RPM | 3000 – 6000+ RPM |
| Position Accuracy | ±1–5 arcmin | Step-dependent | ±0.1–1 arcmin |
| Encoder | 1000–5000 lines | N/A | 17–24 bit |
| Anti-Stall | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cost (system) | Mid-range $150–$400+ | Low $50–$150 | High $400–$1000+ |
When to choose which
- Pick an open-loop stepper for very low cost and simple tasks.
- Pick a NEMA 23 closed-loop servo when you need torque, accuracy, and anti-stall without huge cost.
- Pick a traditional servo for the highest speed and tightest precision when budget allows.
Selecting the right system
Look at:
- Torque (holding and dynamic).
- Speed (rated and peak).
- Encoder resolution.
- Voltage and current.
- Mounting compatibility.
- Communication (Pulse/Dir, EtherCAT, CANopen, Modbus).
Also check IP rating and temp range. We at Jimi help you size motors to load. We test mounting, coupling, and wiring to avoid common mistakes.
Installation and integration tips
- Wire power and encoder per the drive manual.
- Use shielded cables for encoder and signal lines.
- Align couplings to avoid backlash.
- Run auto-tune if the drive supports it.
- Integrate with PLC or HMI for clear control.
We offer actuator controllers and tested power supplies to make this simple.
Real use cases
- CNC machining and routing for wood and metal.
- 3D printing and large-format printers.
- Robotics joints and pick-and-place.
- Laser engraving and cutting for fine detail.
- Packaging lines and labeling.
- Medical and lab devices that need tiny repeatable moves.
Why choose Jimi
We at Jimi bring years of work in linear motion solutions and linear actuators. We make electric cylinders and integrated systems. We build controllers accessories and mounting brackets. We source planetary gear boxes and DC motors. We know industry names like Leadshine, ClearPath, DMM Technology, Omron, Siemens, Yaskawa, and Panasonic. We test to the specs you need. We ship reliable parts with clear docs.
Try our product pages for quick picks and support:

- Find controllers and accessories on our Actuator Controllers page (https://servolinearactuator.com/controllers-accessories/).
- Browse quiet options on Quiet Linear Actuators (https://servolinearactuator.com/quiet-linear-actuators/).
- Explore full motion systems on Linear Motion Systems from Jimi (https://jimiactuators.com/products/linear-motors/linear-motions/).
- Buy electric actuated cylinders directly from Jimi at Buy The Best electric actuated cylinders From JimiTech (https://jimiactuators.com/products/linear-motors/electric-cylinders/).
Table of related specs and terms
We track specs like encoder lines, torque, speed, and IP rating. We also support protocols like EtherCAT, CANopen, and Modbus. We recommend sizing motors with a margin for peak torque and acceleration.
Our promise and next step
We make reliable systems. We test for anti-stall, low vibration, and long life. We support integration with PLCs and HMI. We help you pick between microstepping and closed-loop control. We offer mounting brackets and linear guides to make install fast.
If you want to move from scrap and tuning to smooth runs and trust, contact us. We’ll size a NEMA 23 closed-loop servo motor actuator for your job. We’ll suggest a drive and encoder. We’ll show you wiring and tuning tips. Reach out and build a system that runs right the first time.

We at Jimi are ready to help you pick the right parts and get them working fast. Start with a tested NEMA 23 closed-loop kit and stop losing time to missed steps.



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