stepper (stepper) motors are at the heart of any 3D printer, CNC machine, laser cutter and automation system. NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 are the two most popular sizes in the maker and light mechanics world, but their characteristics are very different.
Choosing the wrong motor means compromising performance, precision and reliability of the entire project.
What does NEMA mean?
NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) defines the dimensional standard of the motor mounting flange. The number indicates the dimension in tenths of an inch: NEMA 17 has a 1.7-inch (42.3 mm) flange, NEMA 23 a 2.3-inch (57.2 mm) flange. Please note: NEMA only defines mounting dimensions, not performance. Two motors NEMA 17 can have very different torques depending on the length of the housing and design.
Comparison table
|
Feature |
NEMA 17 |
NEMA 23 |
|
Flange |
42.3 × 42.3 mm |
57.2 × 57.2 mm |
|
Body length |
20-60 mm |
40-115 mm |
|
Typical torque |
0.2-0.7 Nm |
0.6-3.0 Nm |
|
Typical current |
0.5-2.0 A/phase |
1.0-4.2 A/phase |
|
Weight |
200-400 g |
500-1500 g |
|
Step angle |
1.8° (200 steps/revolution) |
1.8° (200 steps/revolution) |
|
Recommended voltage |
12-24 V |
24-48 V |
|
Driver typical |
TMC2209, TMC5160, A4988 |
TMC5160, DM542, TB6600 |
|
Mounting holes |
M3, centre distance 31 mm |
M5, centre distance 47.1 mm |
|
Approximate cost |
€ 8-25 |
€ 15-50 |
NEMA 17: the universal motor for 3D printing
The NEMA 17 is the de facto standard for FDM 3D printers, from entry-level models such as Ender 3 and Prusa MK4 to advanced machines such as Voron 2.4 and RatRig. Its compact size and low weight make it ideal for applications where inertia must be minimised, such as the X and Y axes of printers CoreXY.
The available torque (up to 0.7 Nm in the longer 60 mm models) is more than sufficient to drive printheads, platters and extruders. For the Z-axis and extruder, where speeds are lower, even the shorter models (34-40 mm) work perfectly.
Variants NEMA 17 most common
Models differ mainly by body length: 20 mm (pancake) for lightweight extruders and space-constrained applications; 34 mm for general use on Z-axis and low-speed applications; 40 mm, the most common length for 3D printers, good balance between torque and weight; 48-60 mm for applications requiring maximum torque, such as small CNCs and axes under load.
NEMA 23: power for CNC and automation
The NEMA 23 comes into play when the torque of the NEMA 17 is not sufficient. This is typically the case in CNC machines for milling wood, aluminium and plastic, in handling systems with significant loads, in large-format laser machines and in light industrial automation systems.
The available torque (up to 3.0 Nm) can handle cutting forces, heavy loads and significant accelerations. However, the higher weight and more generous dimensions require more robust support structures.
Driverhow to choose the right controller
For NEMA 17
The driver family of Trinamic controllers are the standard: TMC2209 for quiet applications up to 2.0 A (the most common choice for 3D printers), TMC5160 for currents up to 4.45 A with advanced features such as StallGuard and StealthChop, and A4988 and DRV8825 as economical options for basic projects.
For NEMA 23
The NEMA 23 require driver with higher current and voltage: DM542 for currents up to 4.2 A and voltages up to 50 V (the most popular for hobbyist CNCs), TB6600 as an economical alternative, TMC5160 in high-power versions for applications requiring quiet operation.
How to choose: the rule of thumb
Use NEMA 17 if you are building a 3D printer, plotter, light laser system or any machine where the weight of the moving head is a critical factor. Use NEMA 23 if you are building a CNC that needs to mill solid materials, a handling system with loads over 5 kg per axis, or a large format machine (over 500 mm stroke) with high torque requirements. If in doubt, consider that a NEMA 17 long (48-60 mm) can fill the gap in many borderline applications, with the advantage of maintaining a more compact format.
Motors stepper and driver at DHM-online
On DHM-online you will find NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 motors from various manufacturers in all lengths and configurations (single and double shaft, with and without connector). The catalogue includes driver stepper Trinamic, Duet3D controllers, Arduino and RAMPS boards, cables, connectors and brackets.
The DHM technical team is available to help you size the right motor for your project.
