AW42HS Series — NEMA 17 Closed Loop Hybrid Stepper Motor
The AW42HS series is Apexwell's NEMA 17 (42mm) closed loop hybrid stepper motor line, one of the most widely specified frame sizes in robotics, 3D printing, and desktop automation. Across five body lengths from 28mm to 60mm, holding torque scales from 0.13 N·m to 0.75 N·m, giving designers a single mounting footprint that covers light positioning through moderate-load driving tasks.
Shared Specifications (all models)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Step Angle | 1.8° |
| Step Accuracy | ±5% |
| Lead Wires | 4 (bipolar) |
| Insulation Class | Class B (130°C) |
| Temperature Rise | 50K Max |
| Ambient Temperature | -20°C to +50°C |
| Insulation Resistance | ≥100 MΩ (500 VDC) |
| Dielectric Strength | 500 VAC, 1 minute |
| Encoder Resolution | 500 / 512 / 1000 / 1024 / 2000 PPR (selectable) |
Model Comparison
| Model | Body Length | Phase Current | Phase Resistance | Phase Inductance | Holding Torque | Rotor Inertia | Mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW42HS28-1204A | 28 mm | 1.2 A | 3 Ω | 7.5 mH | 0.13 N·m | 28.7 g·cm² | 0.17 kg |
| AW42HS34-1304A | 34 mm | 1.3 A | 2.8 Ω | 2.8 mH | 0.24 N·m | 41.8 g·cm² | 0.22 kg |
| AW42HS40-1704A | 40 mm | 1.7 A | 2.2 Ω | 3.8 mH | 0.40 N·m | 58.5 g·cm² | 0.28 kg |
| AW42HS48-1704A | 48 mm | 1.7 A | 3.1 Ω | 5.0 mH | 0.55 N·m | 79.5 g·cm² | 0.35 kg |
| AW42HS60-1704A | 60 mm | 1.7 A | 2.1 Ω | 6.2 mH | 0.75 N·m | 116 g·cm² | 0.48 kg |
Closed Loop Feedback
Every AW42HS motor integrates a selectable-resolution encoder (500–2000 PPR) as standard, letting the driver verify actual rotor position in real time rather than assuming the commanded pulses were followed. See our article on why closed loop stepper motors are replacing traditional steppers for the broader trend behind this shift — NEMA 17 is exactly the frame size where that transition is happening fastest, since it sits at the center of the robotics and desktop-automation market.
Typical Applications
With five body lengths covering a 6x torque range, the AW42HS series fits 3D printer axes, small robotic arm joints, camera gimbals, CNC router axes, and general desktop automation where NEMA 17 is the de facto standard frame size and closed loop feedback removes the risk of skipped steps under load.
Why Choose the AW42HS Series
NEMA 17 is the most widely supported stepper frame size in the motion-control ecosystem — mounting brackets, couplers, and drivers are broadly available off the shelf. Standardizing on the AW42HS series lets a product line scale torque 6x (0.13–0.75 N·m) without changing that mechanical ecosystem. Custom shaft length, connector type, and encoder resolution are available on request.
We can customize the electrical parameters of the motor and geometric dimensions such as the motor output shaft size according to customer requirements. Accessories including pulleys, eccentric gearboxes, planetary gearboxes and encoders can also be added. For more products and detailed specifications, please download the product catalog from the Download Center.



