NEMA 14 Stepper Motor: Mid-Compact Torque in a 35mm Frame
The NEMA 14 stepper motor has a 35mm × 35mm faceplate (the NEMA 14 36mm size is the same frame, just rounded up) — the step between NEMA 11 and the popular NEMA 17. It gives more torque than a NEMA 11 while staying noticeably smaller and lighter than a NEMA 17, which makes it a good fit for compact machines that have outgrown the smaller frames. A 2-phase NEMA 14 hybrid stepper motor delivers holding torque up to about 0.25 N·m at a 1.8° step angle, with a pancake short-body option for tight spaces. NEMA 14 dimensions are fixed at a 35mm faceplate, with body length the main variable.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Frame Size | 35 × 35 mm |
| Step Angle | 1.8° (200 steps/rev), 0.9° optional |
| Phase | 2-phase (bipolar) |
| Holding Torque | Up to 0.25 N·m |
| Rated Current | 1.0–1.5 A/phase |
| Body Length | 20–40 mm (incl. pancake) |
| Weight | 100–220 g |
| Lead Wires | 4-wire or 6-wire
|
Typical Applications
NEMA 14 stepper motors suit compact machines that need more torque than a NEMA 11 without jumping to a full NEMA 17. Common applications include:
- 3D printers — extruder drive and compact-axis motion, where the pancake version saves space.
- Lab and medical equipment — dosing pumps, sample handling, and small positioning stages.
- Optical systems — filter wheels, focus and zoom, and beam-steering mechanisms.
- Small automation — dispensers, compact conveyors, and desktop pick-and-place.
- Camera and security gear — pan-tilt and PTZ positioning.
- Valve and flow control — small motorized valves and metering devices.
With a NEMA 14 gearbox the same frame drives a small linear actuator or a low-speed, high-torque axis.
NEMA 14 vs NEMA 17: Which One Do You Need?
The next size up from NEMA 14 is NEMA 17 (42mm × 42mm), the most common stepper frame. Here is a quick comparison:
| NEMA 14 (35mm) | NEMA 17 (42mm) |
|---|
| Faceplate | 35 × 35 mm | 42 × 42 mm |
| Max Holding Torque | ~0.25 N·m | ~0.45 N·m |
| Weight | 100–220 g | 200–400 g |
| Best For | Compact builds, moderate load | General-purpose, higher torque |
If your load needs more than about 0.25 N·m or you want headroom for higher speed, move up to NEMA 17. If the footprint has to stay at 35mm — or you need the pancake's thin profile — NEMA 14 is the right fit.
Customization Options
Cymotorix NEMA 14 stepper motors can be customized for OEM integration. As a NEMA 14 stepper motor manufacturer and supplier, we produce them to your specification. Common modifications include:
- Shaft diameter and length adjustment (standard shaft is 5mm)
- D-cut or flat shaft for direct coupling
- Pinion or geared shaft for direct belt or gear drive
- Pancake short-body version for tight axial space
- Custom lead wire length and connector type (JST, Molex, bare leads)
- Winding parameters modified to match your driver voltage and current
- 0.9° step angle for finer resolution
- Rear-shaft extension for encoder mounting
- Planetary gearbox integration for higher output torque at low speed
How to Drive a NEMA 14 Stepper Motor
NEMA 14 motors are 2-phase bipolar steppers, so they run on any standard 2-phase stepper driver. Rated current is around 1.0 to 1.5 A per phase, so a compact microstepping driver with current regulation is enough and gives the smoothest motion. We can supply a driver matched and set to the motor if you want the pair tested together.
Recommended supply voltage is 12–24VDC. A higher bus voltage improves high-speed torque, but set the driver's current limit correctly so the windings don't overheat.
