Encoders on stepper motors.

Hi All:

I might be missing something here. I have heard alot about encoders on stepper motor systems increasing accuracy. Am I wrong or is the only purpose of an encoder in a stepper
motor system only used in the case of a stepper missing pulses? If the stepper never misses a pulse, the encoder does not do anything. The motor can only be positioned to a multiple of its stepping resolution, right? If a motor misses pulses, isn't this an indication of a poorly powered stepper
system? I get the strange feeling I'm missing something obvious.

Thanks,
Art


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