Leadshine

Buying Leadshine products in the UK

Headquarters

Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong
China

UK enquiries

Leadshine products are available through our supply network. Our engineers handle UK enquiries for pricing, lead times, datasheets, CAD and help choosing the right model.

Contact our engineers →

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Leadshine product lines

Who Leadshine is

Leadshine Technology Co., Ltd. is a Chinese manufacturer of motion control equipment based in Shenzhen. Stepper motors and drives are its best-known products, and it also makes AC and low-voltage DC servo systems, integrated motors, fieldbus drives, PLCs and motion controllers. The company says it serves more than 10,000 OEM customers in over 60 countries, and it publishes industry solutions for CNC machinery, CNC laser, logistics, and electronics and semiconductor equipment.

For OEM engineers, Leadshine’s attraction is a wide choice of drive technologies at competitive cost, from simple pulse-and-direction steppers to closed-loop steppers and EtherCAT servo drives, all from one catalogue.

History and ownership

Leadshine was founded in Shenzhen in 1997 by Dr Warren Li, an MIT PhD graduate. Its published history starts with motion control: a PC motion control card in 1998, followed by its first self-developed stepper driver in 1999. It gained ISO quality certification in 2004 and TÜV Rheinland ISO 9001:2008 certification in 2009, the same year it was recognised as a national high-tech enterprise and launched digital DC servo drives.

In 2011 it took the name Leadshine Technology Co., Ltd. and set up Shanghai Leizhi Motor Co., Ltd. Later milestones include the L5 AC servo system and DMC3000 motion card (2013), the L6 EtherCAT servo drive (2015), RTEX-bus stepper drives (2017), the DMC-E5032 EtherCAT motion card (2018) and the DM2C integrated stepper drive (2019). The company became listed after its 2020 initial public offering under stock code 002979, which means its shares are held by public investors. It reports more than 1,000 employees, four manufacturing facilities in China and over thirty domestic offices.

Product portfolio

Stepper motors and drives

The open-loop range starts with the CM 2-phase hybrid steppers from 20 to 130 mm frames, the 3S 3-phase motors and 5-phase steppers for finer native resolution. Matching drives include the EM-S, EM1, DM high-voltage, 3DM and DM5 series.

Closed-loop steppers add an encoder so the drive can correct missed steps and reduce current at rest. The CS-M motors work with the CS-D and CS1 drives, and the ES2-MH covers 3-phase high-voltage duty. Integrated motors put the drive on the motor: iEM and iEM-RS open-loop, iCS and iCS-RS closed-loop.

Fieldbus stepper drives

Networked drives are a Leadshine strength. They include EM-CAN (CANopen), EM2RS and CS2RS (Modbus RTU), EM3E and CS3E (EtherCAT), and multi-axis units such as 2EM3E, 4EM3E, 2CS3E, and the EtherNet/IP 2EM3EIP and 2CS3EIP.

Servo systems

On the AC side, ELM1/ELM2 servo motors pair with the high-end EL8, the broad EL7 platform and the value EL6, plus multi-axis 2EL6-EC and 4EL7-EC drives. For 24-70 VDC machines there are ELVM motors, iSV2 integrated servos and the ELD2, 2ELD2 and miniature ELD3 drives.

Controls and robot components

The MC500 is a CODESYS-based PLC and EtherCAT motion controller for up to 32 axes. Leadshine also lists remote I/O, HMIs, power supplies, gearboxes, cables and, more recently, robot components: frameless motors, integrated actuators and dexterous hands.

Choosing between stepper and servo in the Leadshine range

Because Leadshine covers open-loop steppers, closed-loop steppers and servo drives, the choice comes down to the application. Open-loop steppers are simplest and cheapest where load and speed are predictable. Closed-loop steppers suit machines that must not lose position but do not need servo bandwidth. Servo systems are the answer for high speed, high inertia mismatch or tight following error. Our servo vs stepper guide sets out the rules of thumb. Leadshine’s own comparison for its CS3E closed-loop EtherCAT stepper drive pitches it as at least 40% cheaper than a networked servo, which shows where the company positions closed-loop steppers: as a middle step for axes that need networked control and position security without servo cost.

What to send when specifying a Leadshine axis

Give the load and move profile (mass or inertia, stroke or angle, speed, acceleration and dwell), the supply voltage, whether lost steps are acceptable, the controller interface (pulse and direction, Modbus RTU, CANopen, EtherCAT or EtherNet/IP), the number of axes in one cabinet, the frame size or mounting constraint, and any brake, IP rating or safety requirement such as STO. Multi-axis drives such as the 4EM3E or 4EL7-EC can save cabinet space and wiring when several axes sit close together, so mention the axis count early.

Global and UK presence

Leadshine lists three offices: its Shenzhen headquarters, Leadshine America, Inc. in Foothill Ranch, California, and a Hong Kong office operated by Lakeside Automation Technology Co., Ltd. No UK or European office is listed.

In the UK, Leadshine products are available through our supply network. Our engineers can help specify the motor, drive and network interface for your axis, and provide pricing, lead times, datasheets and CAD models through the enquiry form on this page.

Leadshine history: key dates

1. 1997Founded in Shenzhen by Dr Warren Li
2. 1998First PC motion control card released
3. 1999First self-developed stepper driver released
4. 2009TÜV Rheinland ISO 9001:2008 certification; digital DC servo drives launched
5. 2011Renamed Leadshine Technology Co., Ltd.
6. 2013L5 AC servo system and DMC3000 motion card released
7. 2015L6 EtherCAT servo drive released
8. 2020Initial public offering; listed under stock code 002979

Leadshine controllers, plcs and hmis

Motion controller

MC500 (MC508CS / MC516CS / MC532CS)

CODESYS-based PLC/motion controller with EtherCAT for 8, 16 or 32 axes plus 6 local pulse axes, dual-core SOC+FPGA and 32-module R2 I/O expansion.

Leadshine servo motors

AC servo motor

ELM1 / ELM2 AC Servo Motors

Leadshine's AC servo motors for the EL8/EL7/EL6 drives: ELM1 is the economy line and ELM2 the general-purpose line, both with 23-bit absolute encoders, IP65/IP67 sealing and up to 3.5x overload. The catalogue extends ELM2M to 22 kW and previews a 26-bit ELM3.

DC servo motor

ELVM Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Motors

Leadshine low-voltage PMSM servo motors from a 25 mm 33 W unit up to a 130 mm 2 kW unit, wound for 24-60 V DC buses. Fully published data covers torque to 6.4 Nm rated / 16 Nm peak, 17-bit absolute or 2500 ppr incremental encoders and IP65. Designed for ELD2, 2ELD2 and ELD3 drives.

Integrated servo motor

iSV2 Integrated Low-Voltage Servo Motors

Leadshine motor-plus-drive units from 200 to 750 W on 24-48 VDC, with 17-bit magnetic encoders, CANopen or Modbus/pulse control and up to 300% overload, published in the Leadshine low-voltage DC catalogue.

Leadshine servo drives

AC servo drive

EL8 Series AC Servo Drives (EL8-EC / EL8-RS)

Leadshine's high-end 220 VAC servo drive from 400 W to 2 kW with 3.5 kHz bandwidth, STO SIL3, dual-encoder full closed-loop control and gantry synchronisation. EC models run EtherCAT; RS models offer Modbus RTU, pulse+direction and analogue.

AC servo drive

EL7S / EL7 Series AC Servo Drives

Leadshine's EL7 platform spans 220 VAC drives from 400 W to 2 kW, 400 VAC drives to 7.5 kW and an 11-22 kW high-power range, all with STO and EtherCAT, Modbus/pulse or PROFINET variants.

Multi-axis servo drive

4EL7-EC Four-Axis EtherCAT AC Servo Drive

A four-axis EtherCAT servo drive in one housing, 400-1500 W per axis on 220 or 400 VAC, with two STO circuits shared across the axes.

AC servo drive

EL6 Series AC Servo Drives (EL6-EC / EL6-RS / EL6-CAN)

Leadshine's value AC servo drive, 400 W-3 kW on 220 or 400 VAC, in EtherCAT, Modbus/pulse (up to 4 MHz) and CANopen versions.

Multi-axis servo drive

2EL6-EC Two-Axis EtherCAT AC Servo Drive

A dual-axis EtherCAT version of the EL6, 400-1500 W per axis with two encoder inputs.

DC servo drive

ELD2 Series Low-Voltage DC Servo Drives

Single-axis 24-70 VDC servo drives from 5 to 60 Arms (180 A peak), in RS (Modbus/pulse/analogue) and CAN (CANopen/analogue) versions. They drive brushless, brushed and PMSM motors including ELVM, with STO SIL3 and backup logic supply on the 40/60 A models.

Multi-axis servo drive

2ELD2 Two-Axis DC Servo Drives

A dual-axis version of the ELD2 for 24-70 VDC systems: 20 or 30 Arms per axis (750 W or 1.2 kW per axis), gantry synchronisation and STO, saving around 30% installed volume versus two single drives.

DC servo drive

ELD3 Series Miniature DC Servo Drives

Palm-sized 24-70 VDC servo drives (76 x 50 x 33.5 mm) from 50 to 750 W in EtherCAT, CANopen and Modbus RTU versions, with STO, a second encoder input for full closed loop and support for slotless, brushed, voice-coil and linear motors.

Leadshine stepper motors

Hybrid stepper motor

Leadshine CM Series (2-phase)

Leadshine's current 2-phase open-loop hybrid stepper range from 20 mm to 130 mm frames, with encoder, brake, IP65 and gearbox variants.

Hybrid stepper motor

Leadshine 3S Series (3-phase)

3-phase hybrid steppers in NEMA 23 and 34 for use with 3DM 3-phase drives; still sold, though Leadshine recommends CM for new designs.

Hybrid stepper motor

Leadshine 5-phase Stepper Motors (285CM / DM5 motors)

0.72 degree 5-phase hybrid steppers in 28, 42 and 60 mm frames, matched to DM5 5-phase drives for finer native resolution.

Closed-loop stepper motor

Leadshine CS-M Series

2-phase closed-loop stepper motors with built-in incremental encoders that replace the ES-M easy-servo line; brake, IP65 and imperial-shaft versions.

Closed-loop stepper motor

Leadshine ES2-MH Series (3-phase high voltage)

3-phase high-voltage closed-loop steppers in NEMA 34/42 (catalogue also lists 17/23) for 220 VAC ES2 drives, 8-20 Nm.

Integrated stepper motor

Leadshine iEM Series

Open-loop stepper motor with built-in drive, pulse/direction controlled, in NEMA 17, 23 and 24 up to 3.5 Nm.

Integrated stepper motor

Leadshine iEM-RS Series

Open-loop integrated stepper with drive and controller onboard, commanded over Modbus RTU (RS485) with an indexer function.

Integrated stepper motor

Leadshine iCS Series

Closed-loop integrated stepper (motor, 14-bit encoder and drive) with pulse/direction input, NEMA 17-24 up to 3.5 Nm.

Integrated stepper motor

Leadshine iCS-RS Series

Closed-loop integrated stepper with onboard drive, controller and 14-bit absolute single-turn encoder, networked over Modbus RTU.

Leadshine stepper drives

Stepper drive

Leadshine EM-S Series (EM415S-EM882S, EM532-MINI)

Digital open-loop pulse/direction stepper drives from 1.5 A to 8.2 A with auto-tuning, anti-resonance and soft start.

Fieldbus stepper drive

Leadshine EM-CAN (EM522-CAN, EM556-CAN)

Open-loop stepper drives with CANopen (DS301/DSP402), PP/PV/homing modes and up to 127 nodes.

Stepper drive

Leadshine EM1 Series

Basic pulse-controlled open-loop stepper drives from 2.2 A to 8.2 A including an AC-input model.

Stepper drive

Leadshine DM-E / DMA / DM high-voltage Series

Legacy digital pulse drives from small 30 VDC units up to 240 VAC mains-input drives for NEMA 34-52 motors.

Stepper drive

Leadshine 3DM Series (3-phase)

3-phase open-loop stepper drives for 3S motors, from 50 VDC to 240 VAC input and up to 11.7 A.

Stepper drive

Leadshine DM5 Series (5-phase, pulse and EtherCAT)

5-phase stepper drives for 28/42/60 mm 5-phase motors, offered as 1 MHz pulse drives or EtherCAT drives.

Fieldbus stepper drive

Leadshine EM2RS Series

Open-loop Modbus RTU stepper drive with a 16-segment position table, up to 31 drives per RS485 network, including an AC-input model.

Fieldbus stepper drive

Leadshine EM3E Series

Single-axis open-loop EtherCAT (CoE/CiA402) stepper drive with CSP, PP, PV and homing modes.

Fieldbus stepper drive

Leadshine 2EM3E Series

Dual-axis open-loop EtherCAT stepper drive controlling two independent motors from one unit, with optional STO.

Fieldbus stepper drive

Leadshine 2EM3EIP Series

Dual-axis open-loop EtherNet/IP stepper drive, two axes under one IP address, optional STO.

Fieldbus stepper drive

Leadshine 4EM3E Series

Four-axis open-loop EtherCAT stepper drive, up to 8.2 A per axis.

Closed-loop stepper drive

Leadshine CS-D Series

Cost-effective pulse/direction closed-loop drives for CS-M motors, replacing the ES easy-servo drives, up to 8 A and 110 VDC.

Closed-loop stepper drive

Leadshine CS1 Series

Enhanced pulse-input closed-loop drives with 500 kHz input and encoder outputs, for CS-M and CM-with-encoder motors.

Fieldbus stepper drive

Leadshine CS3E Series

Single-axis closed-loop EtherCAT stepper drive (CoE/CiA402) up to 8 A and 110 VDC, pitched as at least 40% cheaper than a networked servo.

Fieldbus stepper drive

Leadshine CS2RS Series

Closed-loop Modbus RTU stepper drive with 16-segment position table, up to 31 axes per RS485 network.

Fieldbus stepper drive

Leadshine 2CS3E Series

Dual-axis closed-loop EtherCAT stepper drive, open/closed loop selectable, optional STO.

Fieldbus stepper drive

Leadshine 2CS3EIP Series

Dual-axis closed-loop EtherNet/IP stepper drive, open/closed loop selectable, optional STO.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Leadshine website?

Leadshine's official global website is leadshine.com. It carries the stepper, servo, integrated motor and controls catalogues and the company's corporate overview and history. For UK supply, pricing, lead times or help choosing between stepper and servo, contact Specify Motion's engineers through the enquiry form on this page.

How do I get Leadshine pricing, datasheets or CAD in the UK?

Leadshine products are available in the UK through our supply network. Contact Specify Motion's engineers via the enquiry form on this page, or the spec builder at /spec-builder/, for pricing, lead times, datasheets, CAD models and help choosing the motor, drive and network interface, from open-loop steppers to EtherCAT servo systems.

Where is Leadshine's headquarters?

Leadshine Technology Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, the city where it was founded in 1997. The company reports four manufacturing facilities in China and more than thirty domestic offices, and it also lists offices in California, USA, and in Hong Kong.

Who owns Leadshine?

Leadshine became a publicly listed company after its 2020 initial public offering under stock code 002979, so its shares are held by public investors. It was founded in 1997 by Dr Warren Li. Its website does not set out its shareholdings in detail.

Can I buy Leadshine products in the UK?

Yes. Leadshine's office list shows its Shenzhen headquarters, a North American office in California and a Hong Kong office, with no UK or European office. Its products are available in the UK through our supply network; for pricing, lead times, datasheets, CAD models and selection help, contact Specify Motion's engineers via the enquiry form on this page.

What does Leadshine make?

Leadshine makes open-loop, closed-loop and integrated stepper motors and drives, AC and low-voltage DC servo motors and drives, fieldbus drives for EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, CANopen and Modbus, PLCs and motion controllers, HMIs, remote I/O and robot components. It says it serves more than 10,000 OEM customers in over 60 countries.

Sources

1. Leadshine: Leadshine offices
2. Leadshine: Corporate overview and history
3. Leadshine: Home page

Figures are summarised from the sources above and from manufacturers' published data on the date shown. Always confirm against the current datasheet for your exact part.