A compact 3D printed enclosure and bench stand for building a dedicated stepper motor tester using a ZK-SMC01-style controller and THB6128 stepper motor driver.

I designed this after repeatedly needing a quick way to test NEMA stepper motors, check direction, adjust speed, test movement modes, and run mechanisms without wiring everything into a full project first.

The unit holds the controller, motor driver, wiring terminals and a NEMA-style stepper motor in a tidy desktop format, making it ideal for testing motors, gearboxes, harmonic drives, CNC mechanisms, robot joints, linear actuators and general workshop experiments.

The Nema 23 socket is separate and can be printed and glued into place as needed.

Required Electronics

This model was designed around:

• DollaTek 42/57 Stepper Motor Controller
  Forward/reverse angle, pulse and speed control board
  Programmable PLC / serial port communication version
  Commonly sold as a ZK-SMC01-style stepper controller
• DollaTek THB6128 Stepper Motor Drive Control Module
  Two-phase, four-wire stepper motor driver
  Up to 30V, 2A drive board
• Suitable NEMA stepper motor, such as:
  • NEMA 17
  • NEMA 23, depending on your own layout and wiring
• External DC power supply suitable for your motor and driver

What It Does

Once assembled, the tester allows you to:

• Run a stepper motor clockwise or counter-clockwise
• Adjust speed using the controller knob
• Test stepper direction and wiring
• Run fixed pulse/distance movements
• Cycle forward and reverse automatically
• Bench test motors before installing them into a larger project

Printing Notes

The model in the photos was printed in black and orange PLA/PETG-style filament.

Recommended:

• 0.4mm nozzle for best finish
• 0.2mm layer height
• 3 walls
• 15–25% infill
• Supports may be needed depending on orientation
• Use heat-set inserts or small self-tapping screws where appropriate

Notes

This is a housing/stand only. Electronics, wiring, motor, power supply and fixings are not included.

Please check the wiring and current limits of your own stepper motor driver before powering the unit. Stepper motors and drivers can get hot during use.