Stepper or Servo motor for my door?

I am building a project whereby access control is implemented using RFID. When a correct tag is read, the door should open automatically, and close after a delay of a few seconds. I have the code working, but I have been simulating the door with an LED.
I am a student, so I do not have much money, and the project is also urgent. So I was wondering which would be better to use to open and the door; a stepper motor, or servo motor. the constraints being one that will be easier to program as a first priority, and then cost being the second priority.

What do oyu want to do?

  • Unlock/lock the door? In this case you can modify the lock with a servo or a solenoid. There are also ready made motor or solenoid locks available
  • Opening/closing the door is much harder because of the power needed. And you still have to take care of the locking/unlocking problem. A motor of maybe 100W with a wormgear can do the job of moving the door, but it will not be able to withstand someone trying to force it open. Alinear actuator can be an alternative

I had planned to use a solenoid lock but being from Kenya, a third world country, some parts are hard to come by. Even the lock you are suggesting will be impossible to find.
I have an idea about the working of a servo motor. I just want to demonstrate the pulling and pushing action of the motor attached to the door.

I have a 12 volt dc supply by the way which I am using for other parts of the project

wambui:
I had planned to use a solenoid lock but being from Kenya, a third world country, some parts are hard to come by. Even the lock you are suggesting will be impossible to find.
I have an idea about the working of a servo motor. I just want to demonstrate the pulling and pushing action of the motor attached to the door.

It's not clear from your post whether you intend the servo just to release the lock/latch or whether you want it to move the door? Or both, which would need two devices.

...R

Can you get some automotive parts? Maybe from a scrapyard? Windshield wiper motors and electrical door locks might help you

Can you get some automotive parts? Maybe from a scrapyard? Windshield wiper motors and electrical door locks might help you

Yes, automotive drives are a good source. Powerful, inexpensive, and readily available and most times, easy to mount. For your application, I don't see the need for a servo or stepper. Seems you can accomplish the project using a dc motor and limit switches. If you chose a worm gear drive, perhaps there would not be need for a lock since you would not be able to force the door manually. - Scotty

Thanks guys. I found a micro servo which is quite cheap and I'll use for cintrolling the latch.