Has anyone ever used some of the new stepper motors with integrated drives and controls?

Some of them are so sophisticated that they have anti-backlash leadscrews attached so that there is no need for couplings or duplex bearings. I have also seen some that have the microstepping motion controller and drive built right in to the back of the motor. Connect power, connect RS-485 communications, plug in limit switches (right into the motor), and away you go.

http://www.imshome.com/

I am working on a servo system at the moment, but any of you with small mills may want to take a look at this option. It might be easier to mount just a motor, with out the need for a coupling, and just replace the leadscrew and nut with the one attached to the motor. I guess that this technology would also be applicable to wood routers also discussed on this page.

This is just something that I thought that I would throw out there.