584,814 active members*
5,279 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > Benchtop Machines > Stepper physical connectins
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    1

    Smile Stepper physical connectins

    I'm considering the purchase of a Sieg X3 and converting it to CNC. I was wondering the pros and cons between direct coupled stepper motors on the X, Y, & Z axis and offset steppers with a gear and belt?

    thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    2512
    Correctly designed direct drive works fine. Why complicate it.

    Phil

    Quote Originally Posted by billsp View Post
    I'm considering the purchase of a Sieg X3 and converting it to CNC. I was wondering the pros and cons between direct coupled stepper motors on the X, Y, & Z axis and offset steppers with a gear and belt?

    thanks

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    1810
    Well, for starters - using a belt and pulleys allows you to effectively multiply the output (torque) potential from the motors and increase your potential accuracy. The cost of doing so is that you loose some speed.

    Scott
    Consistency is a good thing....unless you're consistently an idiot.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    2512
    You could just use a bigger stepper with direct drive. The normal issue with steppers is they are to slow for decent rapids so gearing down just makes it worse.

    The critical issue with steppers is you need a bit extra in the size department in order to avoid the risk of lost steps.

    A direct drive will give more than enough accuracy for the capabilities of an X3.

    Just some thoughts from a novice.

    Phil

    Quote Originally Posted by mxtras View Post
    Well, for starters - using a belt and pulleys allows you to effectively multiply the output (torque) potential from the motors and increase your potential accuracy. The cost of doing so is that you loose some speed.

    Scott

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    424
    Quote Originally Posted by mxtras View Post
    Well, for starters - using a belt and pulleys allows you to effectively multiply the output (torque) potential from the motors and increase your potential accuracy. The cost of doing so is that you loose some speed.

    Scott
    You loose speed in proportion to the amount of torque you gain not including loses for friction of the belt which can be enough to make a difference. I am direct coupling, this size machine and the average size stepper will be just fine. The only benefit I have seen in the belt drive is getting the stepper out of the way.

    chris

Similar Threads

  1. Feedback Calibration vs Physical Alignment
    By jdownie in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 03-23-2006, 04:03 PM
  2. stepper motor size(physical)
    By Bloy2004 in forum Stepper Motors / Drives
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 06-23-2004, 02:31 AM
  3. Physical difference between a stepper,servo and a DC motor
    By ynneb in forum CNC Machine Related Electronics
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 02-23-2004, 05:40 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •