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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    15

    What size stepper motors needed?

    I am wanting to modify my Y & Z carriages on 4x8 cnc. I will have approx. 140# for Y/Z carriage. I will be using rack n pinion to move this carriage assembly on v-wheels. I am cutting wood and some plastics. Any ideas as to what size stepper motors I will need to drive this carriage plus having enough torque to cut wood and plastics?

    Gary

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717

    Re: What size stepper motors needed?

    You would be safe with a 1200 oz/in NEMA 34 stepper. Operate them at near the maximum voltage that the drive will handle. That should give you 500 IPM rapids and plenty of torque for cutting. I had a similar system on my router that was a lot heavier than yours with a 1.5:1 belt reduction. Moved the Y at 0.75 inches per motor rotation.

    For steppers, I like the Automation Direct steppers & drives. Not cheap, but they work well. https://www.automationdirect.com/adc...tepper_systems

    You might look at the ClearPath servos, I have had good luck with them. https://www.teknic.com/products/clea...-servo-motors/

    or the DMM servos, I use those also. DMM | AC SERVO DRIVE | AC SERVO MOTOR | ROTARY ENCODER
    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: What size stepper motors needed?

    Are you using any gear reduction to the pinions? Are you building your own drives, or buying off the shelf drives?
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    15

    Re: What size stepper motors needed?

    I am not planning on any gear reduction. I would most likely buy off the shelf motors, and may have to buy new drives to power the new motors.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717

    Re: What size stepper motors needed?

    What is the pitch diameter of the gear that you are planning on using to mate with the rack?
    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: What size stepper motors needed?

    You won't get very good motion or performance running direct drive.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    15

    Re: What size stepper motors needed?

    ger 21

    Please explain your comment about direct drive.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538

    Re: What size stepper motors needed?

    Resolution will be very poor, which will result in motion that is not very smooth.
    And you'll need a much bigger motor, as you won't have the benefit of gear reduction, which increases torque at the pinion.

    With steppers, you want between 3:1 and 5:1 reduction, with a 1" diameter pinion. Larger pinions give smoother motion, but require even more reduction.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    15

    Re: What size stepper motors needed?

    ger 21

    Bigger motor than Nema 34 1288 oz? How much difference would the drivers make? I am thinking about the Gecko v203's.What motor brands do you recommend? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

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