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IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > Benchtop Machines > Labvolt cnc stepper motor chopper drive settings
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
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    347

    Labvolt cnc stepper motor chopper drive settings

    Hi
    Can someone explain the dip switches and how to increase amps to stepper motor on these chopper drives

    Currently if i go any faster than 14ipm the steppers lose steps

    This is whst orig specs are 14 ipm max

    Which is odd since i found info online stating that a chopper drive should produce more torque not less torque....

    Losing steps at 14ipm or more seems odd ..the axis all move smooth by hand.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
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    1516

    Re: Labvolt cnc stepper motor chopper drive settings

    Quote Originally Posted by Shelby5041 View Post
    Hi
    Can someone explain the dip switches and how to increase amps to stepper motor on these chopper drives
    Currently if i go any faster than 14ipm the steppers lose steps
    This is whst orig specs are 14 ipm max
    Which is odd since i found info online stating that a chopper drive should produce more torque not less torque....

    Losing steps at 14ipm or more seems odd ..the axis all move smooth by hand.
    Deleted.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Posts
    1516

    Re: Labvolt cnc stepper motor chopper drive settings

    Quote Originally Posted by Shelby5041 View Post
    Hi
    Can someone explain the dip switches and how to increase amps to stepper motor on these chopper drives
    Currently if i go any faster than 14ipm the steppers lose steps
    This is whst orig specs are 14 ipm max
    Which is odd since i found info online stating that a chopper drive should produce more torque not less torque....
    Losing steps at 14ipm or more seems odd ..the axis all move smooth by hand.
    Hang on!!.

    Might need to scratch my last post.
    Is it the light duty machine?.
    I downloaded a datasheet for the 220v version Eng.
    Guess what... On page 5 it clearly states: Feed Motors: Rapid traverse speed: 14ipm.
    It looks like that is it for you matey.

    Dataheet from here:
    https://labvolt.festo.com/solutions/...tem_light_duty



    Did you actually read anything about it first?.





  4. #4
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    Jul 2017
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    347
    This is an old 1998 technology labvolt cnc...which is a sherline 5400 mill ( very capable home hobby mill for alum brass steel)

    The stepper drivers are powered by 42v

    I dont know stepper specs but they are nema 23 about 57mm tall

    Which from my experience with all other cnc and 3d printers should handle over 100 ipm

    Ive got tiny nema 17 on my 3d printer that csn do 100ipm rapids

  5. #5
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    Jul 2017
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    347
    note: im in the USA...mate

    Yes i know about the orig labvolt specs im very familiar with the machine as it has been a 2yr project..there is very little online regarding these machines as far as retrofitting...most i had to do on my own...but those specs are built in controller controlled due to being a learning machine for safety and training purpose..and another note..i have the labvolt 5500 lathe and it has exact same steppers and same drivers and same ps and it can do 30ipm... per orig specs..and contacting festo didatic is a waste as they only respond to orig specs and will not elaborate on their proprietary system...as i said this is a sherline 5400 mill which has been same design for over 25 years basically..sherline has helped me out on mechanics but the electronics are labvolt proprietary which i eliminated the controller ...so the built in throttled ipm should have been eliminated

    The controller was removed...its mach3 controlled now

    Ive got a clamp on amp meter ill mess with switches today to see if i can get amps to increase

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
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    1516

    Re: Labvolt cnc stepper motor chopper drive settings

    Quote Originally Posted by Shelby5041 View Post
    Yes i know about the orig labvolt specs im very familiar with the machine as it has been a 2yr project..there is very little online regarding these machines as far as retrofitting...most i had to do on my own...but those specs are built in controller controlled due to being a learning machine for safety and training purpose..and another note..i have the labvolt 5500 lathe and it has exact same steppers and same drivers and same ps and it can do 30ipm... per orig specs..and contacting festo didatic is a waste as they only respond to orig specs and will not elaborate on their proprietary system.
    The controller was removed...its mach3 controlled now
    Ive got a clamp on amp meter ill mess with switches today to see if i can get amps to increase
    Check the stepper specs if you can using the model number that should be on them.
    Shouldn't really exceed what their maximum rating is with peak settings on the drivers.
    If you can't check specs then monitor motor heat with every change.

    Do you have model numbers for the drivers and steppers?.

    I realise you're in the u.s. but generally manufs keep the power output to machines the same. Just change the unit to suit the input supply as per country.

    3D printers are completely different. They have no spindle loads working against them, hence why they only need small motors.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
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    347

    Re: Labvolt cnc stepper motor chopper drive settings

    hi daz

    im referring to no load..rapid traverse only

    my cheap 3d printer with nema 17 can do 100ipm not problem this damn labvolt nema 23 setup can only do 14ipm rapid ..any higher and it loses steps like crazy


    here is a better pic i found.online (this is not my board personally) .hoping someone can direct me of how to adjust the amps using the dip switches on the driver board..its a bit confusing


    im trying to figure out how to increase amps to the stepper motor so i can reduce step loss but i just dont understand the DIP switches..i love these boards becasue they are old school and compenents are replaceablre..the one chip L297 just pulls out by hand and the other L298 just needs desoldering..and they are cheap to repalce..i have fixed a couple of these..the L298 chip on the heat sink is the most common failure..but remeber these boards are 25 years old so that is expected...most anyhting made today be lucky to last 2-5 years...

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2024
    Posts
    3

    Re: Labvolt cnc stepper motor chopper drive settings

    I just got a labvolt 5500 lathe and want to change out all the stepper drivers and put in a mach4 controller. Did you get yours working?

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