[Kozmonyet]

I'm getting back into motion control after many (too many years) here and am in need of steppers for several projects. I've forgotten more than I learned in the first place so will start with a small easy (one axis) project and work up.

Basically, I need steppers with encoders, having rougly 1000 oz-inch of torque....probably 10 or so over the next year.

As usual, my wallet isn't fat so I need a supplier that has good to cheap pricing yet will be around tomorrow for consistency in other projects or replacements. I'm not adverse to paying for decent quality and service, but I can't afford to pay through the nose just because it has a well-known brand name.

I plan on driving them with geckos. If you think I'm pushing their limits at the needed torque/size, please let me know.

Any suggested suppliers/brands you've had luck with? Can I save a buck anywhere while getting decent quality? Should I be scared of the chinese steppers that seem to have started pouring in?

Any specific stepper that's roughly within my needs that you feel is "built like a tank"?

Thanks for the initial steering.

Koz

[ger21]

Why do you need encoders on them?

[Kozmonyet]

I want encoders for 2 reasons.

For one, it makes me feel better. Sounds stupid but projects in the past were servo-based and I liked encoders knowing where I am (at least to whatever exent they can)

In reality, the formers I will be constructing woudl do bad things should I miss more than a few steps and not catch it. I'll be gearing the steppers down to rotate a former to make approximately (and variably) 90 degree bends in heavy wires. Stepper speed will be fairly slow on this..probably 500 rpm at the stepper will be considered smokin-fast. This is a HIGHLY repetative operation that has to occur mostly unattended. I'd rather have things lock up if there is any whackiness than live with the problems it could cause.

If I had deep pockets, I'd be using servos in large sizes and doing it right. However, I'm "skunkworking" the prototype of this machine to get the ball rolling.

Basically, I wanted some advice on the current crop of steppers and the service from suppliers. It's a bit of a "ford/chevy/mac/pc" kind of question where there is no real answer but it never hurts to ask when going in blind.

Ya never know...as a group here people might have a preference or know of a particular stepper that is the gorilla of steppers for the price of a pansy. Askin is cheaper than assuming

Thanks

[turmite]

There are several vendors who advertize here on the zone off and on, but this guy is a winner.

Mike

http://homeshopcnc.com/