[4lowie]

Hi team, just about finished my new CNC build, a laser engraver.
During the initial part of the build I didn't really think too much about gearing, I think I need to address the gearing as there's not enough resolution and jurky when running slow.
Was thinking about putting planitory gearboxes or replacing the steppers with servos. Is this an affordable option?
Running grbl and Sainsmart driver's.
Would really appreciate your thoughts on how best to smooth out low speed movement.

Cheers Dave

[pippin88]

Servo would be a better choice

Stepper plus gearbox (to increase resolution) will be poor for high speed

[joeavaerage]

Hi,
servos are vastly better with respect to speed and resolution, but they cost plenty.

You will no doubt see cheap Chinese made servos you should be looking at better quality servos like Delta or DMM.
Delta is a Taiwanese brand made in China while DMM is a Canadia brand made in China. Boh are good quality, support
and documentation and most importantly set up and tuning software at fair prices. Even still they will cost something like $400USD
per servo kit.

Does your machine justify such an expense?

Craig

[phomann]

Hi team, just about finished my new CNC build, a laser engraver.
During the initial part of the build I didn't really think too much about gearing, I think I need to address the gearing as there's not enough resolution and jurky when running slow.
Was thinking about putting planitory gearboxes or replacing the steppers with servos. Is this an affordable option?
Running grbl and Sainsmart driver's.
Would really appreciate your thoughts on how best to smooth out low speed movement.

Cheers Dave

Hi Dave,
It’s a bit hard to give advice with the limited information at hand.

1. How fast are the stepper motors turning at the moment?

2. What sort of axis drive system(s) do you have, ball screws, belts, rack/pinion, etc?

3. How large is the machine with respect to each axis?

4. How far does each axis move for a single revolution of the stepper motor?

5. What accuracy are you looking for?

With the above information, it is then possible to advise on potential solutions to meet your needs. Otherwise you’ll just get people’s preferences regardless of whether it will meet your needs.

Cheers

Peter


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[awerby]

My guess is that you're running high-impedance stepper motors with insufficient power. GRBL systems usually have that problem. Gearboxes aren't usual on stepper driven CNC systems; they make them even slower.