I am currently working on converting my 3d printer from belts to lead screws. I decided to do this one axis at a time. The current configuration uses Nema 17 motors and I want to convert to Nema 23 motors. I have just about completed the Y axis conversion by building the hardware on a mock up frame. Now is a great time to think about this, but this means that I will have Nema 17's on the X and Z axis and a 23 on the Y and I wonder if that is going to be a problem when I move the Y axis from the mock up to the live printer. I am using a Rambo mini board for the controller. Anyone think I am going to run into issues with a mix of 17s and 23s? I love this printer (and therefore don't want to give it up to make the conversion all at once. This has been a work horse for over 5 years and it has given me zero problems, so I figured it's about time to introduce some. Charlie
If each axis has it's own motor there will be no problem mixing them. If one axis, like the z axis, has more than one motor then you may have problem mixing them. Having said that, didn't you hear about the 'if it aint broke don't fix it' mantra?
I was pretty sure that was the case but wanted confirmation. Yaeh, I think of that saying with every turn of the wrench. There are three reasons I feel the need to do this. 1) I plan to do the same thing to my OX cnc (belt to lead screw) and i figured this would be a good place to practice. 2) Although i've been happy with the printer, there's always room for improvement and I figure I can get it back to the way it is (that's why I am making my changes on the mock up first. and 3) I have never done this before and thats like catnip to me. As stated, I am starting with the Y and next I will tacke the X so by the time I get to the 2 Z motors, I should be an old hand (or just old) at this. Thanks.
The NEMA XX/17/23/XX etc number refers only to the size of the case, not the actually motor. Motor rating is independent and varies greatly within each standard frame size. NEMA 23 are *usually* stronger than NEMA 17 but it's not a convention. Match motors that move together but mixing sizes within the same machine is OK.
