Welcome to Our Community

Some features disabled for guests. Register Today.

NEMA 17 Steppers adequate?

Discussion in 'General Talk' started by RAGII, Sep 26, 2016.

  1. RAGII

    RAGII New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    I am looking at building an Ox style setup (approx. 700 x 900). I have NEMA 17 steppers and the control board sitting around and would like to use these on the setup to save some money. I do not plan on any heavy loading (small hand router would be the heaviest load I might use) so I think I would be OK.

    Any thoughts/comments.

    Thanks,
     
  2. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2013
    Messages:
    2,896
    Likes Received:
    1,555
    Obviously would depend on the strength of the nema 17 steppers but here is a project built successfully around them. Stinger V Micro Mill. It's a small mill but as long as you don't intend to move a heavy router and don't make the gantry a monster it should be fine. Just understand it will have it's limitations. Moving the weight of the gantry and router is only part of the motor power issue. How much resistance the material being cut puts up is also an issue. Cutting foam or balsa shouldn't be an issue. Cutting hardwoods may be an issue and cutting aluminum may not be possible. Also I'm not sure which belts Robert used in the example. If he used the GT2 belts and pulleys this will give it a little better mechanical advantage on a low power system.
     
  3. Jonathon Duerig

    Jonathon Duerig Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2015
    Messages:
    261
    Likes Received:
    156
    I agree. You are most likely to be able to get away with NEMA 17 motors on the X and Z axes. I've got a 1000mm x 1000mm and the NEMA 24 motors I have on the Y axis seem a bit under-powered. The Y axis motors have to struggle with my monster X axis gantry. While the X and Z axes have never had any troubles and I have more motor than I need.

    -Jonathon Duerig
     
  4. RAGII

    RAGII New
    Builder

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    My Steppers are 76oz/in. I currently have a different CNC setup but am looking to upgrade to the OX style for several reasons. I was hoping to save some cost (and getting grief from my wife) by reusing the electronics and some of the hardware. (Ramps 1.4 and stepper motors)
     
  5. dddman

    dddman Journeyman
    Builder

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2014
    Messages:
    468
    Likes Received:
    187
    Make your design with both bolt pattern, you'll be able to upgrade if you need
     
    Ronald van Arkel likes this.
  6. Ronald van Arkel

    Staff Member Builder Resident Builder

    Joined:
    May 7, 2014
    Messages:
    472
    Likes Received:
    245
    I agree with @dddman,

    Still, I'm doing tests at the moment with NEMA17 motors on a 1500mm gantry, but they are driven by 2A @ 24vDC and a single digital driver (tuned). I might go to 2.5 or even 3A if they don't get too hot. The motors are wired parallel else 1A would be enough.

    -Ronald
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice