I've looked around to compare the difference between servos vs. steppers motors.
It is still unclear which is the best for moderate, not high production, 3d carvings.
Any personal preferences or suggestions?
Michael
servos vs steppers
- mezalick
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 2980
- Joined: Mon Nov 03, 2008 9:07 am
- Model of CNC Machine: Camaster Cobra
- Location: Philadelphia, PA USA
- Contact:
servos vs steppers
Michael Mezalick
https://www.youtube.com/user/mezalick
mm@mezalick.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/mezalick
mm@mezalick.com
-
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 4797
- Joined: Thu May 18, 2006 3:24 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot
- Location: North Carolina
Re: servos vs steppers
Hi Michael,
Here are two links to pretty good websites with easy to understand comparisons. One is for a plasma cutter, so they only discuss x and y movement, but the principles apply.
I would think that steppers would be more than adequate for your application. That is what's on my ShopBot (and all the ShopBots except the Alphas).
http://www.cncroutersource.com/stepper-vs-servo.html
http://www.torchmate.com/motors/electro ... ection.htm
Joey would be a good person to get an opinion from.
Tim
Here are two links to pretty good websites with easy to understand comparisons. One is for a plasma cutter, so they only discuss x and y movement, but the principles apply.
I would think that steppers would be more than adequate for your application. That is what's on my ShopBot (and all the ShopBots except the Alphas).
http://www.cncroutersource.com/stepper-vs-servo.html
http://www.torchmate.com/motors/electro ... ection.htm
Joey would be a good person to get an opinion from.
Tim
Re: servos vs steppers
hello michael
good to see you again...
michael, the servos are all closed loops, the steppers are mostly open loops except some newer application...
it does mean when cnc step, servo or stepper the controller send signals, and the motor step...
the servos in closed loop, send feedback trough an encoder that shows the turn in angle, or mm...
the stepper steps and no feedback, so the computer doen't know where is the stepper...
and also the stepper was before slower 3-4 times like servos...
but, steppers already can be closed loop like servos, and the speed already there in some case stepper systems shows higher speed...
with mach3 controller the different very minimal...
as i know gripus has servo system, randal from dakota has stepper system... ask them what speed they could perform...
also in carolina what you saw by camaster, all were stepper system...
so the different that machines we can use not so critical...
thanks
viktor
good to see you again...
michael, the servos are all closed loops, the steppers are mostly open loops except some newer application...
it does mean when cnc step, servo or stepper the controller send signals, and the motor step...
the servos in closed loop, send feedback trough an encoder that shows the turn in angle, or mm...
the stepper steps and no feedback, so the computer doen't know where is the stepper...
and also the stepper was before slower 3-4 times like servos...
but, steppers already can be closed loop like servos, and the speed already there in some case stepper systems shows higher speed...
with mach3 controller the different very minimal...
as i know gripus has servo system, randal from dakota has stepper system... ask them what speed they could perform...
also in carolina what you saw by camaster, all were stepper system...
so the different that machines we can use not so critical...
thanks
viktor
- mezalick
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 2980
- Joined: Mon Nov 03, 2008 9:07 am
- Model of CNC Machine: Camaster Cobra
- Location: Philadelphia, PA USA
- Contact:
Re: servos vs steppers
Thanks all,
It makes sense. It looks like steppers are the correct way to go.
Again, it was a pleasure to meet all at the SCGM.
Michael
It makes sense. It looks like steppers are the correct way to go.
Again, it was a pleasure to meet all at the SCGM.
Michael
Michael Mezalick
https://www.youtube.com/user/mezalick
mm@mezalick.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/mezalick
mm@mezalick.com
-
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 2596
- Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 1:57 am
- Model of CNC Machine: CAMaster 508 ATC
- Location: columbia sc
- Contact:
Re: servos vs steppers
mike, steppers when properly set with the correct configuration will perform excellent and have all the power needed. i did battle with this several times in my machine purchases but now am well satisfied with my stepper decisions
jim
jim
Re: servos vs steppers
Servos and steppers are about like discussing religion. I have used both, and I prefer the servos, but they cost more and if you do not know the little ins and outs, they can be difficult to diagnose when you have problems. If it is your first machine I would suggest the steppers, cheaper, less electronic problems if not set up correctly, and will get you cutting quicker and appreciate the cnc experience, and vectric products. Just be sure they are big enough to do the job without losing steps, and be sure everything is shielded correctly for the digital signals.
I like the servos because of the speed when I need it, and the repeatability. I use viper boards and have all of the safety features installed and working, a lot of the electronics out there do not.
What ever you decide just ask for opinions here on this forum, about the machine you want and someone will give you truthful information, good experiences or bad.
I like the servos because of the speed when I need it, and the repeatability. I use viper boards and have all of the safety features installed and working, a lot of the electronics out there do not.
What ever you decide just ask for opinions here on this forum, about the machine you want and someone will give you truthful information, good experiences or bad.
- ssflyer
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 912
- Joined: Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:21 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot PRSAlpha 96x60
- Location: Napa County, California
Re: servos vs steppers
Tim,
Even the ShopBot Alphas use steppers - they are just higher torque & speed and have a feedback loop, that corrects, if they get too far off...
I have a PRSAlpha 96x60, and have zero problems with it. I can cut 3/4" ply in one pass at ~4"/sec, and could probably do it at 6, if I actually bought the right compression bit...
Ron
Even the ShopBot Alphas use steppers - they are just higher torque & speed and have a feedback loop, that corrects, if they get too far off...
I have a PRSAlpha 96x60, and have zero problems with it. I can cut 3/4" ply in one pass at ~4"/sec, and could probably do it at 6, if I actually bought the right compression bit...
Ron
Ron Sloan
-
- Vectric Wizard
- Posts: 4797
- Joined: Thu May 18, 2006 3:24 pm
- Model of CNC Machine: ShopBot
- Location: North Carolina
Re: servos vs steppers
Ron,
You are correct, the alphas use the hybrids. My error.
Tim
You are correct, the alphas use the hybrids. My error.
Tim