How hot is ok?

[stumpxj]

How hot should stepper motors be allowed to get?

I just ran a test cut (didnt actually cut anything, just ran through the rectangular pocket wizard program) on my machine as I am finishing it up, and the 23 series motors got pretty warm. I could hold my hand on them, but they were definitely getting heated.

Is there a normal operating temp? I realize the cooler the better, but what is a real world 'max' temp. Am I overloading these things? They have 387 oz/in of torque. I am only running 70ipm on the x&y, on a converted (with ball screws) BF20L

[hoss2006]

Do you have the 6050 jumpers set to
Switch 1 = 0
Switch 2 = 0
Switch 3 = 1
Hoss

[stumpxj]

Yep, just checked the current setting, and they both are at 3.5a.

[hoss2006]

Geckodrive doesn't recommend going over 185F but they can still feel pretty warm and be ok.
Hoss

[stumpxj]

I hit the Y motor with an infrared temp gun, and it showed around 118*. I guess I will keep an eye on it....

Thanks Hoss!

[hoss2006]

Yeah that's nothing to worry about.
Drives with 1/2 idle current jumpers are good for keeping the motors cooler but the 6050 doesn't have that option though.
Never had any of mine get anywhere near what I'd call hot.
Hoss

[stumpxj]

Thats what I was hoping, thanks for the confirmation.

Thanks, ~ James

[Fixittt]

The simple quick test.....
Grab it, if your hand doesn't instinctively come off the motor and pass your head as its going backwards....... your fine.

[lcvette]

The simple quick test.....
Grab it, if your hand doesn't instinctively come off the motor and pass your head as its going backwards....... your fine.

hahahaha.. extremely scientific... I like it!

my 5056D drivers keep the motors noce and cool, on my plasma tables the gecko G540's warm the motors up pretty good but I have never had a problem. don't have a temp reading to share but my guess is they are around 150* or so.

At 118* you shouldn't have any issues unless you have have a pre-existing issue with a motor whcih i have not run across eaither.

Chris

[stumpxj]

Who needs an infrared temp gun when you have plenty of willing nerve endings to do the job! LOL...

Thanks for the info, I ran some more tests today, and have not had any heat issues to speak of (never got over 125*). I think it will be ok, but I just didnt know for sure before so I figured tapping the wealth of knowledge here would be a good idea.

[RPCElectronics]

Who needs an infrared temp gun when you have plenty of willing nerve endings to do the job! LOL...

Thanks for the info, I ran some more tests today, and have not had any heat issues to speak of (never got over 125*). I think it will be ok, but I just didnt know for sure before so I figured tapping the wealth of knowledge here would be a good idea.

Thanks for starting this thread! I was doing some testing the other day of my G540/NEMA 23 setup and was worrying about the steppers getting too hot. I could easily touch them and keep my hand on them, so I think the "warmness" I am feeling is normal, according to this discussion.

[691175002]

The wire and magnets should be rated to 300f+.

If it doesn't burn your hand it shouldn't be a problem.