Simple test axis

[jfong]

This is my axis I use to test stepper motors and drivers. Made with 3/4" birch plywood, 1/2" drill rod, 1/2"x10TPI ACME screw and bronze bushings purchased from Sears hardware. I tapped a ACME nut out of delrin and used a skateboard bearing as a simple thrust bearing assembly.

The stepper motor was a recently purchased Ebay find. It's an older Vexta PH265-05B-C12 1.4V 3.8amp nema23. No torque rating on the motor but I guess around 75oz/in. They were cheap, 4 for $45 +$15 shipping. Plus they have nice working HP encoders on them which I will remove and use on some servo motors I have. Pretty good deal since new encoders cost more than that.

Using Turbocnc, I was able to move the axis at 75IPM with a 20lbs weight to simulate a gantry load. Over 100IPM without the weight. The stepper motor driver is our own custom designed 3amp microstepping driver. The stepper motor easily spins over 1000RPM, not too bad for $15 each. I'm sure it will go much faster but my laptop can't put out higher step pulse rates.


Jim
www.embeddedtronics.com

[jfong]

another view of the motor and driver

Jim
www.embeddedtronics.com