Newbie- Mach3 Z-axis disable when not in use

[Erant]

Hey,

I've recently built my own CNC, and so far it's working fine. The only problem I've encountered is that the motor on my Z-axis gets seriously hot after about 20 minutes of machining. Too hot almost to touch, so it's getting into the range of temperatures I'm not comfortable with.

The problem here ofcourse is that the Z-axis generally moves the cutter in position and then just sits there, soaking up the full 1.5A the driver supplies it with. I'm using a standard M8 leadscrew, so there's no real reason for the Z-axis stepper motor to actually be on when it's not being used. I'm pretty sure I've seen an option in Mach3 somewhere to disable steppers when they're not in use, but I can't seem to find it anymore... Any help would be much appreciated.

Erant

[ger21]

Try using a lower voltage, which might limit higher speed, but also might run cooler.

But "almost too hot to touch", isn't really all that hot for a stepper. Under 85°C should be fine, some can run up to 100°C.

[jalessi]

Configuring the Mach3 software:
from the main menu, select config\ports & pins
select output signals tab
scroll down to Current Hi/Low
column 1, click to get green 'enable' check
column 2, set to port #1 (or whatever port you're using)
column 3, set to pin #1
column 4, click to get green 'active low' check

[Erant]

Thanks! The Current Hi/Lo worked a treat.

I specially used a higher rated stepper on the Z-axis, I don't want to limit the current here. And seeing as my screw is 1,25mm pitch, I hardly think the Z-axis is going anywhere, even without the stepper holding it in place.

Thanks again!