Why is my motor so Hot?

[musicmkr]

I have a Xylotex boart with some Vexta 1 amp motors running all three axis. Like any other machine my X and Y motors get quite a workout, while my Z has a pretty easy life.

It seems odd to me that my Z axis motor gets really hot while my x and y stay cool. Any Ideas on why?

I can put my hand on it but its really hot to the touch. The potentiometer is set correctly on the Xylotex board, and all the motors use the same gague wire.

Will this kill my motor, or is it ok? Could the problem be the motor itself? Thanks for your help.

[DAB_Design]

Just a guess, but probably because it has to use constant force to hold the head of the machine where it is. Since it is supporting ALL the weight of the Z axis. Where as the X and Y are supported by the rails/ways, and only have to apply force when moving.

But hey, what do I know?

[musicmkr]

If my lead screw had a more drastic pitch I would agree, but I'm using 1/4"-20 rod, so the weight of the milling head doesn't really act on the motor when its not in motion.

Thanks for you thoughts.

[arvidb]

If you can put your hand on it, but it's uncomfortable, I'd say it's temp is about 50 degress. This is actually quite cool for a motor.

Like someone else here said: unless it fizzles when you spit on it, it's OK. (This would indicate temp >100 degrees.)

Celsius, of course.

Arvid

[HuFlungDung]

It ain't hot til you touch it