Bob,Originally Posted by BobWarfield
I used standoffs like in your drawing. One problem that has shown up is that the standoffs do not allow the transfer of enough heat away from the stepper motors, so they overheat quicker than I imagined or expected.
I would like to recommend something that I have considered doing to cure my problem, although I have not seen anyone do it. If one had a piece of aluminum heatsink material larger than the motor; (0.125 thickness) with long fins, Then machine away a circular area of the fins so that the motor would fit inside the remaining fins and the base of the motor mounted thru the base of the heatsink to the standoffs. Also, a hole would have to be drilled or machined for the stepper shaft and holes to match the standoffs. This in my opinion would solve the problem of the stepper motors overheating, and the fins would be able to radiate the excess heat away from the steppers. (If the fins were of a proper length).
I thought that I would suggest that you consider this, as I am going to have to do this or something similar to my machine. At this time, I can only operate my machine for about two and one-half hours before I have to shut the machine down to allow the steppers to cool off to keep from destroying them.
Just an idea that you might want to consider, and that could possibly save you some grief later on.
Your project looks very good.
Jerry