Which Motor to Choose When Buy CNC Router? Stepper or Servo?

[joeavaerage]

Hi,

The guy at DMM was insistent that the Acorn was good. So I am back were I started….ha-ha.

I don't have any direct experience with Acorn, but all the technical details pan out....no extravagant promises which fail to materialize. Just be aware that it is
a proprietary system and you will be limited if you wish to do something the manufacturer has not foreseen. For instance if I'm not mistaken Acorn offers indexing only on
the fourth axis whereas you might want a genuine coordinated fourth axis. Do your research. You don't want to buy into a solution only to find it misses certain
features that you need, either now or in the immediate future.

UCCNC as greater flexibility but ultimately is a proprietary system also.

Mach4 has an architecture and scripting language/tools that lend itself to adaption to your needs. The core of Mach4 is proprietary and if you need access to it
and can convince NFS that you need it and sign a non-disclosure-agreement you can get it.

LinuxCNC is the ultimate in flexibility, but requires considerable programming skill on your behalf. Most users report however that the basic LinuxCNC install
has all the necessary features and programing is not really required.

In fact the same comment could be made about the others in this list....all the basics are well supported and most users will never have need to extend the functionality
of the solution.

As far as the standalone controllers, almost certainly made in China.......the old saying about 'f.....g barge poles' comes to mind. Who cares about tidy......concentrate on what
actually works.

You say you want to make watch parts....that is what pays the bills? If that is the case then that is the goal....tidy, fast, elegant, cool are not remotely relevant, making parts is
what counts, nothing else.

Craig

[dazp1976]

Hi Craig,
Thanks for the explanation.
I suppose AUD3,000 vs AUD5,600 is a reasonable difference for just the motors/controller and not much else.
From what I am understanding, the DMM would be fine for my small needs. Eventually I want to make watch parts, watch cases and alike.
The guy at DMM was insistent that the Acorn was good. So I am back were I started….ha-ha.
But my local friend is suggesting - https://openbuildspartstore.com/blac...ontrol-system/ . It is far tidier.
With more knowledge brings greater confusion.
Thanks again
Dan
PS… time to feed the dogs and will probably feed myself at the same time.

Nah.
If you're talking about spending $3000 on AC servos.....
This 'black box' controller is like putting a canal boat engine in a Ferrari!!.

It's got 3D printer, school robot projects and micromills written all over it.
Baically tiny 3018 'toy' machines.
Look at the instructions and see that when they talk of 'servos' they mean RC vehicle ones and the steppers shown are no more than 1A.
Has very little amount of I/O.

The whole thing runs off a 24v supply which is nema 17 size equipment and no more.

[pippin88]

Hi Craig – thank you.

The local AU Delta guy quoted me Servo Motor A3L Low Inertia 700W 3000rpm AUD635 for 1. The PMM seemed a lot more reasonable at about 50%

I am not good with Linx. I tried a Raspberry Pi and after a while I went back to Windows.

Dan

Is that price servo motor, servo drive and cables?

I suspect it might be for motor only.

I bought a Delta 750W B3 from fasttobuy.com
Was about $400USD

[foxint]

Hi Pipin88

Yes mate only for the motor….

D

[joeavaerage]

Hi,
I took delivery, ten days ago, of a 750W Delta B2 and a 400W Delta B2 kits, that is. servo, drive and cables. The 750W was $435USD, the 400W was $390USD and shipping
to New Zealand (four days DHL from Hong Kong) was $285USD for a total of $1110USD for two servo kits delivered....I'm happy.

Craig

[pippin88]

Hi Pipin88

Yes mate only for the motor….

D

AC servos should be bought as a set (unless replacing a damaged component)

Servo motor
Servo drive
Cables for motor and encoder

[joeavaerage]

Hi,

AC servos should be bought as a set (unless replacing a damaged component)

100%. Even experts who have dealt with servos for years still get their fingers burnt trying to mix and match. If you're new to servos avoid that
temptation or you will lose big time.

Craig