i have a y-axis stepper that is failing, looking into some of the stepper online ones but is seems none are sealed at the higher torque end of nema 23.
i am currently in the process of building a new control box using a linuxcnc type control. already have all of the components mounted just need to finish the wiring. have 7a capable drivers for x and z and5.5 for y and a. 48v supply. the control board i have is capable of reading encoders if that is an option.
You can use Nema 34 steppers if you are more easily able to find what you need there. I’m using a Nema 34 servo for my Z axis on my LinuxCNC conversion. I don’t run flood coolant, so I haven’t had the same requirement around waterproofing.
Have you considered servos? I’ve heard good things about these units, but have no personal experience with them. I picked an arbitrary one here, you might want to consider the 750W or other options.
I run my machine on Clearpath servos. I found some lightly used ones for a reasonable price on eBay. However my Clearpath servos are the IP54 models, not the IP67 that you’d probably want.
Most modern servos support step/dir control and self tune their PID loops (rather than running the encoder back to the control system). This means that you can run them off of control boards designed for steppers. I’m using a MESA 7i96S on my MR-1 conversion.
If you switch to (clearpath) servos you wont need the driver in the control panel, makes things much tidier.
Agreed, my box is a lot cleaner with Clearpath servos. You just need a power supply for them.
We’re both running IP54 versions of Clearpath (with the Molex JR connectors). The IP67 ones have waterproof M12 connectors and are less common.
That is pretty clean with the Masso, but where is your spindle drive? Here is my box for LinuxCNC:
for now i am just looking for a replacement. in the future i might try something more fancy if i can get a better handle on linuxcnc(i struggle with coding language)
i started the build on the other control box about 9 months ago got busy this summer and it got side tracked and havent touched it in about 6 months. already have all the hardware necessary. waiting for trixie to be released as bookworm didn’t work completely with mini pc as it is too new had to force a newer kernel into it which broke other things.
for the time being i would like to keep the new box plug compatible with factory so i can switch out if this becomes a paperweight. currently the “a” controller is in the langmuir box as i had one fail.
on a side note i have modified the probe to get 5v off the body if anyone is interested.
That makes sense. I didn’t love the GX connectors, so I switched everything over to pre-molded M12 connectors which made nothing plug compatible.
I’m curious to see your probe fix, and if you also fixed the tool setter. I had a fix but it was partial and still caused problems. I’ve since just moved to better quality (but still cheap) probe and tool setter.
LinuxCNC does have a pretty steep learning curve, especially on the HAL files. It totally makes sense that a lot of people are choosing simpler Masso systems instead, despite the cost. I personally like LinuxCNC, but I have a HW/SW background and am comfortable with the coding – but can admit that it’s going to be challenging for a lot of folks.
I think you went with the same one I did from memory, albeit with a different mount.
@ashford I have all my original motors, with very little use if you want to cover postage for a Y motor..
Yes, I use the same tool setter. I mounted it off of the edge of the pan though, and use leveling screws to support it against the concrete. This mounting system was one of the first mods that I did on the machine and it is great because it leaves the entire table open for work.
i may take you up on that. i cant seem to find one on langmuirs website.
They do sell them, you need to contact them directly.
I second that request to see your probe mod. BUT to respond to your original question (I too am looking for an upgraded Stepper that is more waterproof). I found these…
Possible Upgraded X Motor NEMA 23-Stepperonline.com
and this
These are interesting because they are marketed as CLOSED LOOP motors. I assume that if you wanted to run them Open loop you just don’t connect the encoder. The Closed Loop would require the purchase/install of a special driver that accommodates the Encoder.
I am really curious if these would be a less expensive solution than the ClearPath. Don’t get me wrong- I’ve used the Tecnik ClearPath motors before and they are fantastic- but they ain’t cheap. A Motor is like $280 then you need a power supply- another $100 (it will handle 2 motors), then theres the cables (power and encoder) those are another $100 ea per motor. So it’s basically about $500 per motor ($1500 for all 3 X&Y) to do the ClearPath route as opposed to these Steppers @ $70 ea and a Driver $20 so $300 vs $1500. That’s a BIG diff.
I guess I’ll give em a go when I have a minute to stop makin chips! In the meantime if anyone else has any thoughts. suggestions or advice let’s have it.
