Calibration of Linear Motion Systems Driven by a Stepping Motors

This is an instructional video describing the process and calculations needed to calibrate a linear drive system using a stepping motor for power. The mechanical means can vary widely including, but not limited to lead screw, roller chain and sprocket, rack and pinion, timing belt and pulley, etc. The video was intended to serve as a way to calibrate CNC machines; however, this method will work on many systems.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• calibration
• cnc
• machine
• fabrication
• linear
• motion
• system
• steps
• per
• inch
• stepping
• motor

[karandex]

what is torque difference between all microstepping configurations ? do 0.8degree (400 step)motors increase resolution or they have there own problems as i dont see them used in cnc.

[anajonesr]

@karandex I haven't really experimented with 400 step motors.

[satishchaphekar]

i am having intersting problem, i got 5 drivers and 2 of them are not working, out of other 3,2 work in full step only and 1 in half/full both. which should i use for which axis. I am thinking half step for z and other full step for xy, is it right ?

[anajonesr]

@satishchaphekar That's unfortunate. This will ultimately be determined by the mechanism that you have on each axis and the weight and force against the thing that you are moving with the motor in question. One rule of thumb is that full step is not the best for maximum torque. I have found that 1/4 or 1/2 stepping is the best for full torque in my experience, so put that configuration on the worst case scenario in your setup.

[kurtnelle]

Hey, youre left handed. Kewlio. Lefties FTW

[anajonesr]

@kurtnelle Nice!!

[tnmrvc]

why isn't it just possible to start at a given point 0, and just let the stepper run until you manually stop it. The software could count the number of steps it took for the distance it traveled. Don't you agree it would be much easier this way, if possible?

[servant74]

@aggrav8d ... good point. Do basically the same thing, only use something like a vernier caliper, just because the distance is so much shorter. .. If you try it and you aren't off 'much', it could be OK to assume correctness, but that is your choice! ... I got a plastic vernier caliper that has a thin metal rod attached to the movable jaw (it runs the length of the caliper), and it extends as the jaw is opened. It is great for making this kind of measurement. I hope you can find a similar one

[servant74]

@karandex yes... if you have a 'single start' threaded rod (like from the 'store' and not an industrial source)

[stevecooley]

Oh, thank you. I've been running my machine for about a year off and on, and I have a major project I need to have my machine dead-on accurate for, and was starting to despair because I kept having problems. I'll run though this asap and hopefully that will help me get back to being on target.

[karandex]

i have simple solution search reprap calculator for above calculation