Duet 3 NEMA 23 Closed loop with Z axis also using Elec Brake

[gallaghersart]

Hello Duet Community! Hope all is good! Finally ordered my 1st Duet

I am Building a system for 3d, laser, light CNC and more.

All drives except filament will be NEMA 23 with Built in Closed loop or “3.2A NEMA23 Smart Stepper” https://misfittech.net/3-2a-nema23-smart-stepper/ addon. With the Z-axis I want to also include an Electromagnetic Brake for CNC jobs.

I am going the Railcores way of 3 Z-axis.

Images and a little write up can be found on my website. Most images are old pictures, but the basic idea can be seen. http://gallaghersart.com/page/3d_printer_design

Can this be done?

Thanks!
And Thanks to Duet for making some great stuff!
Keep yourself and yours safe and healthy!
`mike

[A Former User]

@gallaghersart possibly, you'll need a duet 2 (wifi/Ethernet) and use the duex expansion port to get step/dir signal for the smart drivers. Those have independent enable pins so you may be able to integrate with a z-brake; or some other means than disabled the driver to lock it.

There isn't firmware for something like that I think, maybe you can have the cam bit generate g-code to trigger braking?

Interesting project!

[deckingman]

@bearer said in Duet 3 NEMA 23 Closed loop with Z axis also using Elec Brake:

@gallaghersart possibly, you'll need a duet 2 (wifi/Ethernet) and use the duex expansion port to get step/dir signal for the smart drivers.................

The OP's title starts with "Duet 3........"

[A Former User]

@deckingman said in Duet 3 NEMA 23 Closed loop with Z axis also using Elec Brake:

The OP's title starts with "Duet 3........"

Yes, but there aren't any step/dir pins for his motors. Could possibly solder something, but not exactly an recommend or supported solution.

[deckingman]

@bearer The reason I pointed it out was that he also says "....Finally ordered my 1st Duet". I could be wrong (often am) but my take on that is that he has already bought ordered a Duet 3.

[A Former User]

Doesn't change the features of the board I'm afraid; on the other hand he might know what he's doing and plans on breaking out a soldering iron.

[deckingman]

@bearer So just to be clear to the OP, what you are saying is that he'd be better off buying the Duet 2 rather than the Duet 3 that it looks like he's already ordered (unless he breaks out the soldering iron etc). Just trying to clarify things for the OP.

[A Former User]

@deckingman said in Duet 3 NEMA 23 Closed loop with Z axis also using Elec Brake:

@bearer So just to be clear to the OP, what you are saying is that he'd be better off buying the Duet 2 rather than the Duet 3 that it looks like he's already ordered (unless he breaks out the soldering iron etc). Just trying to clarify things for the OP.

That is my understanding, yes. Can double check when I get home if no one beats me to it.

[gallaghersart]

Thanks for your replies,

I figured some coding would need to be done, I have coded many different types before. I have not investigated how to make a new firmware for the duet 3 yet. Modifying / altering duet 3 board to get me to a protype is not a concern at this time. Soldering or anything else was expected.

I need the extra amps for the motors and that is why I choose the duet 3. I also figured I would have extra pins that could be used for other uses.

I also want to have a spring plate / mini piston in the hot end to release pressure in mixing / melting chamber. No Retraction of filament by filament motor. So yes, this would need to also be coded.

Along with a few other things not yet used or programmed into Duet 3.

I am figuring that down the road production of this system would / may require Duet making a custom board for my plans.

The duet 3 is the closest option at this time for a solution for my future plans as far as I know. Just a starting point that is something I can work with.

Thanks!
`mike

[A Former User]

@gallaghersart said in Duet 3 NEMA 23 Closed loop with Z axis also using Elec Brake:

I need the extra amps for the motors and that is why I choose the duet 3.

But if you're using the smart steppers you power them directly and control them with logic level signals; no load on the Duet at all. (or did I get that bit wrong?)

I also figured I would have extra pins that could be used for other uses.

This is the big difference between the two; besides the IO ports with headers there aren't adittional logic level pins like the Duet 2 has. The 26pin header is only a SPI bus towards the Raspberry Pi.

My opinion is still unless you need the functions provided by the Raspberry Pi or the CAN bus, you'd be better of with a Duet 2. (Edit: which will be getting the same Raspberry Pi interface at some point in the undetermined future)

Schematics are online to review
https://github.com/Duet3D/Duet3-Mainboard-6HC
https://github.com/T3P3/Duet/tree/master/Duet2/Duet2v1.04

[gallaghersart]

@bearer
You are correct on external power, originally i was just going to use a NEMA 23 without any brake or closed loop.

But for CNC versions i want those options, then FDM system may just be basic nema23.

`mike

[A Former User]

Fair enough

the Duet 3 is more expandable, but mostly in terms of the available expansion boards for the CAN bus, while the Duet 2 has the 50 pin expansion port with IO pins.

Now its getting interesting!

[dc42]

For the future:

• We have prototype CAN-connected external stepper driver boards ordered, they should arrive soon
• We plan to make a "CNC version" of the Duet 3 main board supporting external stepper drivers

[gallaghersart]

@dc42
Music to my ears, thanks for the info, I will defiantly be looking forward to these and any other future capabilities.
`mike

[Andme]

@dc42 When is it anticipated that the CNC version of the board will be available?

[dc42]

@Andme said in Duet 3 NEMA 23 Closed loop with Z axis also using Elec Brake:

@dc42 When is it anticipated that the CNC version of the board will be available?

Probably not until Q4 this year.

[hippyengineer]

@dc42 I know Covid has affected your operation but are you still on track for a CNC board soon?

[dc42]

Unfortunately that project has been delayed, but it is next on our list. We have done some preparatory work for it and we expect it to be straightforward.

Meanwhile, I took a few hours out yesterday to try our prototype closed loop expansion board with a larger motor.

[gallaghersart]

Thanks for the update!

Looking forward to making this my next project.

In the image is the lower board the “prototype closed loop expansion board” if so, what board is above it?

Is it me or is that image of the drive so mammoth compared to the electronics? Reminds of the little clown cars that hold so many.

Thanks for update!
`mike

[dc42]

Yes that board is the prototype closed loop board. The board above it is a Duet 3 Mini prototype. And yes, the stepper motor really is that big, it's this one https://www.omc-stepperonline.com/p-series-nema-34-closed-loop-stepper-motor-8-5nm-1203-94oz-in-with-electromagnetic-brake.html.