Multiple Z motor wiring

hussainsail2002

Hi,

I have been planning to build a large 500X500 machine.

For the Z axis I am planning to use 4 nema 17 stepper motors to lift the X Y gantry and keep the Build platform stationary.

Is it a good idea to connect all 4 motors to a single driver by connecting in series

or is it better to use 4 different drivers. ?

The main issue I foresee is that the Z axis lead screws can go out of sync and bind.
I do not want to add belts and pulleys for the Z unless its necessary, also the load I will be carrying is under 4 Kgs

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks
Hussain

Veti

use 4 different driver and use
https://duet3d.dozuki.com/Wiki/Bed_levelling_using_multiple_independent_Z_motors

Veti

also the ideal size is 3 motors.
see
https://drmrehorst.blogspot.com/2017/07/3-point-print-bed-leveling-vs-4-point.html

hussainsail2002

Hi ,

Thanks for your reply.

Do you think there is any chance for the drivers to go out of sync and cause a binding issue.

I am assuming that this is the main reason why people use a belt and pulley to run multiple lead screws.

Veti

that depends on the lead screws and nuts used.

the normal 8mm lead screws and nuts have quite some play on them.
given that the steppers can go 2 full steps out of sync

1.8 motor 200 steps per rev.
1/100 rev out of sync.
assuming one goes up one down
2/100 revs out of sync.

normal lead scews 8mm per rev
8mm*2/100=0.16mm out of sync

which should be fine for normal lead screws.

hussainsail2002

@veti

Thanks A lot will try with different drivers first and let you know how it goes.