1 Topic by johnforeman

  • johnforeman
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Topic: X axis motor is getting really hot even at idol - new SD3

Hi all,
Just got my SD3 fired up for the first time today.  I did a quick Z height set, had to adjust the left side Y axis belt and then did a couple prints.  I'm very impressed with how well things went right out of the box.. What I did notice however is that while I was setting up the Z and making the belt adjustments, the X axis stepper was really hot.  The other steppers were not.  I have a hobby size CNC mill and the steppers dont get as hot as this one.  Anyone have any idea?  I would hate to burn the motor up.
thanks

2 Reply by ronsii

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Re: X axis motor is getting really hot even at idol - new SD3

you might check the voltages on the drivers make sure they are set right

3 Reply by johnforeman

  • johnforeman
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Re: X axis motor is getting really hot even at idol - new SD3

ronsii wrote:

you might check the voltages on the drivers make sure they are set right

is there a 'how to' somewhere on how to do that?  I have a multimeter, just need know where to probe and what voltages i should be reading.

4 Reply by tomirving92 (edited by tomirving92 2013-07-27 22:53:31)

  • tomirving92
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Re: X axis motor is getting really hot even at idol - new SD3

I've just managed to short one of my stepper drivers, but here's what I was following:

http://www.solidoodle.com/how-to-2/troubleshooting/

Under the "Instructions for Adjusting the Stepper Motor Chips" section.

Solidoodle 3. Lawsy MK5. J-Head. Glass over bed (wood).

5 Reply by nlancaster

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Re: X axis motor is getting really hot even at idol - new SD3

That is the correct instructions.  Also you may want to print one of these, once you get your replacement driver.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:68827

That will help with heat of the x-axis stepper.

6 Reply by TheBaron

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Re: X axis motor is getting really hot even at idol - new SD3

i have the same issue. stepper runs really damn hot. Works fine, but I can't even touch it with my fingers. I think I will have to add a fan.

SD3 w/ RUMBA (8825s), merlin hot end (in pieces). Ender3 w/ silent board for PLA printing. Ender5 w/ silent board, e3d v6, new z lead screw, and glass bed. DiY Kossel w/ smoothieboard (in pieces). Vellman Vertex (in pieces)
Shapeoko2 router in process of being converted to laser engraver (in pieces)
Multicam 5000 series CNC Router w/ 11HP spindle, 5x10' table, and auto tool changer (in pieces)

7 Reply by MolecularConcept

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Re: X axis motor is getting really hot even at idol - new SD3

I burned myself taking a clip off the back, my arm brushed the motor made me jerk and I scraped it on the case!! Double whammy! Im gonna print that right after the replacement carriages

8 Reply by ITman496

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Re: X axis motor is getting really hot even at idol - new SD3

I ziptied a fan to mine for the meantime and spliced it into the 12v that the LED strip uses.  I'll print a bracket later.

9 Reply by adrian (edited by adrian 2013-07-29 08:53:39)

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Re: X axis motor is getting really hot even at idol - new SD3

A hot x-axis is 'normal'. The OEM X-Axis stepper is set to run over its rated amps.. this means yes, sitting at idle, doing nothing, it will heat up. And yes, it will have a shorter life span than a 'correctly speced' stepper running within its rated power.

Its a 1.0 amp stepper running at 1.1 amp.

The NEMA14 fan shroud is the simple, effective and proven solution to the issue - both it running hot and missing steps as a result, and to a smaller degree, extending its life some compared to an uncooled over-driven stepper.... The 'proper' way to fix it would be to upgrade the motor - not an easy solution in NEMA14, and moving to a NEMA17 brings other issues such as now an overweight-for-spec gantry which will mean you'll have issues with your Y-Axis motors (if it doesn't just stall - the difference in weight between NEMA14 and NEMA17 is 'significant' at the tolerances available on the solidoodle)