1 Topic by zmilroy

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Topic: Stepper Motors Failing/Stalling

Has anyone had issues with the a stepper motor (specifically the NEMA 14 motor on the x-axis) stalling (not moving and making a lot of loud unfriendly noises)? When I move the x-axis by hand, it moves with similar resistance to y-axis. However, when I try to print a part or move it with RH, it makes a very angry sounds and wiggles back and forth maybe +/- 1mm. The y-axis works just fine with RH.

I had this issue before and contacted Solidoodle; they had me buy a new motor (of course it was days after the initial warranty 'expired'). The new motor fixed the problem for about 4 months, but I am here at it again. I plan to remove the motor and see if it spins normally without any load next, but wanted to see if anyone else has experienced similar issues. I have a SD4.

2 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Stepper Motors Failing/Stalling

zmilroy wrote:

Has anyone had issues with the a stepper motor (specifically the NEMA 14 motor on the x-axis) stalling (not moving and making a lot of loud unfriendly noises)? When I move the x-axis by hand, it moves with similar resistance to y-axis. However, when I try to print a part or move it with RH, it makes a very angry sounds and wiggles back and forth maybe +/- 1mm. The y-axis works just fine with RH.

I had this issue before and contacted Solidoodle; they had me buy a new motor (of course it was days after the initial warranty 'expired'). The new motor fixed the problem for about 4 months, but I am here at it again. I plan to remove the motor and see if it spins normally without any load next, but wanted to see if anyone else has experienced similar issues. I have a SD4.

Try adjusting the current on the stepper driving by nudging the pot about an 1/8 turn clockwise. Do that till it runs smoothly.

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3 Reply by zmilroy

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Re: Stepper Motors Failing/Stalling

carl_m1968 wrote:
zmilroy wrote:

Has anyone had issues with the a stepper motor (specifically the NEMA 14 motor on the x-axis) stalling (not moving and making a lot of loud unfriendly noises)? When I move the x-axis by hand, it moves with similar resistance to y-axis. However, when I try to print a part or move it with RH, it makes a very angry sounds and wiggles back and forth maybe +/- 1mm. The y-axis works just fine with RH.

I had this issue before and contacted Solidoodle; they had me buy a new motor (of course it was days after the initial warranty 'expired'). The new motor fixed the problem for about 4 months, but I am here at it again. I plan to remove the motor and see if it spins normally without any load next, but wanted to see if anyone else has experienced similar issues. I have a SD4.

Try adjusting the current on the stepper driving by nudging the pot about an 1/8 turn clockwise. Do that till it runs smoothly.


Thank you for the advice Carl; however, adjusting the current did not help. Adjusting the current is basically adjusting the amount of jerk and the noise produced by the motor. I also have switched the x and y axis motors (where the connect to the printrboard) to verify it is not an issue with the driver itself. Doing this produced the same results as before; a noisy x-axis (connected to y-driver) and a normally operating x-axis (connected to x-driver).

4 Reply by shields1.as

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Re: Stepper Motors Failing/Stalling

Loosen the belt slightly too. But most likely the x motors are getting hot and breaking down the lamination on the coils. A cooling fan and heat sink on your next x motor would help further prevent this. Another upgrade solidoodle couldnt fathom

5 Reply by zmilroy

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Re: Stepper Motors Failing/Stalling

shields1.as wrote:

Loosen the belt slightly too. But most likely the x motors are getting hot and breaking down the lamination on the coils. A cooling fan and heat sink on your next x motor would help further prevent this. Another upgrade solidoodle couldnt fathom

That seems to be the theme of the Solidoodle printers... Thank you for the input Shields.

Has anyone tried upgrading the x-axis motor to a NEMA 17?

6 Reply by jagowilson (edited by jagowilson 2015-02-26 18:48:52)

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Re: Stepper Motors Failing/Stalling

you don't need a nema 17, a nema 14 will work. all that matters is the torque and weight. i am planning on replacing mine soon so that it doesn't get hot and doesn't need a fan. someone with more mechanical engineering experience can chime in on the required torque

nema just refers to the size of the motor. all nema 14's have the same face plate and screw spacing, same for 17s. but they can vary in weight, torque and depth.

7 Reply by IronMan

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Re: Stepper Motors Failing/Stalling

Here is a link for a suitable Nema 14:

https://www.inventables.com/technologie … or-nema-14

I don't know which exact model SD uses, but I have seen specs on torque as low as 5 in-oz...stay closer to 15-20...

I used Nema 17 on my homebuilt...62 in/oz monster...

SD2 - Stock - Enclosure - Heated Bed - Glass Plate - Auto Fire Extinguisher
Ord Bot Hadron - RAMPS 1.4 - Bulldog XL - E3D v6 - 10" x 10" PCB Heated Build w/SSR - Glass Plate
Thanks for All of Your Help!