Thoughts and Suggestions on Using Geared Stepper Motors
Hello everyone!
I have an idea to design a Z-axis drive scheme for a large platform using a NEMA 11 geared stepper motor , along with belts and pulleys. The Z-axis of this platform is driven by several small motors that slide along guide rails via belts. Is the calculation method different when using belt and pulley drive for the Z-axis compared to using lead screw drive?
The design depends on which approach is more efficient: using pulleys and a circular belt, or laying the belt on a crossbeam and letting the motor run along the belt. The latter matches my X and Y axis flat belts and motors running along guide rails.
I'd like to hear feedback on this concept, and whether using geared motors would affect the Z-axis stepping settings, for example, in Repetier software…