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Z-Axis motors warm while idle  

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CWeiss
(@cweiss)
Member
Z-Axis motors warm while idle

I just did the MK3s -> MK4s upgrade and have noticed that, while the printer is idling, both of the Z-Axis motors are a bit warm. This is even from a cold start (IE - not leftover from a print run). The other motors are not warm.

Calibration and printing are fine (a huge improvement over the MK3s!).

Has anyone else seen this? I would think any wiring issue would manifest itself in Calibration/Printing, so this must be an idle setting in firmware?

Best Answer by JoanTabb:

this is design intent, the Z motors hold the X axis fixed, whilst the printer is at idle!

Joan

Posted : 11/10/2024 5:52 pm
1 people liked
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE:

this is design intent, the Z motors hold the X axis fixed, whilst the printer is at idle!

Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility.Location Halifax UK

Posted : 11/10/2024 8:14 pm
CWeiss
(@cweiss)
Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Z-Axis motors warm while idle

Ooof. I get it, but it still makes me uncomfortable to have some electricity always flowing, no matter how tiny.

I wonder if Prusa could implement some `deep sleep` mode where the machine is 'completely' powered down unless it detects 'any' movement. Is there an IMU on the motherboard?

Thank you for the response!

 

Posted : 11/10/2024 9:49 pm
1 people liked
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Z-Axis motors warm while idle

The Prusa implementation of Deep Sleep, is the off switch!.

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility.Location Halifax UK

Posted : 12/10/2024 11:49 am
2 people liked
Green Joe
(@green-joe)
Eminent Member
RE: Z-Axis motors warm while idle

If this is the only solution to this problem, it would be prudent to have a more accessible off switch. I have the MK4S in enclosure and cannot reach the off switch on the back. 

The printer uses 14W while idle which is clearly unnecessary if the motors don't need to be powered when the printer is off. 

Posted : 30/06/2025 11:30 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Z-Axis motors warm while idle

the Z motors are energised while the printer is at rest, to prevent droop.
I use a wifi switch to de energise my Mk3 in an enclosure

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility.Location Halifax UK

Posted : 01/07/2025 10:01 am
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