Are the Z motors supposed to always be hot?
I've noticed that my Z motors stay quite warm all the time while X and Y are cold. This means power is applied. Is this intentional? Maybe an attempt to keep them synced with each other?
Speaking of syncing the Z motors, when are they calibrated with each other and how? You can't just assume they won't drift. Every time they lose power they will lose counts.
RE: Are the Z motors supposed to always be hot?
Z motors are intentionally powered when the printer is at standby.
z motors can be synchronised by running the axis to the top of the frame until both motors stall,
they should normally be within one full step of each other. the parallel wiring should maintain their relationship
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
RE: Are the Z motors supposed to always be hot?
Adding to Joan's answer.
The printer also assumes that the motors are still in-sync following a power cycle. This will be the case provided that the motor spindles are not manually moved when the printer is off.
That is one reason why Prusa recommends running the re-calibration if the printer is physically moved - it re-syncs the Z-axis motors just in case some manual movement has occurred.
Bottom line: If you don't move your printer around all will be fine. If you do move it and you suspect some manual movement occurred, then just re-run the calibration.
Cheers,
Tim
RE: Are the Z motors supposed to always be hot?
> This will be the case provided that the motor spindles are not manually moved
Actually that isn't true. When power is lost the motor drivers might be near a half-step. When powering back up the motor drivers will start at a whole step. So they can be different by a step.
RE:
Well yes... 'in-sync', by design means differing by no more than 1 step, but I did say 'manually' moved - i.e. some external force was applied that results in them being out-of-sync by multiple steps.
Cheers,
Tim