When to use external stepper drivers?

Hi, I’ve just created my own manually adjustable Z-table and I’m thinking about adding a stepper motor to it. I still have some extruder and x/y motors from an old 3D printer that I could use. But I see that the Cohension website specifically mentions the external stepper drivers for Z-tables, so perhaps what I want to do is outside the specs of the normal drivers? How can I figure that out?

“Tako Schotanus”

Tech Bravo (Tech BravoTN) May 29, 2018 16:35

the A4988 Stepper Motor Drivers are supposed to handle 2A per pole but many have found that they are a bit underpowered for z tables and rotaries. External, self powered drivers are far better since z axis mechanisms typically require quite a bit of current.

Jim Fong May 29, 2018 16:40

The external stepper driver was recommended because the stepper motor used in most Commercial Z tables required higher current than Pololu A4988, drv8825 etc drivers can reliably run.

If the stepper motor you have can reliably move your custom table with a Pololu plug in driver, then use it.

Tako Schotanus May 29, 2018 19:53

Ok, so I can just try it without any problems and see if things work? Thanks!

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