can Nema 23's be placed inside box tubing X / Y axis

[Hulksmash]

Hi guys, I searched the forum but couldn't find if it had been answered.

As I am really limited on space and trying to maximise the surface area as best as I can

I am debating the following for a machine 1100 x 800mm approx:

1) 60x60x4mm steel box with motors on outside + as bulk buying steel gantry would be also made of 60x60x4 and 180mm in height

2) 80x80x3mm steel with motors inside + as bulk buying steel gantry would be made also of 80x80x3 and 160mm or possiblely 240mm in height

Any possible pros or cons ?

Any advice is appreciated

Mike

[routercnc]

Hi Mike
It has been asked before over the years but I can’t honestly remember seeing a finished machine with that feature so it is difficult to say if it will get hot. Maybe someone else has.

The mounting face of the stepper will be bolted to a metal plate which will dissipate some heat.
To help the main body stay cool you could drill a large hole in the top and bottom surface of the section biased towards the rear end of the stepper to promote an updraft.
The motors run warm / slightly hot to the touch if they are being worked but that is in the open. Not trying to scare you but there is a temperature over which the stepper magnets break down. From memory I think it is 150deg? But if it is inside the box you won’t know.

So for small jobs I think it would be OK ( don’t hold me to it!) but an 8 hour run . . .

[Hulksmash]

Many thanks routercnc.. heat was something I had not even considered.

Mike

[john swift]

as the motor current is set by the stepper driver and does not change with the mechanical load

from various data sheets I have looked at motors are designed normally run at 70 C to 80 C

I would expect the motor to heat up to a maximum value in the first hour or two assuming there is no current reduction when the axis is idle

In the confined space inside a 80mm square tube
with only a 7 or 8 mm gap around the motor
I would consider using a fan to force air past the motor

how are you going to mount the motor inside of the tube so you can adjust its alignment with the ball screw ?

John

PS
I have no idea of how much effect it will have but
having the motor enclosed in a metal tube could change the amount of heating of the motor due to changes in the eddy currents in the motor and possibly eddy current heating of the tube

[Hulksmash]

The risk of the motors overheating and the actual time and effort I would need to make it so I would be happy with the build is not worth it - many thanks guys - I think there is a reason its not been done before ..

[Clive S]

The risk of the motors overheating and the actual time and effort I would need to make it so I would be happy with the build is not worth it - many thanks guys - I think there is a reason its not been done before ..

I see you are Salford If you want to see my machine you are welcome I am in Marple Nr. Stockport It might give you some ideas. It is 1600x1000 overall size.

[Hulksmash]

Thanks alot Clive thats really appreciated. I actually live in a place called astley but no-one has ever heard of it so its easier to put the closest place...salford.

I will definatley arrange to visit once I'm sorted. Your a really handy person to have close 😁

[Clive S]

Thanks alot Clive thats really appreciated. I actually live in a place called astley but no-one has ever heard of it so its easier to put the closest place...salford.

I will definatley arrange to visit once I'm sorted. Your a really handy person to have close 😁

If I remember there used to be a good Chinese there not too far from the church PM me if you want to pop over.

[Hulksmash]

You thinking of the Tung Fong in Worsley... the outside looks Tudor looking... white and black.

[Clive S]

You thinking of the Tung Fong in Worsley... the outside looks Tudor looking... white and black.

Yes that's the one.