Hi,

there are no big price differences between toroid and switched-mode power supplies anymore.

I'd always use a switched-mode power supply for CNC machines because they offer some advantages:
  • You get a finished, reliable product - no need to choose components and solder them together.
  • It won't blow your fuses from time to time like many large toroids do if you don't use a current limiter.
  • Most Important: Load and idle voltage is constant. With a toroid you have to take care to keep idle voltage below the drivers maximum voltage rating - but once the machine starts running this voltage will drop and you won't get the maximum speed and dynamics you'd get if you use a switched-mode power supply.


Christian