Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] calibrating cnc systems

> how in the world do you calibrate software so that it knows to turn a stepper
> motor or servo "X" amount of times to move an exact distance?

You multiply the threads per inch or 1/metric pitch of the leadscrew
by any reduction ratio then by the number of steps, half steps, or
microsteps (depending on drive) per revolution and put that number
into the configuration settings of the program. You might sometimes
have to add in an inch-to-metric conversion if your machine is in one
system and the software the other.

Then you put a dial indicator ($8) on the axis, program a couple moves
in the same direction and check that you got it right. If not adjust
accordingly - most likely you are off by a factor of two.

Then you tell it to go to the same place in both directions and
see how much backlash you have.

Chris