RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] How best to smooth out the drive.

All 3 methods will work.

#1 is probably the easiest. #2 is probably the least expensive. #3 would
be the most expensive and most difficult, but likely the highest
performance. The reason I say it is the most difficult is that you may
have to deal with noise on the encoder lines as the plasma torch puts
out a LOT of EMI and the encoder lines are sensitive to it. I don't know
if Mariss has tested the filtering scheme with plasma torches. This may
be a case when you need to use differential signaling.

Tim
[Denver CO]

> I have built a plasma table and finally have it cutting. It is
> driven by CNC Pro and driver boards by Axxus (Deans hobby CNC). The
> problem I am having is a slightly jerky operation. The current setup
> is stepper motors driving rack and pinion directly. It works out to
> about 131 steps per inch.
>
> What would be the best way to smooth it out? I have three ideas and
> wonder what would be recomended.
>
> 1) Microstep drivers (Geckodrive 201)
> 2) Belt reduction from the motor to the pinion
> 3) Servo drive (Geckodrive 320)
>
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Ron Routledge