Re: Belt vs. Direct Drive

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "dennis_kramer2001
<dennis.kramer@a...>" <dennis.kramer@a...> wrote:

> Can anyone comment on the +/-'s of belt vs. direct drive
> from a stepper to a ballscrew. I am concerned about
> alignment of the coupling in direct mode vs. any extra
> backlash in a belt drive mode.

There shouldn't be any extra backlash if you use the stepped "timing
belt" style of pulleys/belts and keep them properly adjusted;
however, you will lose a small amount of eficiency due to the rolling
resistance of the belt.

With direct drive, unless you are very confident of the alignment of
motor spindle with the screw, you should always use a coupling that
is tolerant of misalignment; one of the simplest to use are
the "Oldham" style of coupling, although there are many other types
available.

Regards,
Tony