Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] QUESTION ABOUT SERIES OR PARALLEL ON STEPPER MOTORS

washcomp wrote:

>In the ongoing saga of figuring out how to redo a Bridgeport milling
>machine, I am faced with a decision:
>
>I am fitting it out with new drives to replace its antique NC
>controller and all of the documentation about steppers and drives
>indicates that 8 terminal stepper motors can be connected in series
>or parallel (at different current settings). Each axis has a NEMA 42
>motor directly connected to the axis lead screw. All of the drive
>and motor documentation I can find on the web indicates that the
>choice of connection is made based on the application.
>
>In context, does anyone know which wiring connection is better for
>the application?
>
>

Yes. In almost all cases, the parallel connection is better. It
provides lower inductance,
and therefore, higher speeds, than the series connection. The only time
to use series
is if your stepper driver cannot supply the current needed for parallel
connection, and
if high speed is not important. (The fix is to get a driver that CAN
handle full rated
current in the parallel mode.)

Jon