Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Gecko 320 heatsink requirements: needed ?

Kim Lux wrote:

>We've got Gecko 320s mounted in a fan ventilated box beneath the lathe.
>We are using them with a 40V supply and motors that will draw 12A max.
>
>Do the Geckos need to be mounted on a heatsink ?
>

Absolutely, yes.

> Will the aluminum
>mounting sheet (1/8" x 12" x 12" approx) suffice ?
>

Very likely, not enough surface or thermal conductivity. I'm using a
10 x 6" finned heatsink on a box with 3 Gecko 201's in it, with motors
only running 3 A each. I had to patch a fan in to directly blow outside
air across the fins of the heatsink, or it got much too hot. Now, a servo
draws little current when idling, so that may reduce the heat generation
a bit,
but I think when the system is moving, you will find your heat sink vastly
inadequate, unless a huge fan is blowing air across both sides of the
mounting
plate.

You can try it for a short interval and see how hot the plate and the Gecko
cases get. If you can't hold your hand on it (over 50 C) that is
absolutely too
hot for long life.

Jon