Re: typical no-load speed

Linear motors are really neat. I use them all the time for Laser CNC.
They are faster and smoother than similar sized screw-driven stages.
(http://www.aerotech.com/products/stages/linear_stages.html ; the ALS
5000 series shown here are typical of what I use daily)

Bear in mind though, that linear motors do not have the position-
holding power most similar sized screw-type stages have. For optical
jobs like laser cutting, this is no issue, and for many CNC router
apps, it probably isn't either, but if you intend to mill metal,
you'll need a really big and heavy linear motor stage and a heck of a
power supply to insure it doesn't get pushed out of position when the
mill takes a bite. (yes, I know it will try to return to the commanded
position) With power removed, linear stages move with no more drag
than the slides they run on...much less drag than ballscrews have.

Always a tradeoff, huh?

Tom





--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Graham Stabler" <eexgs@...>
wrote:

>
>
> Using a ballscrew with a 20mm lead and assuming no load can anyone
> give me an idea of the speeds that could expected using a combination
> of say Mach3 and a geckodrive?
>
> belt drives or linear motors might be better for the application but

I

> am trying to keep the costs down but my options open.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Graham
>