Re: Servo controllers for table top machines.

Ah yes, you have just stepped into the big servo vs. stepper debate.
You can go either way with good results on most machines. If you
need the best flat out performance, I think servos still hold the
edge. Servos usually like gearing but if you oversize the motor
enough you can direct drive. You need to provide a servo that
has the same continuous touque as your stepper has holding torque,
unless you provide some gearing that multiplies the torque.
Most high end motion control systems use servos but it seems that
steppers are fast making inroads into this market.
Gecko makes the best servo and stepper drives IMHO. Mariss provides
excellent customer support. Either way you go, his drives are
highly recomended.

> The servo system from Techno bolts the servo motors directly to the
> ball screw with out a reduction pulley. The only thing is they have a
> brake on the Z-axis.
>

If the servo is direct drive, and rated correctly, your performance
should be outstanding. You may need the brake to stop that sucker.
You may have to be careful with your acceleration as the ballscrew
may not be able to withstand all the servo can dish out.
In the end, for a table top machine, I personally would go with the
steppers.

Scott