I have a linear stepper motor that has to all ways start from the zero position. I have a mechanical physical stop as zero. Will I do any harm to the motor or motor shield if I command the motor to step backwards on initialization. It will mean the motor will not be able to move for quite a lot of step commands ?
Ray.
We have no information on what actuator that you have so answers must be general. Post a data sheet and we can be more specific.
That heavily depends on the mechanical setup and the physical properties of the end stop.
Automotive gauges home that way but those motors are pretty weak.
A lead screw can generate large forces so the stop would have to be strong enough to withstand those forces.
A belt drive generates smaller forces, but the physical setup still must be strong enough.
Stepping a stalled stepper will not harm the stepper, but can't say the same for the mechanical setup.
Personally I would install a limit switch of some sort. Mechanical, optical or Hall effect are some choices.
Thank you. I am very confident that my stop will not move. but I will look at adding a switch for zero position.
This is the datasheet.
Ray.
That device is a new one for me. I have not seen a stepper with internal threads moving a lead screw. If I was designing equipment to use it, I would put a switch at the maximum extension position for both directions.
That's a standard stepper actuator, used all over the place to drive valves and the like - the data does not indicate if its safe to drive to an endstop, but the max (holding) torque is 0.21Nm and the thread is 5mm diameter (dual pitch I think) - that sounds OK given the sorts of torques you see recommended for ordinary M5 threaded components (several Nm typically).
However I am assuming the internal thread is metal - if its plastic it might be damaged, so I'd be a little cautious in testing.
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