Hi everyone,
I'm currently building a 3D printer and choose Trinamic TMC2160 drivers offering 60V 4.5A. The Trinamic drivers are the go-to choice for 3D printing due to the Stealth Chop mode that is super smooth. They also have 'Spread Spectrum' mode which offers more torque and RPM but isn't quite as smooth as Stealth Chop.
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To compare I wanted to drive my regular CNC router from the new Trinamic drives and compare with my existing regular CW8060 drivers 80V 6A. These drivers are not that new and I think there are a number of similar designs going around with slightly different part numbers. Inside, the main micro-controller has no part number I've got a similar smaller driver that uses a 56F8013 DSP chip. Though this is a programmable item I Think, so it all depends on the code anyway.
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However, here is the comparison. All moving at 600mm/min. I was testing the Trinamic on 30V from an adjustable power supply which has a fan, with Stealth Chop you can hear the fan ramp up when the motor draws current more loudly than you can hear the stepper!!
> CW8060 1/5 Micro-stepping - Google Video <
> CW8060 1/125 Micro-stepping - Google Video <
> Trinamic 2160 Spread Spectrum - Google Video <
> Trinamic 2160 Stealth Chop - Google Video <
Clearly, the Trinamic drivers are far smoother than even 1/125 micro-stepping. Particularly in Stealth Chop mode, but that does limit power output for the luxury.
So it makes me wonder - are there more modern stepper drivers that offer a similar level of smoothness as this, but with 80V 6A? Have I always been missing smooth stepper drive just because I cheaped out and didn't buy genuine leadshine, or what?