[localbroadcast]

Building a 3 axis cnc machine using stepper motors.

For the Z axis, the rotary cutting tool will be moved vertically. When the Z axis is not being told to move by the software, I am assuming there will be no signal being sent to the Z axis stepper motor. My fear is that unless some sort of brake is applied to this axis, then gravity will cause the cutting tool to 'fall' every time there is no instruction being sent to the Z stepper. Is this the case?? Or will the software automatically send a holding current to this stepper in order to keep it stationary? If a stepper is given a holding current like this, is there a chance that the stepper can get burnt out because it's having current on the same coil for an extended period of time? Any help would be appreciated greatly

[ger21]

Steppers are strongest when they are not spinning. If no step signals are sent to the drive, then they will hold steady. That's how they work. And no, they won't be damaged.

[localbroadcast]

Thanks for another great quick response and a straight forward answer. Many pleasure filled nights be sent your way.