Introduction

While looking for a Integrated AC servo drive solution for my MightyMill build, I was tipped by the machine builder DamenCNC to look at the Delta ASDA-M series of AC servo drives for my gantry based cnc router.

In this article I’ll share some of the highlights that this product has to offer and my opinions regarding it.

What is the ASD-M AC servo drive?

The ASDA-M series goes beyond the typical servo drive. It includes 3-axis servo drives in one frame to support real-time data exchange among three axes without any time delay and provides 3-axis synchronous motion control with performance better than comparable servo drives. Such as a diy solution with ASDA-A3 and ASDA-A2 drives.

This synchronous features set allows a new gantry control function for synchronous control that is precisely adapted to pure rigid mechanical systems.

What features does the ASD-M have?

The main features of the Ac servo drive ASDA-M are as follows:

• 3 servo drives integrated in one unit
• 3 external encoder inputs for full closed loop operation (i.e. linear glass scales)
• Multi axis synchronised motion
• Expansion capabilities
• Step/dir input
• See Datasheet for all the information
• …

Benefits of such a drive for a (DIY) CNC router application?

One of the most challenging items I came across with my Mightymill build was Y-axis (gantry) synchronisation during high speed machining (HSM). In more DIY style of routers this is often something that is overlooked.

But when your goal is to develop a semi-professional system these become aspects that need to be mitigated.

When you are doing high speed machining (HSM) with feed rates of 10000mm/s and up AND require accurate parts gantry synchronisation becomes a serious problem.

The ASDA-M servo drives solves this solution by integrating multi axis synchronisation of Position, Speed and torque with a 16kHz loop speed. In addition it is basically 3 ASD-A2-0721-M drives integrated into one. This makes the overall installation much easier and compact

Alternative solution? ASD-A2 or ASD A3 drive

Delta offers other servo drives which have the gantry synchronisation function.

The options that I found comes down to basically tying two ASD-A2 drives together or two ASD-A3 drives.

This makes overall wiring and control more difficult. In addition to the lower slower sync rate between axis versus the 16 kHz that the ASD-M offers.

And in case with the A3 drives could require additional communication or hosting over a protocol such as Ethercat. Which makes it more difficult to integrate with DIY style cnc controllers such as UCCNC, Eding CNC or Acorn CNC.

How much does it cost?

Pricing of these ASDA drives varies a lot by country and from which dealer you get it from. I have seen western webshop prices of around 1500 USD while the Taiwan-based prices start from 700 USD for the ASD-M-0721-M model

There are various (second hand?) drives on ebay hovering around 600 USD mark. For the ASDA-M drive that I bought I paid on the lower end of the above range (Taiwan direct) ex taxes ex shipping ofcourse.

For basically three ASD-A2 drives in one I find that a good deal. Especially when looking at the extra features it offers.

How does it work-out in practice?

I’m currently waiting on my ASD-0721-M drives and ECMA-C10604RS AC servo motors to ship from Taiwan. When they arrive I will start mounting them on my machine and share the process with you. Make sure you subscribe to our e-mail newsletter. So you don’t miss these updates.

What is a Stepper Motor?

A stepper motor is an electric motor that converts electrical pulses into discrete mechanical movements. The motor’s position can then be controlled very precisely, making it ideal for use in applications where accuracy is critical. Stepper motors are widely used in a variety of industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, automotive assembly, and medical equipment.

What is a Servo Motor?

A servo motor is a type of motor that is used to control the movement of objects. It is typically used in applications where precise control is required, such as in robotics or CNC machines. Servo motors are available in a variety of sizes and power levels to suit different applications.

Pros and Cons of Stepper Motors

There are many factors to consider when choosing which type of motor to use for your CNC router. Here, we will explore the pros and cons of stepper motors to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Pros:

– Stepper motors are more precise than servo motors, making them ideal for projects that require high accuracy.

– They are also more affordable than servo motors, making them a good option if you are working with a tight budget.

– Stepper motors are easier to control than servo motors, so they may be a better choice if you are new to CNC routers.

Cons:

– Stepper motors can produce vibrations, which can impact the quality of your finished product.

– They also tend to generate more heat than servo motors, so they may not be the best choice if you are working with delicate materials or when you have for example 3D printed motor mounts.

Pros and Cons of Servo Motors

There are many factors to consider when choosing between a stepper motor and a servo motor for your CNC router. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of servo motors to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Servo motors are more expensive than stepper motors, but they offer several advantages. Servo motors are more precise in dynamic applications and have better torque control. They also can start and stop more quickly than stepper motors. Allowing you to have very high acceleration values.

However, servo motors require more complex controllers and are more sensitive to vibrations. Due to requiring a control algorithm (PI or PID) it requires you to tune each motor independently to achieve good performance during acceleration and deceleration. This aspect should not be underestimated! Especially with hobby grade servo systems.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly ready to go option, a stepper motor may be the better choice.

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What option did I go for?

For my personal PrintNC CNC I made use of a servo motor. Why? Compact nature of it, this specific one had an integrated controller and quick response. So far it has worked great in my setup.

JMC 180W integrated IHSV57 servo 0.6Nm , 1.8Nm peak – Aliexpress

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the type of motor you should use for your CNC router will depend on a number of factors. However, in general, servo motors tend to allow higher accelerations and faster response than stepper motors, making them ideal for quick response industrial situations. But this comes at a much higher entry cost and effort of setup.

If you just need a budget friendly quick to setup option, seriously consider the good old stepper motor.