Does anyone have experience with the NEMA stepper + Planetary gearbox combos (https://www.robotshop.com/ca/en/12v-17a-416oz-geared-bipolar-stepper-motor.html)?
I’d specifically like to know how high of a gear ratio you can use before the gearbox will begin to self lock.
For reference, the application I intend this for requires that the operator rotates the shaft by hand into a position while the motor power is disengaged, the force being applied to it will be about 70mm from the shaft center.
Thanks everyone!
The manufacturer of the gearbox doesn’t seem to have stats on the torque needed to backdrive the motor + gearbox. If you are using a stepper motor controller, you can cause the motor to brake, making it very difficult to rotate. High quality gearing like those from Maxon Motors have as little friction as possible, and high quality grease, and would be far easier to rotate than low quality, high friction gearboxes (give the same ratio). Similarly, the manufacturer of the motor doesn’t seem to have that stat either. Can’t provide much insight, so perhaps someone else in the community will reply.
