Why are 3D printers still stuck on stepper motors? Why haven’t we transitioned to servo motors with encoder feedback for positioning?

Is it just too cost prohibitive for the consumer-level? We would be able to print a lot faster and more accurately if we had position feedback on the axes. Instead we just rely blindly on the stepper not skipping any steps when we tell it to move, hoping for the best.

  • Strykker@programming.devEnglish
    6·
    6 months ago

    If you are buying industrial grade 1000+ dollar servos you are no longer “hobbyist” in the price range that hobby level 3D printers exist steppers are more precise than servos.

    • DreadPotato@sopuli.xyzOPEnglish
      21·
      6 months ago

      in the price range that hobby level 3D printers exist steppers are more precise than servos.

      Yes that’s exactly what I’m saying…it’s the cost that’s in the way of the switch, not that steppers are the best solution. They’re only the best solution within the price constraints we have as hobbyists.

      • ShepherdPie@midwest.socialEnglish
        3·
        6 months ago

        But how do you define “best?” Servos may be functionally better, but if you can’t sell your product to consumers because it’s so expensive, is it really the best product out there and who exactly is it the best for?

        It’s like saying Kobe beef makes the best burgers, but if you’re trying to feed 10,000 people then wouldn’t your typical 80/20 ground beef from Walmart be the best option? I don’t think hungry patrons would appreciate paying $100 for a kobe burger over $1 for your standard burger. They just want to eat.