@cozmicray:
Read a few post up Nicholas said that he is using a thread clamp to keep the load off of the stepper motor.
The thread clamp is located on top of the upper platen bearing.
So there is no axial load on the stepper motor bearings.
As Nicholas just said the weight of the lead screw is inconsequential to the ability of a Dia 1.000" inch bearing to support it in a thrust application.
It's a fly on an elephants arse :D
It's the stepper motor bearings you need to consider if you were to place an axial load on the rotor shaft.
We don't know what the design configuration is inside the stepper motor housing surrounding the bearings.
If there is not a shoulder behind the bearing, and/or the bearing is not press fit properly (loose),
the stepper motor shaft has the potential to shift and the rotor will crash and burn.
Over time vibrations can also cause bearings to shift if there is no support.
Read a few post up Nicholas said that he is using a thread clamp to keep the load off of the stepper motor.
The thread clamp is located on top of the upper platen bearing.
So there is no axial load on the stepper motor bearings.
As Nicholas just said the weight of the lead screw is inconsequential to the ability of a Dia 1.000" inch bearing to support it in a thrust application.
It's a fly on an elephants arse :D
It's the stepper motor bearings you need to consider if you were to place an axial load on the rotor shaft.
We don't know what the design configuration is inside the stepper motor housing surrounding the bearings.
If there is not a shoulder behind the bearing, and/or the bearing is not press fit properly (loose),
the stepper motor shaft has the potential to shift and the rotor will crash and burn.
Over time vibrations can also cause bearings to shift if there is no support.