AMCI SD4840EK, User Manual

Page: 90 / 104

I
NSTALLING THE
SD4840EK
SD4840EK User Manual
ADVANCED MICRO CONTROLS INC.
90
2.8 Installing the Stepper Motor (continued)
2.8.2 Mounting the Motor
All AMCI motor have flanges on the front of the motor for mounting. This flange also acts as a heatsink, so
motors should be mounted on a large, unpainted metal surface. Mounting a motor in this fashion will allow a
significant amount of heat to be dissipated away from the motor, which will increase the motor’s life by
reducing its operating temperature. If you cannot mount the motor on a large metal surface, you may need to
install a fan to force cooling air over the motor.
Motors should be mounted using the heaviest hardware possible. AMCI motors can produce high torques and
accelerations that may weaken and shear inadequate mounting hardware.
1) The motor case must be grounded for proper operation. This is usually accomplished
through its mounting hardware. If you suspect a problem with your installation, such as
mounting the motor to a painted surface, then run a bonding wire from the motor to a solid
earth ground point near it. Use a minimum #8 gauge stranded wire or 1/2" wire braid as the
grounding wire
2) Do not disassemble
any
stepper motor. A significant reduction in motor performance will
result.
2.8.3 Connecting the Load
Care must be exercised when connecting your load to the stepper motor. Even small shaft misalignments can
cause large loading effects on the bearings of the motor and load. The use of a flexible coupler is
strongly
rec-
ommended whenever possible.
2.8.4 Extending the Motor Cable
Even though it is possible to extend the cable length an additional forty feet, AMCI recommends installing
the SD4840EK as close to the motor as possible. This will decrease the chances of forming a ground loop,
and has the added benefit of limiting the amount of power loss in the motor cable. If you must extend the
cable, you should use a cable with twisted pairs 18 AWG or larger and an overall shield. The motor connector
will accept up to 12 AWG wire. The exact gauge that you use will depend on the length of the run and
expected temperature rise in your application. Belden 9552 is a suggested 18 AWG cable.
2.8.5 Installing the Motor Cable
1) All of the motor connections are high power, high voltage signals. Cable from the motor
can be installed in conduit along with ac/dc power lines or high power ac/dc I/O. It cannot
be installed in conduit with low power cabling such as I/O cabling or Ethernet cabling
attached to the SD4840EK.
2) If you decide to extend the motor cable, treat the shield as a signal carrying conductor when
installing the motor cable. Do not connect the shield to earth ground at any junction box.