<p>The simple way to do this is to use a self-locking screw pitch. Pretty much any single-start thread using a sliding nut cannot be back-driven so the load will not fall. Normal 8x8 trapezoidal thread screws will easily back-drive because of the steep pitch. </p>

<p>Likewise, a worm drive between the motor and Z stage will hold the load. You would want to switch from screws to belts for the main motion stage in that case though, to avoid having too much total gear reduction. </p>

<p>Both of these solutions will limit your maximum Z speed, of course. But they're simple and reliable. Clutches and brakes add a lot of complexity and must be actuated somehow. Designers who want the load to stay suspended almost always simply use single-start screws. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-16T20:26:12.517Z
Nice answer, but I was looking for something that I could add onto my existing setup, without replacing my current leadscrew.
Tom van der Zanden
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-18T17:10:24.610Z
Replacing the leadscrew is by far the easiest option. Anything else you do will be more complicated and/or decrease your Z stage performance. Doesn't really make sense to me why you'd be willing to install something between the motor and screw, but not replace the screw.
Ryan Carlyle
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-16T17:12:22.060Z
2016-07-16T17:12:22.060Z
Ryan Carlyle
<p>The first, the simplest and the chippest solution (as described by Ryan Carlyle) is to use self locking screw - no doubt. </p>

<p>But I understand you already have your printer. Changing screw (thread rod) is a bit complicated I suppose. As it also needs to change "nuts" and change control settings and so on and so on. So in my opinion, in your case, it's much simpler to change motor to <a href="http://pl.aliexpress.com/item/free-shipping-4-lead-Nema-17-Stepper-Motor-nema-17-step-motor-with-brake-CNC-Laser/32633409852.html?spm=2114.56010508.4.8.R5JQzM" rel="nofollow">one with break</a> or at least the one with permanent magnets which would hold some torque to support your bed.</p>

<p>Another solution which would also not require to exchange your existing parts is to use kinda ratcher driven by <a href="https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11015" rel="nofollow">solenoid</a> which would work as a break when deenergized. Where to install it, how to ensure it will hold your bed or prevent your threded rod from rotating is another issue but all options I suggest doesn't need to destroy your existing construction. They all work as additional part.</p>

<p>If you would be so kind and reveal some photos of your design, it would simplify to find proper application of solenoid break.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-16T20:56:25.710Z
2016-07-16T21:05:43.210Z
2016-07-16T21:05:43.210Z
darth pixel
<p>It should be possible for you to add a counterweight. Pulley at the top, and a string / wire / etc up from the build platform, over the pulley, and back down to a hanging weight. You'll probably want two, one on each side.</p>

<p>This won't directly prevent the motor from slipping - but it will lessen the amount of force trying to make the motor slip. </p>

<p>Note that it will decrease the maximum z-axis acceleration downwards, but will increase the maximum z-axis acceleration upwards. Unfortunately, downwards is the direction that matters for a print.</p>

<p>Also, you could try a circuit to short out the motor when the unit is powered off. The simplest thing would probably be a relay. Note that this could cause issues if the circuit fails in shorted position unless it also disengages the controller input. (This may not be enough to <em>prevent</em> movement, however, just slow it.)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-16T22:34:08.403Z
Adding c-w is generally well known solution to decrease power consumption as then motor just rewinds cable (string). But in a device as delicate as 3Dp it's hard to apply. #1 c-w needs to counter-weight so it should weight close to equally to the bed. #2 c-w needs to be stabilised but in 3Dp we have rapid mvments in X & Y - inertia will swey c-w and will have influence on printout quality. Creating a circuit which will shortcircuit or crosscircuit Zax motors is ok but only if you can do it well and not manually operated, otherwise sooner or later you will fry up something (probably stepsticks)
darth pixel
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-18T17:08:17.880Z
The only good, safe way to balance the Z stage weight is a constant-force spring. That would be a good approach. Actual counterweights add moving mass and can cause some bad resonance/ringing type effects.
Ryan Carlyle
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-18T19:42:32.550Z
Good to know. Though, that being said, any suggestions as to where one could find a constant-force spring for a decent price? One nice thing about a counterweight is that it doesn't cost much (if anything).
TLW
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-16T21:32:13.380Z
2016-07-16T21:32:13.380Z
TLW
<p>If your stepper motors have shafts protruding from both ends then it may be possible to simply 3d print a fixture that allows a thumb screw to be tightened and clamp down on the unused part of the shaft.</p>

<p>This would however be a very manual approach and would require you to be mindful that the screw must always be disengaged just after motors are powered on..</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-07-24T03:00:19.060Z
2016-07-24T03:00:19.060Z
Logic1
<p>Because of the weight of my Z-axis and the relative ease of its motion, when the Z-axis motor is powered down the bed has a tendency to slip and fall down.</p>

<p>Obviously leaving the motor powered solves this problem, but that is not ideal.</p>

<p>I am looking for some kind of solution that passively stops the Z-axis motor from slipping; some kind of brake or clutch. Ideally I'm looking for something that I can add onto my current motors and that I could print myself. Commercial solutions (preferably ones that could be replicated with a 3D printer) would also make valid answers.</p>

<z-axis><stepper>
How to keep Z-axis motor from slipping when powered down
Tom van der Zanden
# How to keep Z-axis motor from slipping when powered down

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-07-16)

Because of the weight of my Z-axis and the relative ease of its motion, when the Z-axis motor is powered down the bed has a tendency to slip and fall down.

Obviously leaving the motor powered solves this problem, but that is not ideal.

I am looking for some kind of solution that passively stops the Z-axis motor from slipping; some kind of brake or clutch. Ideally I'm looking for something that I can add onto my current motors and that I could print myself. Commercial solutions (preferably ones that could be replicated with a 3D printer) would also make valid answers.

**Tags:** z-axis, stepper

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## 4 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-07-16. Score: 5

The simple way to do this is to use a self-locking screw pitch. Pretty much any single-start thread using a sliding nut cannot be back-driven so the load will not fall. Normal 8x8 trapezoidal thread screws will easily back-drive because of the steep pitch.

Likewise, a worm drive between the motor and Z stage will hold the load. You would want to switch from screws to belts for the main motion stage in that case though, to avoid having too much total gear reduction.

Both of these solutions will limit your maximum Z speed, of course. But they're simple and reliable. Clutches and brakes add a lot of complexity and must be actuated somehow. Designers who want the load to stay suspended almost always simply use single-start screws.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Nice answer, but I was looking for something that I could add onto my existing setup, without replacing my current leadscrew.  
> **username_1**: Replacing the leadscrew is by far the easiest option. Anything else you do will be more complicated and/or decrease your Z stage performance. Doesn't really make sense to me why you'd be willing to install something between the motor and screw, but not replace the screw.  

---

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-07-16. Score: 2

The first, the simplest and the chippest solution (as described by Ryan Carlyle) is to use self locking screw - no doubt.

But I understand you already have your printer. Changing screw (thread rod) is a bit complicated I suppose. As it also needs to change "nuts" and change control settings and so on and so on. So in my opinion, in your case, it's much simpler to change motor to [one with break](http://pl.aliexpress.com/item/free-shipping-4-lead-Nema-17-Stepper-Motor-nema-17-step-motor-with-brake-CNC-Laser/32633409852.html?spm=2114.56010508.4.8.R5JQzM) or at least the one with permanent magnets which would hold some torque to support your bed.

Another solution which would also not require to exchange your existing parts is to use kinda ratcher driven by [solenoid](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11015) which would work as a break when deenergized. Where to install it, how to ensure it will hold your bed or prevent your threded rod from rotating is another issue but all options I suggest doesn't need to destroy your existing construction. They all work as additional part.

If you would be so kind and reveal some photos of your design, it would simplify to find proper application of solenoid break.


---

### Answer by username_3 on 2016-07-16. Score: 2

It should be possible for you to add a counterweight. Pulley at the top, and a string / wire / etc up from the build platform, over the pulley, and back down to a hanging weight. You'll probably want two, one on each side.

This won't directly prevent the motor from slipping - but it will lessen the amount of force trying to make the motor slip.

Note that it will decrease the maximum z-axis acceleration downwards, but will increase the maximum z-axis acceleration upwards. Unfortunately, downwards is the direction that matters for a print.

Also, you could try a circuit to short out the motor when the unit is powered off. The simplest thing would probably be a relay. Note that this could cause issues if the circuit fails in shorted position unless it also disengages the controller input. (This may not be enough to *prevent* movement, however, just slow it.)

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Adding c-w is generally well known solution to decrease power consumption as then motor just rewinds cable (string). But in a device as delicate as 3Dp it's hard to apply. #1 c-w needs to counter-weight so it should weight close to equally to the bed. #2 c-w needs to be stabilised but in 3Dp we have rapid mvments in X & Y - inertia will swey c-w and will have influence on printout quality. Creating a circuit which will shortcircuit or crosscircuit Zax motors is ok but only if you can do it well and not manually operated, otherwise sooner or later you will fry up something (probably stepsticks)  
> **username_1**: The only good, safe way to balance the Z stage weight is a constant-force spring. That would be a good approach. Actual counterweights add moving mass and can cause some bad resonance/ringing type effects.  
> **username_3**: Good to know. Though, that being said, any suggestions as to where one could find a constant-force spring for a decent price? One nice thing about a counterweight is that it doesn't cost much (if anything).  

---

### Answer by username_4 on 2016-07-24. Score: 0

If your stepper motors have shafts protruding from both ends then it may be possible to simply 3d print a fixture that allows a thumb screw to be tightened and clamp down on the unused part of the shaft.

This would however be a very manual approach and would require you to be mindful that the screw must always be disengaged just after motors are powered on..


---

