You can turn a stepper motor without a driver at all, but this inexpensive device simplifies the connection and control process to the maximum, provides convenience and safety, makes operation smoother and increases torque, radically reduces the load on the controller’s computing power and the number of pins involved, which makes its presence on a modern CNC not just desirable, but mandatory.
The driver should be selected individually for each project. If we are talking about a 3D printer, then the compatibility with the motherboard and the requirements of the installed stepper motors, primarily for current and voltages is of great importance. An important characteristic, especially for a home printer, smoothness and silence of work, few people will be able to tolerate for hours howling and whirring box, issuing wavy products. The difference in price, in this case, does not matter much, dubious economy is not worth the loss of reliability, comfort and quality.
As for powerful CNC machines, you should choose from enclosure drivers. They are represented by a wide range of models for any load and tasks.
A stepper motor driver is a convenient, and often a necessary element of modern CNC machines, including our favorite 3D printers. In precision mechanical engineering there are no insignificant details, all links have an impact on the final result, and therefore it is worth paying attention to even such “little things”.
For 3D printers of amateur and semi-professional level we have found the best universal driver, the winner was TMC2208, for more complex tasks you will have to choose on your own, guided by common sense, reasonable sufficiency and the budget of the project.
Every self-respecting DIY-master should know how to choose, connect and configure the right drivers for his stepper motor.
