CNC Shield V3.0 - 4 slots for A4988, 12 V, for Arduino UNO
Pay in 30 days
Pay in 30 days
Description
Product overview
- Expansion module for Arduino UNO boards for controlling stepper motors
- Four sockets for A4988 motor driver ICs, one for each motor
- Separate power supply, usually 12 V DC
- Enable, direction, and pulse control via digital Arduino pins
- Protection against splashes through a soldered circuit board on the shield
Product description
The CNC shield is an expansion module for controlling bipolar stepper motors on Arduino UNO boards. It plugs into the UNO's header connectors and distributes its digital outputs to up to four A4988 motor driver ICs, allowing four stepper motors to be controlled independently.
The motor driver ICs convert the Arduino's control signals into current pulses that move the motor forward or backward step by step. Each motor has three control lines: Enable switches the power stage on and off, Direction determines the direction of rotation, and Pulse counts the steps. This keeps the parallel control of multiple motors independent, provided the power supply delivers enough current for all four drivers.
Applications include any situation where several axes need to be moved simultaneously. DIY CNC milling machines use the shield for the X, Y, and Z axes, while linear actuators in constructions use it for multi-axis motion sequences. Even simple plotters can be built with two or three motors when the Arduino has the appropriate control software.
The shield requires an external power supply, typically 12 V DC with sufficient current reserve for all drivers and motors combined. The Arduino IDE and basic knowledge of C-like languages are sufficient for programming. Note that the A4988 drivers heat up during operation and should be cooled under load; small heatsinks are customary for continuous operation.
Safety notice
This module is intended exclusively for building prototypes and for testing and development purposes, and is not suitable for installation in the household power circuit. Beware of excessive input voltages at the motor drivers; reversing the power supply polarity can destroy the ICs. Before commissioning, consult a qualified electrician for work on or near power supplies.
Scope of delivery
- 1* A4988 CNC Shield V3.0 for Arduino UNO Controller