Stepper motor noise

[peter22]

Hi, Just got my CNC put together and getting to know it. My motors (Y motors) are make a strange noise when they are at idle. It’s not quite humming but more like a fly buzzing in the window trying to get out. Is that normal? I have another CNC and the motors are dead silent.

[TomKerekes]

Hi Peter,

What kind of stepper drives do you have?

Sometimes chopping drivers pick up noise and or cross talk in the wiring so there is variation in the current measurement. The result normally sounds like a hissing sound (noise). You might find a different wiring arrangement/shielding/grounding improves things.