Posted by VC on 01/03/2016 08:55:21:
Tried this (stepper) 200*8 (micro steps)*20 (lead screw) = 32000
Tried that in step/mm and the stepper just makes a noise that's like a high pitched squeak.
That suggests 1 full turn of stepper motor gives 0.05mm movement of the axis. Are you sure that is correct?
I agree with others that NEMA 17 is likely to be a bit on the small side, unless geared down quite a lot.
Also check that traverse speed and acceleration aren't set too high – set to minimum for initial testing. It's very easy to ask the steppers to do more than they can manage in accelerating the carriage and overcoming friction.