Hi,
as OP explained in an earlier post the feedback steppers and drives were cheaper than two shaft steppers and encoders, so in a sense price was a factor and
closed loop steppers and drives resulted.
Like you jcoldon my open loop steppers haven't missed a step in four years. Correctly sized/driven/specified steppers used within their limits DON"T lose steps, they are
remarkably simple, reliable, powerful and very economically priced. They certainly are a boon to hobby CNCers.
I do recall though when I was fist building and operating my mill very concerned about losing steps. At that time I had some cheap drivers and missing steps was a distinct
possibility. As I have 5 phase Vexta steppers good drives are not cheap. I did in the end get proper Vexta 5 phase drivers, they are powered offline 230VAC and have a DC link voltage
of about 150VDC. My steppers now sing along and never even look like missing a step.
None the less the manufacturers trolling their 'closed loop steppers...never miss a step' wares were very seductive. Many a hobbyist have stumped up the dollars to buy. The
manufacturers must be congratulated for their marketing effort, they have made millions by playing on a hobbyists fear of losing steps.
In very similar fashion Tecknics have done a great job marketing their 'stepper killer' servos. Their servos are good but there are better for less. Congratulations to Tecknics.
Craig