1/8 stepping verses 1/16 stepping

[Eaglezsoar]

I have the older version of the Rambo card with 1/8 stepping. If I were to upgrade to the latest card
with 1/16 stepping what benefits would I see? I am trying to determine if the upgrade is worth the cost.
Thanks to all who respond.

[Jimustanguitar]

Well... It seems like I did this math already
There will be a difference, but you probably couldn't see it without magnification... I think it's probably splitting hairs.

It would be interesting if someone with the new board could print a test piece with both microstep settings and see if there's a noticeable difference at all.

[Polygonhell]

You should read up on Micro stepping stepper drivers, but my guess is there would be no noticeable difference.

Basically a micro stepping driver introduces points between the steps where adjacent coils are partially powered these are not usually considered accurate points like the whole steps and while at them the motor has less available holding torque, the primary reason for doing this is smoothness of motion.
However on lightweight machines like 3D printers, the microsteps do actually increase the resolution to some extent, it's just not as simple as the math would indicate.