After a while of testing speeds with both software stepping and hardware stepping, I have come to the conclusion that hardware stepping is way faster than software.

I now realize that software stepping just won't cut it in regards to speed. I go into further detail here, but basically, the kernel cannot generate enough steps to move the motor any faster.

Using software stepping, my stepper motor moves at 674.9 ipm. To put it in perspective, 674.9 ipm -- in terms of rate -- translates into 285.7 mm/s. If I were to have a 1000 x 1000 mm bed (which is what I am going for) and use this speed, it would take my machine about 3 seconds to go from one side to the other, at its FASTEST.

The jobs would take way too long to complete at this rate. Hardware stepping, however, is different.

Using hardware stepping, my stepper motor (theoretically) moves at 7086.6 ipm . This here is a serious improvement and will ensure that my jobs get finished quicker.

There are more details here at my blogpost.

That's all for now.