3D Printed 2D Plotter

thingiverse

UPDATE Section: March 23, 2019 The schematics of the Arduino with the CNC shield are available at: https://cdn.instructables.com/FJ94VQ9IYLZPS6Y.LARGE.jpg (Disclaimer: Picture is not made by myself) December 30, 2018 I designed a new pen lift mechanism that works very well. The angle of the pen pushing against the slider depends on the height difference you need. I also added a BOM (based on AliExpress prices in the Netherlands on December 29, 2018), and the total price is around €100. The ZIP file contains all STL files and SolidWorks files so you can adjust it to your needs. At this moment, I'm satisfied with the machine as it is and don't plan to update anything soon. If there are any problems or suggestions, please let me know. December 29, 2018 I've made a pen/laser module lift mechanism that doesn't work well enough for my liking. I've printed and assembled all the axes, and the X and Y axes work very well (although I have bad rods and bearings that make a bad sound but provide good movement). I also lowered the height of the axis, which lowers the 'Z-height' by about 30 mm. I've tested the setup, and it works well considering the lift mechanism for the pen is really bad. Now it's time to update the pen lift mechanism and test some more. After that, I'll publish the STL and SolidWorks files. December 27, 2018 At this moment, I have one axis printed and assembled, which works very well! Considering all the axes are exactly the same but one is stacked upon the other, I'll leave the other two axes for later and try to make a pen holder for the axis I have and test how it will work out. -------------------------------------------------- Description: This is a 2D plotter/printer/engraver/whatever you want. I made it to use for several projects. The main goal for me is to place a piece of wood under the pen holder and let the machine draw things on it. Keep in mind that you can design whatever attachments you want. There are 8 holes on the plate where stuff can be attached, each 10mm apart from each other (center to center). You can try to use this design to make a CNC mill/router, but I doubt if it will work considering the fact that the axes are positioned besides each other and aren't very stiff by themselves. Let me know if you made something like that; I'd be happy to see it. Project Requirements: - Expendable workspace (thus expanding without redesigning parts) - Ability to use multiple attachments (for laser, pen, vinyl cutter (?), 3D printer head) - One linear axis design that can be stacked -> Minimum number of different parts - No extrusion profiles - Use the parts I already have - Sufficient height: ~10 cm Parts Required for One Linear Axis: - 2 Shafts of 8mm - 1 Nema 17 motor - 1 GT2 pulley for the NEMA 17 - 1 GT2 bearing or another bearing to guide the belt - 3 or 4 LM8UU bearings - 2 GT2 pulley connectors - Xm GT2 belt - Multiple 3mm bolts and nuts (another size is also fine, but you'll have to drill bigger holes)