X-Y plotter/laser engraver for children and directors

thingiverse

Simple things for simple people... This is a straightforward linear unit consisting of just two 3D printed parts per linear drive and two identical units to form a complete x-y plotter. No limit switches, no timing belts, just a threaded M6 rod and nut, two 6mm rods with one linear bearing each and a ball bearing with 6mm hole are used. Press the nut into the opening of the printed part, using a vise. The speed may seem unimpressive at first glance, but every second, 150 steps are made. When the sliding tables of two linear units are bolted together, a fully operational X-Y unit is created. For printing, lay the main unit flat and rotate it 45 degrees along the Z-axis to fit it on a standard 20x20 bed. In this case, 5 Volt stepper motors are used. Make sure that the power supply delivers about 2 amps. Notice the flexible tube connecting the stepper shaft to the threaded rod. An engraving laser diode is available from AliExpress for approximately 15 Euros. There are holes for mounting to a base plate and for installing the laser or a pen. If necessary, the threaded shaft can be secured to the bearing with two M6 nuts. This plotter is very slow compared to timing belt configurations, which is excellent for laser engraving (see example in the last video). An Arduino test sketch is attached (see 3D movie). First, you can adjust the zero position. As soon as Start is pressed, the drawing will be made. The pen holder shown in the third video was used only for testing purposes. https://youtu.be/xz_17DFEhME https://youtu.be/1RHgbjF58Zc https://youtu.be/BefVRcUXZJw https://youtu.be/0o9yg0K9XmI