The Pen Plotter V:1.0
This is a device that uses a multitude of programs (Fusion 360, Arduino, and ugs64) in order to turn .gcode files into 2D pictures. Physical contruction involves several 20X10 and 20X20 steel bars in addition to pre-cut acryllic pieces as part of a kit. Three servo motors are responsible for controlling the marker as it moves along the X, Y, and Z axes.
Fusion 360 renderings and toolpaths of the three test pictures.
The heart of the Pen Plotter, an Arduino Uno. Note the heat shield mounted to all of the Arduino's female pins. Without this component, not only would the wiring be much more complex, there would also be a real risk of the Pen Plotter overheating from the extra power being fed to it via the barrel jack and power adapter (plugs into standard wall socket).
A screenshot of the ugs64 program. This is the program that acts as the intermediary between Arduino and the pen plotter itself.
A .gcode file for one of the test drawings. Note how it specifically tells when the marker should be raised and lowered along the Z-axis as well as where exactly said market should go and for what distance.
Early tests of the servo motors for the X and Y axes.
A live-action test of the Pen-Plotter drawing out one of my images. Note the sharp, precise movements it makes. Beautiful, no?
The Pen Plotter's handiwork. Theoretically, it would be possible to achieve an even finer level of detail if a writing instrument other than a market was used.
