Making a plotter with your own hands

Graph plotters are tools that can automatically create accurate drawings, sketches, and diagrams on various materials such as paper, fabric, leather, and more. One popular type of plotter is the cutting plotter. It is indeed possible to build a homemade plotter using components from an old printer or DVD drive, specific software, and various other materials.

CNC plotter from dvd-drive

Create your own small plotter from a dvd-drive with relative ease. This DIY device, powered by an Arduino, will be much more affordable than its branded counterpart.

The working area of the resulting device will measure 4 by 4 cm.

• Glue or double-sided tape;
• Soldering iron for soldering;
• Wires for mounting jumpers;
• Dvd-drive (2 pcs.), from which the stepper motor will be extracted;
• Arduino Uno;
• Servomotor;
• L293D microchip (motor driver) – 2 pcs;
• Solderless breadboard (plastic base with conductive connectors).

To bring this project to life, you will need the following tools:

• Soldering iron;
• Screwdriver;
• Mini-drill.

Experienced enthusiasts of DIY electronic products have the opportunity to enhance the functionality of their devices by utilizing supplementary components during the assembly process.

To assemble the cnc plotter, follow the following steps:

• Use a screwdriver to disassemble 2 dvd-drives to get the stepper motors. From the remaining parts, select two side bases for the future graph plotter;
• Connect the selected bases with screws, adjusting their dimensions, to create the X and Y axes, as shown in the photo below;

The assembly includes the X-axis and Y-axis.

• To the X-axis, you need to connect the Z-axis, which is a servo drive with a holder for a pencil or pen, as shown in the picture;

• Attach a 5 by 5 cm square of plywood (or plastic, board) to the Y-axis, which will serve as a base for placing the paper;

The base for placing the paper

• Assemble the components, paying special attention to the connection of the stepper motors. Create the electrical circuit on a solderless board according to the diagram below;

Schematic diagram of electrical connections

• Input the code to test the functionality of the X-Y axis;
• Verify that the kit is working properly: if the stepper motors are functioning, then the components are connected correctly according to the diagram;
• Load the operational code (for Arduino) onto the plotter;
• Download and execute the .exe program for G-code processing;
• Install the Inkscape program (a vector graphic editor) on the computer;
• Add the plugin to Inkscape, which enables the conversion of G-code into images;
• Configure the settings of Inkscape accordingly;

Upon completion of these steps, the homemade mini plotter is ready for operation.

It is imperative that the coordinate axes are positioned perpendicular to one another. Simultaneously, the pencil (or pen) secured in the holder should smoothly move up and down using the servo drive. If the stepper drives are not functioning, it is necessary to verify the accuracy of their connection with L293D chips and locate a working alternative.

One can acquire the code for testing the X-Y axes, graph builder operation, and Inkscape program with an add-on from the internet.

G-code is a file that contains X-Y-Z coordinates. Inkscape functions as an intermediary to generate plotter-compatible files with this code, which is then converted into motor movement. To print the desired image or text, one will need to use Inkscape to pre-translate them into G-code, which will then be transmitted to the printer.

Here is a video showcasing how a DIY plotter made from a dvd drive operates:

Plotter from a printer

Plotters can be categorized based on different factors. Devices that secure the media firmly using mechanical, electrostatic, or vacuum methods are known as flatbed plotters. These devices have the capability to create an image and also cut it out if the corresponding function is available. They offer horizontal and vertical cutting options. The size of the tablet determines the limits of the media parameters.

A cutting plotter, also known as a cutter, incorporates a built-in cutter or knife. It is primarily used to cut images from various materials such as:

• regular and photo paper
• vinyl
• cardboard
• different kinds of film

It is possible to convert a printer into a flatbed printing or cutting plotter. In the former case, a pencil or pen is installed in the holder, while in the latter, a knife or laser is used.

Build your own homemade tablet graph plotter

If you want to assemble the device by yourself, you will need the following components and materials:

• Stepper motors (2), printer guides and carriages
• An Arduino or microcontroller (such as ATMEG16, ULN2003A) to convert computer commands into signals for moving the actuators
• A 300mW laser
• A power supply
• Gears and belts
• Bolts, nuts, and washers
• Organic glass or plywood as a base

The laser enables cutting thin films and wood burning

The easiest way to assemble the tablet graph builder is by following these steps:

• Create a base using your chosen material and connect the elements of the structure with bolts or adhesive

• Follow the photo demonstration to create holes and insert guides;

• Put together the carriage to attach the pen or laser;

A carriage that has openings to accommodate guides

• put together the mounting;

The mounting of the marker

• Set up the construction as illustrated by installing stepper motors, gears, and belts;

Constructed a DIY plotter

• Connect the electrical circuit
• Install the computer software;
• Put the device into operation after conducting tests.

If you are using Arduino, then the aforementioned programs will work. Different microcontrollers may require the installation of different software.

When a knife is attached to cut film or paper (cardboard), the depth of penetration should be adjusted appropriately through experimentation.

The above design can be enhanced by incorporating automation. The exact parameters will need to be selected through experimentation, using the available resources. Some components may need to be acquired.

Both options for creating graphs can be done separately, as long as you have old unused equipment and the motivation to do it. These low-cost devices have the ability to draw pictures, cut out different images and shapes. Although they are not as advanced as their industrial counterparts, they can greatly simplify the process of creating drawings if you need to do it frequently. Additionally, there is free software available online that can be used.