d.i.d. - Scalable Pen Plotter

Our Github - updated files and firmware

Our Website - Store and general info about us and our goals.

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During this quarantine period we thought that our pen plotter could be a fun way to pass time and learn about vector graphics and robotics!

It's easy to make and good way to learn about cnc machines, a first step towards this great world of machines around us!

You can generate plottable gcode with illustrator (look at our plugin on github), Inkscape and Lightburn! In our github you can find our latest pre-configured firmware

d.i.d. is a 3d printed, open-source, scalable, pen plotter. The aim of the project is to make a cheap, easy to build, printer made specifically for vector-based graphics.

From a precise pen made for technical drawing, to big markers used for graffiti; the way printing is perceived on paper is not bound anymore to the restrictions of a cartridge. The material on which it is printed now also has a role by himself: the roughness of the paper is not hidden by the inkjet but emphasized by the pen that physically touches the paper and travels on it.

The main difference between printing with a normal printer and d.i.d. is that the machine is able to follow vectors as paths in the same way that a CNC router does. This allows to create graphics that are more fluid and overhaul more defined and vivid on paper.

The materials and electronics used for the plotter are all standard and easy to source. The main frame is made of aluminum extrusion and 3d printed connections. The motors are all standard nema 17 stepper-motors and a single sg-90 servo motor. Everything is driven by a cheap Arduino Uno control board that handles the transition from g-code to movement. Furthermore, the software used to create g-code, Inkscape, is opensource as well.

Thanks to the user JuanGg whose pen plotter project was an inspiration.

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Updates

26 April 2023 - Better Rolles Update
Now on the github are available new rollers which improve paper handling and stability. The new rollers require 2 Rubber Orings which can be sized according to the user needs.

24 January 2020 - Pre-Instructions and Photo Update
We managed to make a lot of cool photos! Instructions are coming and they've never been as beautiful! Mostly because they've never existed before. But that's another story!

02 January 2020 - Github Update
We've created a github repository with all the recent files and updates. Please check it out for organized files and software

23 December 2019 - Illustrator Plugin!
Thanks to the help of our first customer Alberto, we were able to make a plugin to hatch lines in illustrator! Download Here 

30 November 2019 - New paper rollers! - almost no more paper issues!
We designed new rollers that prevent the paper from sliding! We used the flexibility of plastic to make the paper adhere better thus not move anymore. Super speeds are now an option!
We are in the process of making super detailed building instructions too! Stay tuned!

5 November 2019 - New dimensions measurements
In the build of materials section you can now find new measurements for the A3 version and for a custom build.

16 October 2019 - V1.1 UPDATE
We are working on a vinyl cutter attachment and a few new updated parts to be implemented in the V1.1 (New more modular carriage with lm8uu bearings - New paper rollers that adapt on different materials etc..).
Meanwhile if you want to have a test on vinyl you can check Whitei awesome remix and his new carriage design

April 2020 - We can no longer sell kits
Due to some controversy with another member of the community whom does not share our same ideal of open hardware and software, we are no longer selling kits.
We do incourage you to build our machine though, which: through the use of a servo, completely different firmware, elechtronics, paper handling and our love for the community; we are sure you will love and appreaciate as much as we d.i.d. (pun intended ;)

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Build of Materials

• 2 Nema 17 Stepper Motors
• 1 SG90 Servo Motor
• GT2 Belts
• 1 Toothless Idler
• 1 Toothed Idler
• Various M3 and M4 Screws and Bolts
• M3 Square Nuts (Prusa like)
• Adhesive Sandpaper - you can make it yourself with tape
• 1 Rubber Band
• 1 Arduino Uno
• 1 Arduino Uno CNC Shield
• 1 Power Switch
• 1 Power Adapter - 12V 3A Suggested
• 2 A4988 Stepper Motor Drivers

Dimensions for the A4 version

• 2 Aluminium Square Extrusions 10mm x 10mm - 295mm
• 1 Aluminium Square Extrusions 10mm x 10mm - 300mm
• 1 Aluminium Square Extrusions 10mm x 10mm - 280mm
• 2 Steel Rods 8mm Diameter - 280mm
• 1 Aluminium Tube 12mm Diameter 1mm Thickness - 255mm

Dimensions for the A3 version

• 2 Aluminium Square Extrusions 10mm x 10mm - 382mm
• 1 Aluminium Square Extrusions 10mm x 10mm - 387mm
• 1 Aluminium Square Extrusions 10mm x 10mm - 367mm
• 2 Steel Rods 8mm Diameter - 367mm
• 1 Aluminium Tube 12mm Diameter 1mm Thickness - 342mm

Dimensions for the Custom version

• 2 Aluminium Square Extrusions 10mm x 10mm - Sheet of paper + 85mm
• 1 Aluminium Square Extrusions 10mm x 10mm - Sheet of paper + 90mm
• 1 Aluminium Square Extrusions 10mm x 10mm - Sheet of paper + 70mm
• 2 Steel Rods 8mm Diameter - Sheet of paper + 70mm
• 1 Aluminium Tube 12mm Diameter 1mm Thickness - Sheet of paper + 45mm

Firmware

We chose to use Grbl. As it is easy to configure and powerful enough for our need.

We suggest using our modified version. This version adds support for a servo and is pretty much plug and play.

You can toggle pen up\down with a simple gcode:
M03S0 - PEN UP
M03S255 - PEN DOWN

Useful Programs

Lightburn is gold. If you can afford it, buy it! It's an all in one solution to draw vector art and bitmaps.

We also used this awesome plugin from Jtech Photonics that runs on inkscape.

To create G-Code from bitmaps we suggest using this wonderfully working plugin from 305engineering

Check out our results! :P

Design Process

The design process was quite long and frustrating but the end results is definitely worth it in our opinion!

We had to came through 6 prototypes and various iterations in order to first resolve technical issues and then work on the details.

We modeled everything on Rhinoceros 5, from scratch. If anyone is interested in the 3dm file let us know so we can share it!

Even tough our first step now is completed we would love to hear your thoughts, suggestion and improvements on the comment section!

Print instructions

PRINT IN PETG - 0.2MM LAYERS - 20% INFILL

The files have been modeled with tight tolerances so make sure to check the distance from the bed. if the pieces won't fit either drill the 8mm holes with a 8mm drill bit.

If you find yourself not to be able to print due to the tolerances please let us know on the comments!