11. Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric¶
This week it's about creating a machine to 0 - 100%.During this week, we could work as a group, to collaborate on designing and building a drawing plotter machine. We divided the roles, and I applied my graphic design experience to shape the machine’s visual and functional layout. By combining our strengths, we developed clear design plans and guided the build from concept to completion.
So, Let's start
Research
Before creating a design I start researching various prototypes/ machines that are already on the market:
AxiDraw V3 by Evil Mad Scientist Labs
A simple, modern, and extremely precise pen plotter capable of writing or drawing on nearly any flat surface. Its writing head extends beyond the frame, letting you work on oversized objects with hobby-grade accuracy.AxisDraw V3
Inspiration
My inspiration came from seeing creative makers around the world transform everyday tools into something new and expressive—like turning a 3D printer into a drawing plotter. The video 3D Printer to Pen Plotter showcased the elegance and precision that a simple modification can bring to an existing machine. It sparked our curiosity and showed us how we could blend digital fabrication with art to create intricate line drawings. This approach not only adds value to our tools but also opens up new ways to explore design, creativity, and accessibility in making.
Repurposing a 3D Printer into a Drawing Plotter
After some hands-on exploration, I decided to convert a 3D printer into a drawing plotter. I was inspired by the printer’s precise movement and control, which make it ideal for tasks that demand accuracy and repeatability—like detailed illustration. By replacing the extruder with a pen holder and taking advantage of the existing XYZ axis, I built a device capable of drawing intricate patterns on flat surfaces. This simple adaptation allowed me to unlock new creative possibilities using tools I already had on hand.
We specifically designed the plotter adapter for the Ender 3 V2 Neo, though it’s also compatible with most printers that have a CR Touch. The parts shown in my earlier prototypes needed some adjustments, but the final downloadable files include all the improvements and refinements I tested and confirmed.
How a Drawing Plotter Works¶
A drawing plotter is a machine that uses motors and precise movements to draw images or patterns on a flat surface, usually paper or fabric. It works by moving a pen (or similar tool) along the X and Y axes, guided by digital instructions from a computer. These instructions are typically sent as vector files, which the plotter reads to control where and how the pen moves. Some plotters also have a Z-axis for lifting or lowering the pen. In simple terms, the machine acts like a robotic hand that follows a digital map to draw lines, curves, and shapes accurately and repeatedly.
Process
We divided the work into into various tasks and teamed up as such:
| Activity | Team Members Involved | Details / Tools Used |
|---|---|---|
| Research Phase | Whole Group | Used blogs and YouTube to understand hacking methods |
| Adapter Design (Initial) | Joselyne & Ganza | Drafted the first version using SolidWorks |
| Adapter Design (Final) | Ganza | Finalized the adapter design in SolidWorks |
| 3D Printing | Magali | Printed the final adapter component |
| Slicing for Printing | Magali & Ganza | Used Ultimaker Cura (Magali) and Creality 4.8 (Ganza) |
| Printer Setup | Joselyne & Fiston | Mounted pen, removed filament, adjusted Z-axis |
| Plotting Tests | Whole Group | Conducted trials on paper and fabric |
1. Designing the plotter adapter
We discovered a plotter adapter design Here on Thingiverse design, but rather than using it as-is, we decided to redesign it ourselves in SolidWorks. Joselyne created the initial 3D model, and I finalized the design. After that, I printed the adapter using our 3D printer—which is still fully operational!
In this phase, I took in transforming the 3D printer into a pen plotter was designing the adapter using SolidWorks. This was a key part of the process where I focused my efforts. I led the design of the initial component, making sure it was secure, functional, and fit well with the printer’s existing structure. Once I finalized that piece, others were able to build on my work, developing the remaining parts and continuing the project from the foundation I had laid.
Plotter Case¶
The plottercase houses and protects the mechanical and electronic parts of the pen plotter. It also provides structural stability during operation.
Plotter cap¶
The Plottercap prevents the pen from drying out when not in use. It also protects the pen tip from damage.
Pen Holder¶
This holds the pen securely and guides its vertical movement for precise contact with the paper during plotting.
You can access Fabrication files down here:
2. Print the Adapter
We used some .stl files I had already made, opened them in Creality slicer 4.8, and tweaked the slicing settings to turn the 3D files into simple 2D plots.
🖨️ Print Settings¶
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Printer brand | Creality |
| Printer | Ender-3 V2 Neo |
| Rafts | No |
| Supports | Yes |
| Resolution | 0.2–0.3 mm |
| Infill | 50% |
| Filament brand | eSun |
| Filament color | Blue |
| Filament material | PLA |
3. Assembling the Adapter
To assemble the adapter, I began by inserting the pen into the 3D-printed holder, ensuring it fit snugly. I then attached the adapter to the printer’s tool head, either by replacing the extruder or securely mounting it alongside it. Fine-tuning was necessary to adjust the pen’s position, so I carefully calibrated the tip extension. For optimal performance, the pen tip was positioned to extend slightly—around 1 to 2 mm—below the nozzle to maintain consistent and smooth contact with the paper during plotting.
4. Test the Plotter
Our first test was on paper, but the nozzle was too close, causing the extruder to tear the paper. We fixed this by manually adjusting the nozzle height right at the start of the print.
Plotter Offset Calibration
We identified that the pen adapter was slightly misaligned from the center. To correct this issue, we modified the design's placement within the slicing software, shifting it accordingly to achieve precise plotting results.
Here is the link for Bts Smeraldo flower
5. Final Adjustments
After making the adjustments, we got better results, although we still broke one pen during testing! Then we moved on to plotting on fabric (using normal liner pens because we didn’t have fabric markers). It worked, and now we plan to experiment with more designs soon!
Here is the link for BTS Fake Love Silhouette
Fabrication files
🧾 Bill of Materials (BOM) – Fabric Pen Plotter
| Component | Description | Approx. Local Availability | Estimated Cost (RWF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Printer (base machine) | Existing Creality Ender 3 or similar FDM printer (used as frame and motors) | Available via KLAB, FabLab Rwanda | 250,000 – 400,000 |
| Pen Adapter (3D Printed) | Custom-designed adapter to hold fabric marker | 3D printed in PLA at FabLab Rwanda | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| PLA Filament | For printing adapters and parts | FabLab Rwanda | 25,000 – 35,000 (1kg) |
| Servo Motor (Optional) | For pen lift functionality (SG90 or similar) | Local electronics shops (e.g. Kalisimbi Tech) | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| M3 Screws and Nuts | For assembling adapter | Hardware shops in Kigali | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Fabric Marker or Pen | Replaceable pen for marking fabric | Bookshops or supermarkets (Nakumatt, Simba) | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Software | Ultimaker Cura / Creality Slicer / Pronterface (for G-code control) | Free (open source) | 0 |
| Power Supply (from printer) | No need to buy separately | Uses printer’s original PSU | - |
| Paper/Fabric (test material) | Used to test drawings | Any fabric or A4 paper | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| USB Cable | For sending G-code from computer | Often included with printer | 0 – 2,000 |
Reflection
This week's machine-building assignment was a valuable learning experience that helped me grow both technically and creatively. Being part of a team that transformed a regular 3D printer into a fabric pen plotter taught me how powerful collaboration and open-source tools can be. I was especially involved in the early stages of adapter design, where I applied my basic knowledge of graphic and product design using SolidWorks. Even though I wasn’t experienced in hardware hacking or electronics, I learned a lot by observing and working alongside my teammates. I also experimented with slicing using Creality 4.8, which helped me understand how important toolpath settings are when shifting from 3D printing to 2D plotting. What I appreciated most was the way this project connected digital fabrication with textile design—it made me see how machines can be customized to serve creative and sustainable fashion goals. It’s definitely something I’d like to explore more in my journey.