11. Open Source Hardware¶
The website drawingmachines.org is a digital archive dedicated to collecting and documenting optical, mechanical, and automated drawing machines used over the past 500 years. Its goal is to uncover forgotten, obsolete, or little-known drawing technologies and to explore the historical relationship between art and technology through primary source materials. I love the website becouse showcases a variety of historical drawing instruments, such as harmonographs, ellipsographs, and camera lucidas, which were early attempts at automating the drawing process. These devices can be seen as precursors to modern CNC machines, highlighting the long-standing human fascination with mechanizing artistic creation.
Research & Ideation¶
What is a CNC Machine?¶
A CNC machine (Computer Numerical Control) is an automated tool that performs cutting, drilling, engraving, or shaping operations on materials such as wood, metal, plastic, or foam, guided by instructions programmed from a computer.
How does it work?¶
- A part is designed using CAD software (such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, etc.).
- That design is converted into a G-code file, which contains precise instructions for the machine.
- The machine follows these instructions to move a tool (such as a milling bit, laser cutter, plasma cutter, etc.) along different axes (X, Y, Z), executing the digital design with high precision.
Common Types of CNC Machines¶
| Machine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| CNC Milling Machine | Cuts or sculpts solid materials with rotating cutting tools. |
| CNC Lathe | Rotates a piece while a fixed tool shapes or cuts it. |
| Laser Cutter | Uses a focused laser beam to cut or engrave various materials. |
| Plasma Cutter | Cuts through metals using a high-temperature plasma jet. |
| 3D Printer (FDM) | Builds objects layer by layer from melted filament, following digital code. |
Why are CNC machines useful?¶
- They allow for high precision and repeatability.
- They reduce human error.
- They enable both custom and mass production.
- They are essential in industry, design, digital manufacturing, and rapid prototyping.
CNC Drawing Machine (Plotter)¶
A CNC drawing machine, or plotter, is a type of CNC device designed to draw images, diagrams, or text on a flat surface using pens, markers, or other drawing tools. Instead of cutting or engraving, it replicates digital designs by moving a pen precisely across paper or similar materials.
How does it work?¶
- A design or drawing is created using vector graphics software (such as Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator).
- The design is converted into a G-code or SVG file, containing instructions for the plotter.
- The machine moves a pen or marker along the X and Y axes (some models also control the Z-axis to lift/lower the pen).
- It traces the design line by line with great accuracy.
Typical Components¶
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Stepper motors | Control movement along X, Y (and sometimes Z) axes with precision. |
| Pen holder | Mount that grips the pen, marker, or brush securely. |
| Controller board | Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino with GRBL) that interprets G-code commands. |
| Belts and pulleys | Mechanism to transfer motion across the machine’s frame. |
| Frame | Structural support, often made from aluminum, wood, or 3D-printed parts. |
What can it do?¶
- Draw geometric patterns or illustrations.
- Handwrite text using digital fonts.
- Create mandalas, calligraphy, and generative art.
- Be used for educational purposes in STEAM projects.
Examples of Use in Art and Craft¶
- Custom stationery and cards with calligraphy-style fonts.
- Decorative drawings on handmade paper or recycled materials.
- Guidelines or stencils for embroidery or pyrography.
- Mandalas or sacred geometry for coloring books or spiritual art.
🔧 Open-Source CNC Plotters¶
- Makelangelo Drawing Robot
- DrawBot from PlotterBot
- Final project - Pauline Gamore
References & Inspiration¶
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum."
- Two images side-by-side
Tools¶
BoM example¶
Materials¶
| Qty | Description | Price | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Material one | 22.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | order now |
| 1 | Material two | 22.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test | find alternative |
| 1 | Material three | 22.00 $ | http://amazon.com/test |
Process¶
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum."
My sketches are ...
This model 1 was obtained by..
The design 2 was created using..
footnote fabrication files
Fabrication files are a necessary element for evaluation. You can add the fabrication files at the bottom of the page and simply link them as a footnote. This was your work stays organised and files will be all together at the bottom of the page. Footnotes are created using [ ^ 1 ] (without spaces, and referenced as you see at the last chapter of this page) You can reference the fabrication files to multiple places on your page as you see for footnote nr. 2 also present in the Gallery.
Code Example¶
Use the three backticks to separate code.
// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
// initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}
// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH); // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
delay(1000); // wait for a second
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW); // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
delay(1000); // wait for a second
}
Gallery¶
Video¶
From Vimeo¶
Sound Waves from George Gally (Radarboy) on Vimeo.