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¶
The project Digital Grotesque by Michael Hansmeyer shows how architectural form can be generated through algorithms, creating highly complex geometries that would be nearly impossible to design manually.
The Plywood CNC Furniture by OpenDesk is a system of furniture designed specifically for CNC fabrication and distributed manufacturing. For a FabLab context, it’s relevant because it focuses on efficient 2.5D cutting (flat sheets), precise joinery without screws, and local production. The designs are optimized so they can be cut anywhere with a CNC machine and assembled easily, reducing waste, transport, and complexity.
Tools¶
Materials¶
Note: It is important to distinguish between fabrication materials and machine components.
Materials (for fabrication)¶
- Polypropylene (PP) → main material for soft robots
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) → base to improve contact with the soldering iron
- Foam (optional) → support or work surface during testing
Structural Components (CNC)¶
- Aluminum profiles
- Aluminum base (front and back)
- Fixturing table
- Chrome rods (linear guides)
- Leadscrews (Acme screw spindle)
- Linear bearings (SC8UU)
- Flexible couplings
- Screws (M4 / M5)
Electronic Components¶
- CNC controller board (GRBL Cronos Maker)
- A4988 drivers
- Stepper motors
- Cables (motor, USB, power)
- Power supply (12V or 24V)
Tooling¶
- Soldering iron → used as a heat sealing tool
- 3D printed holder for the soldering iron
Process¶
CNC Redesign for Soft Robotics¶
Overview¶
For this project, we redesigned a CNC machine from the lab to create figures from polypropylene sheets, a material suitable for soft robotics. The main challenge was building the machine using recycled components, which required careful inspection due to possible damage or faults. Fortunately, FABLAB Puebla provided access to multiple machines for reuse.
Why a 3-Axis CNC?¶
We selected a 3-axis CNC (X, Y, Z) because of its versatility and simplicity: - Compatible with multiple tools and adapters - Easily integrable with other systems (e.g., temperature control) - Capable of cutting, milling, drilling, and engraving - Less complex than multi-axis machines while still highly functional
Workflow¶
We used an existing CNC machine as a reference to understand its components and axis systems. Additional research supported the identification and reconstruction of parts.
Mechanical System¶
Y-Axis¶
- Two 10 mm rods with four linear bearings
- Anti-backlash nut to reduce play
- Movement driven by a motor connected to a leadscrew
X-Axis¶
- Bridge structure with chrome rods and support plates
- Linear bearings for smooth motion
- Supports Z-axis movement
Z-Axis¶
- Moves along the X-axis
- Includes anti-backlash system and linear guides
- Faced challenges due to lack of a compatible motor
Electronics¶
We used a GRBL 1.1 Cronos Maker board: - Compatible with stepper motors (A4988 drivers) - Supports CNC, laser, and spindle systems - Controlled via Universal Gcode Sender (UGS)
Key considerations:¶
- Inspect reused components (pins, soldering, capacitors)
- Test drivers and connections
- Ensure proper power supply (12V–24V)
Fabrication Approach¶
Instead of traditional milling, we adapted the CNC: - Integrated a soldering iron as a heat tool - Enabled localized heat sealing of polypropylene - Inspired by balloon sealing techniques
Prototyping¶
Tool Holder Design¶
- Designed in two parts for easy assembly
- Included ribs for stability
- Iterated to fix:
- Interference with Z-axis motor
- Excessive support material in 3D printing
- Clearance issues
Base Material¶
- Used TPE to improve contact between tool and material
- Provided flexibility and resistance
G-Code & Software¶
- Designed in AutoCAD → exported as DXF
- Toolpaths generated in VCarve
- Controlled with UGS
- Adjusted parameters (e.g., RPM = 0 for no spindle rotation)
Testing¶
- Calibrated axis movement and distances
- Adjusted tool height for optimal sealing
- Identified issues like misalignment of the work surface
Conclusion¶
Code Example¶
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Gallery¶
