In the electronics and DIY industry, there are many types of X-Y machines we use every day, including 3D printers, printers, plotters and many other such devices. Typically, these devices operate on a standard mechanism: each axis glides along rails, driven by belts that are manoeuvred by stationary motors. This system is also a common feature in pen plotters. However, every so often, a creation emerges that breaks away from these conventional methods. Take, for instance, this homemade CNC pen plotter with a fixed-belt design.
This particular pen plotter, unlike its traditional counterparts, operates on immovable belts. The setup treats these belts almost as if they were solid, similar to how a rack-and-pinion gear function. This innovative approach necessitates the movement of the motors instead of the belts, leading to a distinctive design. The brainchild of the inventor, Tuenhidiy, this machine’s structure and housings predominantly consist of PVC piping, a choice that greatly reduces costs. Despite the economical materials, the plotter boasts precision in its functioning, thanks to the hardened steel rods that guide its axes.
To balance affordability with efficiency, Tuenhidiy opted for an Arduino UNO Rev3 board for the machine’s control system. This setup processes GRBL G-code files via a microSD card module and commands the stepper motors through a CNC shield coupled with A4988 stepper drivers. Additionally, there’s a straightforward controller interface powered by an Arduino Nano. This interface includes a 16×2 character LCD, a button, and a rotary encoder, further showcasing the ingenuity of this unconventional pen plotter.
