Plottino is a small plotter designed to introduce people to the world of do-it-yourself (DIY) CNC machines. This device is simple, safe, economical and compact, and allows you to draw by connecting it to a PC and using common colored pens or markers.

Plottino is ideal for experimenting with techniques for using CNC machines, such as homing and jogging procedures, and for learning the use of the G-code language, used to program these machines. Furthermore, thanks to the CAD/CAM software, it is possible to create drawings and convert them into G-code for their execution.

The Plottino project is multidisciplinary and involves three main areas: mechanics, electronics and information technology.

The mechanical structure includes 3D printed components, based on my remix of the "Arduino mini CNC plotter" project, with additions and modifications such as limit switches, a side rail, a new pen holder with servomotor and a box containing the electronics control and connection cables.

The electronics include two stepper motors for moving the X and Y axes, two limit switces, a servo motor to control the pen, an emergency stop button, a status LED and a signaling buzzer. Everything is managed by an Arduino UNO board with a CNC shield and two A4988 motor drivers.

On the IT front, Plottino uses GRBL firmware to interpret G-code commands and LaserGRBL software on PC, which acts as a user interface, allowing control of the plotter and sending G-code sequences to create drawings.

Here is the summary of the main features of Plottino.

Drawing:
- Magnetic shelf: double sided with millimeter/inch grid.
- Drawing area: 100mm x 100mm (4 in x 4 in).
- Paper: use common paper or cardboard, maximum size 150mm x 200mm.
- Magnets: to hold the sheet while drawing.
- Pens: compatible with ballpoint/rollerball pens or colored markers, maximum diameter 14mm.

Dimensions and weight:
- Box: 206mm x 200mm x 46mm.
- Total dimensions: 206mm x 200mm x 100mm (without the pen).
- Weight: 800g.

Interfaces:
- Power supply: 12V, 2A with positive central pole.
- PC connection: one USB port (type B) for serial connection (112500 bps).
- Indicators and control:
- Power LED (ON/OFF),
- Emergency button,
- Signal buzzer.

Mechanics (3D printed components):
- Pen holder: mechanism for fixing, raising and lowering the pen.
- X axis: track with sliding carriage for lateral movement of the pen support.
- Y axis: two tracks with sliding carriage for the movement of the X axis.

Hardware (electronics)
- Motors and sensors: one servo motor, two stepper motors, two limit switches.
- Control: Arduino UNO, CNC shield v.3, two A4988 motor drivers.
- Indicators and safety: LED, buzzer, emergency button.

Firmware
- Version: GRBL v1.1h.
- Control language: G-code.


Credits:

3D parts "Arduino mini CNC plotter"
[ Ссылка ]

Music by Alihan Samedov
"Sen Gelmez Oldun"
(Billy Esteban Edit)

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