MAKER：Surajit Majumdar/ Translated by: Fun Without End
This project is about creating a CNC drawing machine using Arduino and an old DVD burner (which contains all the mechanical parts we need).It can draw anything you want, and it’s easy to make, so let’s get started!
Here’s a tutorial video, enjoy.
Materials List
Old DVD burners x2, Arduino Nano x1, L293D motor driver IC x2, circuit board x2, micro servo motor x1, PCB board x1, male and female header pins x1, round socket x1, acrylic board 3mm x1, soldering iron x1, strong glue x1, mini saw x1, sandpaper x1, ruler x1, marker x1
Assembling the Frame
Use the acrylic board to make the frame for the digital drawing machine. I often use this material for DIY project shells because it’s easy to cut, bend, and polish, and it’s cost-effective.
The steps to make the frame are as follows: 1. Measure the acrylic board according to the template in the project library and mark it with a marker. 2. Cut it into shape with a saw. 3. Sand the pieces.
Making the Drawing Machine Base
Please follow the steps carefully as shown. 1. Apply super glue to one piece of acrylic board, then stick on the other two pieces. 2. Attach the X-axis frame. 3. Stick on two more pieces for better support.
Removing the Stepper Motor
1. First, disassemble the two DVD drives and remove the stepper motor. 2. Use a screwdriver to detach the stepper motor and rail from the frame.
Making the Sliding X-axis and Y-axis
1. First, remove the two sliders from the rail. 2. Use a saw to cut two small pieces from the sliders. 3. Then use super glue to connect the two pieces together.
Installing the Sliding Rod
In this step, we will connect the sliding rod to its frame. Please follow the steps below. 1. Take a sliding rod and insert it into the slider. 2. Use super glue to attach the sliding rod to its frame and secure it in place. 3. Connect another rod using the same method. 4. Repeat the same steps to install the sliding rod on the X-axis frame.
Installing the Stepper Motor
Now we will install the stepper motor. Use a screwdriver to mount the stepper motor onto the X-axis and Y-axis.
Connecting the X-axis and Y-axis
In this step, connect the two axes according to the above image. We will attach the Y-axis on top of the X-axis.
Making and Connecting the Z-axis
This step is a bit complex, please follow the steps carefully. 1. Gather the parts needed for the Z-axis, such as the sliding rod, spring, compass pen holder, some acrylic sheets, etc. 2. Remove the sliding rod and insert it into the bracket, then into the spring, and use a small piece of plastic bracket to secure the spring. 3. Apply super glue to the sliding rod bracket and stick it to the acrylic board frame. 4. Install a small piece of acrylic board on top of the sliding rod, which can also move the pen up and down. 5. Attach the pen holder at the end of the sliding rod. 6. Finally, use super glue to install the motor.
7. Use strong glue to connect the Z-axis to the Y-axis.
Soldering Wires to the Motor
1. Cut the PCB of the motor. 2. Solder wires to the motor. I used a marker cap to elevate the placement of the circuit board.
Circuit Diagram
This is the complete circuit diagram, connect everything according to the circuit diagram. If your stepper motor does not work properly, you need to swap the pins of the L293D IC to find the correct circuit. You can also adjust the IC pins in the code.
Making and Installing the Circuit Board
In this step, I will tell you how to make the circuit board. 1. Insert the IC socket and all header pins. 2. Solder its pins. 3. Connect each according to the circuit diagram. In this step, you must operate each step accurately.
Assemble the circuit board. First, install the two ICs, then install the Arduino nano, and finally connect the wires.
Uploading CNC Code
In this step, we will upload the CNC code to Arduino (available for download in the project file library, see end of article). 1. First, connect the Arduino board to the PC via USB cable. 2. Select the correct port and board. 3. Upload the CNC code.
The programming tutorial video is as follows:
Embedding GCTRL Project
Print the first image. We will use processing software to run the gctrl.pde program. This program will send the “gcode” image to the CNC drawing machine.
1. Open processing software and open the gctrl.pde program for the CNC machine. 2. Click the run button to open a new window. 3. Press the p button to select the current port. 4. Press the g button to select the g code (available for download in the project file library, see end of article).
Completion
I hope this tutorial can help you build your own Arduino CNC drawing machine.
All source code and resources used in this project are available for download in the project file library:
http://maker.quwj.com/project/91
via instructables.com/id/DIY-Arduino-Drawing-Machine
Links in the text can be clicked to read the original article at the end
More exciting content
Raspberry Pi Drawing Robot
Make a “Pocket TV” with Raspberry Pi
Create a decent NAS with Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi (3rd Gen A+) Released
Make an LED scrolling display with Arduino
Petoi Nybble: A blessing for Raspberry Pi cat owners
Raspberry Pi UPS: An uninterruptible power supply modified with a power bank
