Summary of SERVO PLOTTER NEEDS NOTHING EXOTIC
This article describes a DIY plotter built using common household and hobby items rather than specialized 3D-printed parts. By repurposing drawer slides for linear motion and combining them with RC servos and an Arduino, the creator achieves a functional X-Y plotting system. A microservo controls the pen's vertical movement via a simple hinge. While not designed for high-end artwork, this project offers an accessible way to create a whiteboard-compatible plotter from scrap materials like old furniture.
Parts used in the DIY Servo Plotter:
- Drawer slides
- RC servos
- Arduino
- Microservo
- Hinge
Although the widespread use of 3D printers has made things like linear bearings and leadscrews more common, you still can’t run down to your local big-box hardware store and get them. However, you can get drawer slides and any hobby shop can sell you some RC servos. That and an Arduino can make a simple and easy plotter. Just ask [JimRD]. You can also watch it do its thing in the video below.
Of course, servos aren’t usually what you use in a plotter. But the slides convert the rotation of the servo into linear motion. One servo for X and one for Y is all you need. Another microservo lifts the pen up and down using a hinge you could also get from a hardware store.
Is it pretty? No. Does it do amazing artwork? No, again. But it is the kind of thing you could probably throw together from things you happen to have hanging around, especially if you are about to trash an old desk or cabinet with slides in it.
This would make a great rainy day project. We are suckers for simple plotter projects even though you could just mate a pen to your 3D printer or CNC machine. Those won’t fit your whiteboard, though.
Source: SERVO PLOTTER NEEDS NOTHING EXOTIC
- Can you buy linear bearings at a local hardware store?
No, you cannot get linear bearings or leadscrews at a local big-box hardware store. - What converts servo rotation into linear motion?
Drawer slides convert the rotation of the servo into linear motion. - How many servos are needed for X and Y axes?
You need one servo for the X axis and one servo for the Y axis. - Does this plotter produce amazing artwork?
No, the article states it does not do amazing artwork. - What is the best way to lift the pen up and down?
A microservo lifts the pen up and down using a hinge obtained from a hardware store. - Can this plotter fit on a whiteboard?
Yes, unlike standard 3D printers or CNC machines, this plotter can fit your whiteboard. - Is this project suitable for rainy days?
Yes, the article suggests this would make a great rainy day project.
