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Sketchy (Ender 3 Plotter)

Sketchy mid-print

Accessible at http://plotter.local on the hackspace network.

Setting up the plotter

Sketchy correctly set up with a pen. Don't forget to remove the lid :3
  • Consider levelling the bed. Currently this is a manual process.
  • Put a scrap piece of paper on the bed of the plotter.
  • Set the printer's Z co-ordinate to 0.
  • Unscrew the M3 bolts on the toolhead.
  • Put a pen in the toolhead and allow it to touch the paper.
    • we've found good results from a Uni PIN 0.3mm, but you can experiment with all sorts of implements!
  • Tighten the M3 bolts, you'll want to use a decent amount of torque to ensure the pen doesn't wobble left-to-right as the plotter prints.

Generating gcode

You can use this inkscape extension to generate gcode from an svg. There's a good tutorial on how to use this extension towards the bottom of this PDF.

Make sure that you have correctly set your working Z-height for your pen, and have set the right x/y starting/ending points. It's a good idea to double check this by moving the toolhead in mainsail to reasonable starting/end points (lower left, upper right).

Uploading and printing

You can upload your generated gcode to the printer via http://plotter.local as usual. It's a good idea to secure your paper, for example using masking tape or bulldog clips.


Parts

Toolhead

The toolhead is designed by zoemaestra, and you can find the STL files on Printables.

projects/plotter.txt · Last modified: by ava