Converting a CNC router into a flatbed printer

[d_chappell]

There are a million and one threads about how an inkjet printer can be hacked into a flatbead printer, and how printers can be converted into basic CNC routers. But I have a slightly different project.

I want to utilise my CNC router (a Routout CNC Z90) as a flatbed printer. Obviously the mechanics for moving the printhead is all in place, and a holder for the heads can easily be knocked up, but where on earth do I start with the electronics to control when and where the ink is spat out?

What are the potential obsticles in this project? What are the software requirements and electronic control circuitry that is needed? What about drivers? Any ideas on the subject will be appretiated.

Regards, Dave

[Switcher]

I'm not sure this is the info your looking for, I thought you might like to see this machine (not mine) it was built by andreas2 a member here on cnczone.

YouTube - my first cnc painting machine

YouTube - my first cnc painting machine

More videos here

The video I posted here is more of cnc painter, remember when you start going to a much larger scale, you will run out of ink fast with the inkjet cartridge ($$).

Paint might be a better idea?

[Switcher]

Here is more info on the machine in the above video

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35678

[d_chappell]

Hi Switcher

Thankyou for the response & video, but this isn't exactly what I have in mind. I am not looking to have a plotter; I am wanting to use the printhead from a conventional inkjet printer and attach it to my cnc machine in order to get more height on the Z axis.

The printhead would scan back and forth like it does in a normal printer. This way I can print direct to PCB amongst other things (and do it at speed; an issue that cannot be resolved with a plotter

[eigstein]

check out andersonamerica.com/cojet.htm

[d_chappell]

Originally Posted by eigstein check out andersonamerica.com/cojet.htm

Yeah, that's the type of thing I'm hoping to achieve. Of course I am still aiming to maintain the original functionality of the router; I just want to be able to print as well.

[nikodell]

There is Mike Lyon but his is for artistic effect and I think it uses an air brush and has to do multiple passes.

http://mlyon.com/

Google open-source print heads, contact your local college computer science dept, you might even find students that would help if they can gain credit for their work. You could try by emailing the depts and having them post for your needs.

If you have a print head in mind search for hacks on that. I know some of the controllers have been hacked to do frosting for cakes ect.

[billman]

These guys did it. They have inkjet printer heads on a cnc machine to print onto 3d cnc cut topgraphic maps. Check out the video here:
http://www.stm-usa.com/NGS_movie.htm

[hemsworthlad]

Originally Posted by billman These guys did it. They have inkjet printer heads on a cnc machine to print onto 3d cnc cut topgraphic maps. Check out the video here: http://www.stm-usa.com/NGS_movie.htm

Wow that is very impressive.
Looks a bit more involved than just a printer hack job thou.?

[billman]

They said in the video that they use the same software to cut and fly the print heads over the map. When they say fly is it print as well? Could for example Mach3 be used to print in 3d?

It would be really cool to do this project. I did post awhile back info on a 3d airbrush printer. If that helps anyone:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50945

[billman]

This might help too. I found the patents for the topography printer:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/res..._range=all&p=1