2 axis cnc plotter

[ptgomez1]

Hi,

I would like to build a 2 axis (x&y) plotter. The plotting area needs to be around 60" x 60" . This machine would be for drawing out the outline of corrugated box on a flat sheet of corrugated board (appproximately 1/16" to 3/8" thick). After it is plotted I would cut it out and crease it at the specified locations by hand. This machine would aid in the making of box samples for customers. There a machines available for cutting samples but there are very expensive (around $15,000 to $20,000)

Does anyone have any idea of some plans for this type of machine or ones I could adapt from a 3 axis machine?

Thanks for your help

-ptgomez1

[Switcher]

How will you draw the lines on the board (ink/marker)?

If working with an ink/marker, wouldn't you need to keep the machine a 3-axis, so your not dragging the ink/marker on the board, during rapid moves?

I think a belt drive system, would work great for this type of setup, on the X & Y-axis. Maybe a very small travel for a z-axis, with rack & pinion...

[ptgomez1]

I would like to use a marker - a sharpie pen with the finest point will work. You are probably right in needing a small travel z axis (just enough to raise the pen from the board) otherwise it will draw one continuos line, which might make it hard to determine which lines are to be cut.

I have never built a cnc machine before so I am looking for some text book or online plans which I could use and modify for my particular situation.

Thanks

[Switcher]

Like I said in my last post, I really think a belt drive for the X & Y- axis would work great (that thing would be fast! ), the sharpie would keep cost way down.

You should look into how the diy laser cnc machines are built, like this laser here, see how the X & Y-axis use a belt to move each axis, also 80/20 material can be cut with a cheap cut-off saw to make any length machine you need (might be another option?).


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[Meduza]

The Z axis could in its simplest form just be a solenoid that moves the pen up or down?

[Andre' B]

I would keep in mind that as soon as you get it plotting the outline you are going to ask why not just replace the pen with a knife.

Please help with CNC design for tangential knife cutting.
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Drag knife compensation algorithm