XY Plotter
Description
This belt-driven XY plotter has sliding element for X axis and linear bearings for Y axis. Various light tool heads can be used with the plotter. In the example videos, servo-driven pen is used as a tool. Low friction of Y axis linear bearings allows X gantry to be driven from one end, however this also slightly skews the X gantry relative to Y and thus limits the plotter size and work area.
- Axis travel:
- X (left-right): 12" (~300 mm)
- Y (front-back): 7" (~170 mm)
- Movement speed
- Rapid movement
-
- 400-600 IPM (~170-250 mm/s)
-
- Plotting
-
- Speeds limited by acceleration, recommended 50 IPM (~20 mm/s)
- Recommended acceleration value: 2000 IPM/s
-
- Rapid movement
- Accuracy: estimated 0.02" (0.5 mm) +/- depending on movement speed
Version Info
Source Files
Project Kits
- Structural Kit
- Linear Motion Kit
- Electronics & Motors Kit
- Tool head - not included with kits
In Action
Toolheads
Components and Parts
Only mechanical components are listed, no skin or electronics.
| qty | components |
|---|---|
| 9 | angle-1 |
| 5 | angle-2 |
| 7 | angle-3 |
| 2 | angle-4 |
| 6 | angle-6 |
| 3 | angle-12 |
| 3 | angle-18 |
| 2 | channel-2 |
| 1 | sliding-element-3.5 |
| 4 | shaft-mount |
| 2 | belt-clamp |
| 2 | linear-bearing-v2-3.5 |
| 8 | linear-rail-support |
| 2 | linear-rail-v2-12 |
| 2 | motor-mount-NEMA23 |
| qty | parts |
|---|---|
| 4 | pulley-XL10T |
| 1 | belt-XL-280 |
| 1 | belt-XL-400 |
| 4 | bearing-R188-2RS |
| 4 | nut-025(hex) |
| 4 | nut-025(nylon) |
| 2 | screw-025-3 |
| 78 | nut-1024(hex) |
| 4 | nut-1024(nylon) |
| 22 | screw-1024-0375(ph) |
| 52 | screw-1024-05(ph) |
| 4 | screw-1024-075(nylon) |
| 4 | screw-1024-075(ph) |
| 4 | screw-1024-2(ph) |
| 4 | washer-10(rubber) |
| 4 | grommet-10-0125(rubber) |
| qty | custom parts |
|---|---|
| 1 | acrylic-0125-12x12 |
Assembly
Tools
The following tools are recommended to assemble XY plotter (list may be incomplete):
- Hex or Allen keys (imperial from 1/16" to 1/8")
- Combination wrench (imperial 3/8" and 7/16")
- Hex socket (imperial 3/8")
- Needle nose pliers
- Screwdriver (phillips)
- Small screwdriver (flat)
- Try square or equivalent tool
- Measuring tape
Assembly Instructions
Changelog
- 03/15/13 - initial release