Maker and developer Pheux9558, as they’re identified on Reddit, has developed a customized CNC drawing machine from scratch utilizing a Raspberry Pi. This tiny CNC machine (opens in new tab) is far smaller than your common plotter and makes use of some recycled {hardware} from previous PCs, together with elements from a CD drive and even parts of an previous floppy drive.
Along with the Raspberry Pi, it really works with an Arduino Uno to course of the picture particulars into workable instructions for the CNC machine to print with. Lastly, to carry all the pieces collectively, Pheux9558 designed and 3D printed just a few items for mounting the {hardware}.
The Raspberry Pi is chargeable for taking the gcode instructions and transmitting them to the Arduino. The Arduino makes use of this data to drive the parts by the gcode directions earlier than pinging the Pi to let it know the system is prepared for the subsequent set of directions. This course of continues all through the gcode file till the picture is full.
Based on Pheux9558, he’s utilizing a Raspberry Pi 3B+ to drive the operation. Nonetheless, there’s no motive you couldn’t duplicate this mission with one thing newer like a Raspberry Pi 4B. The CD drive items management the X-axis and Y-axis, whereas the floppy drive handles the Z-axis utilizing a servo motor to life the pen up and down.
Pheux9558 developed the code for this mission from scratch, together with the gcode interpreter for the Arduino Uno and an unique Python software for the Pi to make use of. Pheux9558 additionally explains {that a} customized GUI for the system is at present in improvement.
If you wish to create an identical Raspberry Pi mission, take a look at the unique mission thread shared by Pheux9558 on Reddit (opens in new tab) to get a better have a look at the way it all goes collectively. You too can discover extra demo footage of the mission on Instagram (opens in new tab). You’ll want to comply with Pheux9558 for future updates and extra cool tasks.
