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How to make a XY Plotter/Printer/Scanner from recycled parts — Parallax Forums

How to make a XY Plotter/Printer/Scanner from recycled parts

GarethGareth Posts: 278
edited 2013-05-17 02:04 in Propeller 1
This idea has been cooking in my workshop for a looong time now....
I have always wanted a 2D scanning/printing area for various projects.
So i present here a system which is made from a Hacked recycled scanner bed and a dead printer..
POV 048.jpg


The system uses a Propeller mcu and only uses 2x4 outputs for Stepper motors, 4 inputs for buttons, and 8 outputs for UV carriage ...... (so a bit of redundancy for "Z" axis should it be required)

[video=youtube_share;ynOerOdcO-g]

It consists of a "Y" axis made from a stripped down Scanner (keeping the Stepper motor, limit switches and control buttons)
The "X" axis is from a defunct printer .... stepper motor, various cogs and connectors)

Below you see the Belt tensioner for the "X" axis.
Its a fine threaded screw which pushes against the carbon fibre rod which is part of the support arm.
This allows pretty fine control over the belt tension.
POV 037.jpg


Presently i have mounted 8 UV Leds for fun, means that i can write messages on the screen....indefinitely.
Its a chance to tune and test the durability of the software & hardware .

POV 043.jpg


The plan is to replace the UV leds with a UV laser and then another quite different story begins.....
POV 048.jpg
640 x 480 - 226K
POV 037.jpg
640 x 480 - 100K
POV 043.jpg
640 x 480 - 155K

Comments

  • StephenMooreStephenMoore Posts: 188
    edited 2013-05-13 21:41
    Schematic available? With 20 I/O spoken for you don't have enough for Z + limits.

    A multi-prop setup might be just the ticket.

    Do you plan to do micro-machining with the laser?

    Looks like a really fun project!

    sm
  • KaosKiddKaosKidd Posts: 296
    edited 2013-05-14 06:15
    Now this is SLICK!
    Great hack....
    Gives me ideas... lots of ideas... now if only I had the $$$ to fund these ideas... :)

    I digress... Anyway, great project!
    Fred
  • GarethGareth Posts: 278
    edited 2013-05-14 13:53
    No schematic .... its just your basic 2_stepper, 2 H_bridge, 2 limit switch arrangement....... basically a mass of wiring and squashed onto a very tight veroboard.
    By my calculation its would be a breeze to add extra Z-axis (not with my mechanics above though)
    My biggest io overhead is the 8UV carriage ...... drive one laser and whooop-de-dooodah extra io's.
  • prof_brainoprof_braino Posts: 4,313
    edited 2013-05-14 20:53
    Totally cool! You make it look so easy!
  • frank freedmanfrank freedman Posts: 1,983
    edited 2013-05-15 19:41
    Saw this last night after preparing an older HP laser printer for the bulk trash pickup. Pretty disappointing haul, only kept the drum drive motor, bunch of make-break sensors and a couple of solenoids. The one redeeming part of the work was getting the laser module and optics box out intact. Now to figure out the wiring pinouts for the laser, the optics controller and other connections on the part. Can not do the scanner on my desk yet, still to used to sacrifice for a project.
  • GarethGareth Posts: 278
    edited 2013-05-17 01:59
    frank freedman wrote: »
    laser printer
    Yes i think using the bed of a laser printer would give a safer environment for Laser type projects ....ie laser engraving ..... plus there is more room to hide all the circuit boards (mine are still floating outside).
    I have seen blueray lasers being used....Hmmmm
  • GarethGareth Posts: 278
    edited 2013-05-17 02:04
    prof_braino wrote: »
    so easy!
    That is only because its been festering in my subconscious for ......years...yes years... so the execution of the project was done in "Automatic Modus" :-)
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