Thing-O-Matic G-Code Extension for Inkscape

thingiverse

This is an Inkscape extension modified from Makerbot's wonderful Unicorn G-Code extension. Instead of using the servo based pen control this uses the Z-axis along with the spacer replacement pen holder I modified here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:15788 Or this one here: (or any number of other pen holders) http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:16901 I will create a revised pen holder that will eventually center the pen so the plot will be centered once again. I take no credit for the original code was all done by Marty McGuire - see the original thing for all the details. Instructions Install Copy the contents of the tarball to your Inkscape extensions/ folder. Typical locations include: OS X - /Applications/Inkscape.app/Contents/Resources/extensions Linux - /usr/share/inkscape/extensions Windows - C:/Program Files/Inkscap/share/extensions Usage Size and locate your image appropriately: The Thing-O-Matic CNC build platform size is 120mm x 120mm. Setting units to mm in Inkscape makes it easy to size your drawing. If the pen is cenetered the plot will be centered My spacer mount offsets everything to the left - ok for experimenting and small stuff. Convert all text to paths: Select all text objects. Choose Path | Object to Path. Save as G-Code: File | Save a Copy. Select MakerBot Thing-O-Matic G-Code (*.gcode). Save your file. Review the G-Code before plotting - the main concern is the Z-axis print height (default 0.6 mm) and the Z-axis height after printing (2.6mm) (these are set in the extension along with feedrates). Setting these to smaller numbers may crash the head into the platform and wreck your bot. This could also be used to generate a tool path for cutting with a dremel if you are adventurous. Note: The best way to determine safe and working heights I have found is to jog your machine with Replicator G. I did add homing code in as well if you have different homing/limit switch configurations than the factory ones then you may need to modify that as well (in the Gcode or context.py). This can also be used with craft cutter blades or one of the many tool holders designed for it. ** Update 2/3/12 - After ruining a cutting blade during the "pen registration" I have added it as a comment to the generated gcode. (v01) I also changed the "wait" position to 40mm above the work surface. In the next version I may add these as configurable parameters. ** Update 8/17/12 - After updating to mountain lion inkscape complains about lxml being out of date. To remedy this you need to: Install Xcode In Xcode install the command line utilities (Xcode>preferences - and click the download button) Click the install button near the command line utilities. When they are finished installing open a terminal window and : cd /tmp sudo easy_install lxml cd /Applications/Inkscape.app/Contents/Resources/lib mv libxml2.2.dylib libxml2.2.dylib.old ln -s /usr/lib/libxml2.dylib This resolved the issue for me!