For this project, I designed a 3d printed gondola and counterbalance system to create a large-scale V-plotter, capable of plotting areas up to 4' x 8'. The base work was built off of the Euphy's Polargraph design. I improved the reliability of the pen lifting system, compacted the gondola design, and generally improved the mechanics of the system to enable more reliable operation. I used a python script to calculate belt over all reachable points to determine the ideal position of the two stepper motors, maximizing resolution within the target plotting location.
Gcode is fed by a PC into an Arduino with a motor shield, which drives two stepper motors to drive the calculated belt position, as well as a servo motor to lift the pen off of the page.
I've used the plotter to produce portraits, as well as large format signage and vector art
