Mechanical · CAD & Manufacturing
CNC Pen Plotter (Design + Build)
Advanced 6 weeks 45-70 hours
Design and build a 2-axis CNC pen plotter from scratch, then program G-code to draw designs. Teaches motion control, CAD, and manufacturing, making a versatile portfolio centerpiece.
Major
Mechanical
Focus area
CAD & Manufacturing
Total hours
45-70 hours
What you'll need
- NEMA 17 stepper motor 2 pack for 3D printer CNC
- A4988 stepper motor driver module
- Arduino Uno R3 ATmega328P microcontroller board
- CNC shield for Arduino
- linear rail guide slide 500mm CNC
- SG90 micro servo motor for sorting mechanism
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Steps
- Design the plotter frame and X-Y motion system in CAD.
- Assemble the frame, linear rails, and stepper motors.
- Wire the steppers, drivers, CNC shield, and servo pen lift to the Arduino.
- Flash GRBL firmware and calibrate steps per millimeter.
- Generate G-code from your own designs and plot them.
- Film it drawing and document the build for your portfolio.
What to photograph for your portfolio
- Plotter build
- G-code drawings
- motion calibration
- CAD model
- precision test
Resume bullet starters
Copy one, then swap in your own numbers.
Designed and built a CNC pen plotter using CNC, motion control, G-code
Applied CAD and mechatronics to implement, test, and validate the system end-to-end
Quantified performance with [insert your result, such as accuracy, error reduction, response time, or load capacity] after iterative tuning
Skills you'll show off
CNCmotion controlG-codeCADmechatronicsstepper control