CNC Plotter/Machine
One of the most fascinating aspects of technology is the manufacturing of objects that can complete human functions. A CNC Machine can do exactly that by drawing.
Engineer
Vijaya K.
Area of Interest
Business, Engineering
School
Lynbrook High
Grade
Incoming Sophomore
Reflection
Simply put, Bluestamp was a pretty great time. I’m still hesitant about which field I’ll go down but through this program I’ve experienced different sides to engineering like mechanical, engineering, and programming, and I’m starting to comprehend how I feel about each side.
Before the six weeks, I was so exciting about constructing a machine that draws. Six weeks later I can genuinely say that this project still just as exciting. I’ve learned that engineering is a process with highs and lows, but the highs always triumph the lows and make the entire process worth it.
I’ve learned-
- Arduino code
- Gcode
- About inkscape
- How to test out ways to find the most efficient
- The value of independence
- And so much more
I can say without a doubt that Bluestamp has been an experience that will shape the rest of my engineering path and has made this summer amazing.
A Closer Look
The main components of the project include:
- DVD Drive (2)
- L293D Motor Shield
- Arduino Uno
- Acrylic, Wood, or any type of sturdy material
- Servo
- Pen
Aside from that, tape, glue (hot and super!), power tools, screws, wire, and nuts are required.
Around a week or two before the program started, I wrote my projected build plan. Though I didn’t end up constructing my project tin this order, my milestones are either similar or the same, and this plan is vaguely the way anyone should go about this project.

The CNC machine requires an Arduino Uno and on top of that, the motor shield manages the amount of current/voltage. The eight yellow wires screwed in are connected to the stepper motors.

This aspect of the project is called the “x axis”. The little blue container is a servo motor and when this motor rotates, it’s blade causes the white plate to move up and down by pushing it along the gears. By this process, the pen has the ability to move up and down.

The Arduino code is constantly running on the machine. I used code from online however changed parts of it to suit my robot. For example, I changed the positions for the “penZUp” and “penZDown”, so it would suit my machine. This code sets the baselines for the plotter. It tells the machine what to do “if…”. It tells the machine what position to be in at certain times as well. In the image, only segments of the code are shown like parts of the void setup and void loop.
Full Code: CNC Arduino Code

Gcode is a programming language for machines. This code was what ultimately allowed my machine to draw. I ran this code through a software program called Processing over the Arduino code. The image is a segment of the entire code.
Full code: Gcode

Inkscape is an exciting graphics editor program which allowed me to upload any image of my choice or text of my choice to upload to my machine. It makes my code files and is the basis of creativity in this project.

CNC Plotter Instructions
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opZ9RgmOIpc
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VFOU-WUQIY
- https://www.instructables.com/id/Mini-CNC-Machine-Arduino-Based-Adafruit-Driver-Mot/
- http://www.ardumotive.com/new-cnc-plotter.html#
Code
If this was made with a breadboard, this is the schematic to follow (taken from Instructables):
