CNC Plotter Using Arduino

The word cnc stands for computer numerical control. By using a cnc machine we can easily design any object or a part of object according to our need. Now a days cnc is widely used in different industries to make the things easier and faster. A cnc machine is controlled by computer. By making some few clicks in our computer screen we can easily design the component we want. In a cnc machine stepper motors are used because stepper motors provide a better result and smooth design. Read More >>

Components -

1. DVD Drive
2. Arduino uno
3. CNC Shield
4. A4988 Motor Driver
5. Servo MG90S

To make the structure I used two dvd drivers. At first I open this dvd driver and then I take out the stepper motor and the full sliding arrangement. After this connect the wires in both stepper motors. Now I used some wooden boards and 3d printed parts to make the base of the cnc plotter. In the base area I connected one dvd driver with nuts and bolts. This dvd driver will be responsible for vertical movement at the time of drawing. After designing the base, I connect some 3d printed parts vertically with the base of the cnc plotter. This parts will support another dvd driver at the top portion. This dvd driver is responsible for horizontal movement during the time of drawing. Read More >>

Now we have to make the circuit for the cnc plotter. To design the circuit we need several circuit component like arduino uno, cnc shield and A4988 stepper motor driver. At first you have to take the arduino uno and then you have to fix it in the back side of the cnc plotter. After this take the cnc shield and put it on the arduino uno. Now you have to take two A4988 motor driver. Put the A4988 motor driver on the cnc shield. Put one a4988 motor driver on x-axis and the other on y-axis of the cnc shield. Note that the potentiometer of the a4988 driver will be facing inside the cnc shield. Read More >>

The next thing is to connect the stepper motors with the cnc shield. You have to connect the x axis stepper motor with the x axis of the cnc shield and the y axis stepper motor with the y axis of the cnc shield. After connecting the stepper motors you have to connect the servo motor in the cnc shield. Follow the steps to connect the servo in cnc shield –

(1) Positive pin of servo motor – +5 volt pin of cnc shield

(2) Negative pin of servo motor – Gnd pin of cnc shield

(3) Signal pin of servo motor – +Z pin of cnc shield

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Now we have to setup the Benbox software. Download the Benbox software and install it in your computer. After this open the software and select the language you prefer. Then you have to choose the port and arduino type. Also you have to upload the firmware in the Benbox software. Now you have to change some settings in the Benbox software as per the requirement. Click on the three bars at the top right corner of the Benbox software and then follow the steps. Read More >>