Design and Development of a Flatbed Graphic Plotter

Project Title

Design and Development of a Flatbed Graphic Plotter

Project Area of Specialization Mechatronics EngineeringProject Summary

The Flatbed Graphic Plotter is our project that contains combination of software and hardware which purely is a system of mechatronics engineering. It is a type of drawing machine highly developed and attained in Industry. The micro-controller communicates with PC (Personal Computer) and decodes the instructions into stepping sequence of actuators along X-Y axis. The pen translates and draws the given picture. The machine has an option of multi-color drawings that makes the project more flexible.

Project Objectives

I. The main objective of our work is to make a plotter that plots with precision and accuracy. However, repeatability is also desired. The goal can be achieved through proper mathematical modelling and calibration of motion.
II. To develop simple algorithms in order to manipulate the input commands.
III. To focus on tool changing ability by involving hydraulics for ink exchange through valves at certain points.
IV. Achieve enough speed so that time is saved during work that provide efficiency.

Project Implementation Method

The project is implemented within the given time span. First of all, the project planning is done and a rough sketch of different tasks and components is made. Then, according to the available resources, the different activities are scheduled to be performed. The implementation period is based on designing, manufacturing of mechanical parts and then the electrical components are tested on the structure and calibrated till the goal accuracy is achieved. At the end, a detailed report of the project implementation and its description is submitted. At the end, the project is ready to be displayed to the audience.

Benefits of the Project

I. A simple CNC machine that can be implemented in industry for several products like making sceneries, styling of utensils and clothes and for crafting as well.
II. The estimated cost of the machine is less compared to commercially available plotters.
III. The main benefit of the project is its speed and precision.
IV. It can work on variety of material.
V. It is very versatile as it can be linked with other computers as well for communication purposes and takes command to print images.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

This project is to Design and Develop a Flatbed Graphic Plotter which is an automatic machine that draws a shape on paper with the help of an arm holding a pen. Flatbed is a plotter type whose bed remains fixed while the plotting head moves in 2-dimensional space. The plotter gets instructions from a computer through a means of communication. These instructions are interpreted by Master-Slave Circuit to control stepper motor direction attached to their respective axis. The stepper motor works as an actuator to make the drawing. We use different software’s for its communication like HyperTerminal, and PTC Creo 5.0 for making its design and a microcontroller for giving instructions to it.

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry ManufacturingOther Industries Education , Media Core Technology OthersOther Technologies RoboticsSustainable Development Goals Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and ProductionRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	27850
Microcontroller	Equipment	1	550	550
Stepper Motor	Equipment	2	1800	3600
Servo Motor	Equipment	1	400	400
MX 232 Module	Equipment	1	200	200
Lead Screw	Equipment	2	2000	4000
Threaded Shaft with Coupling and Nut	Equipment	2	1200	2400
Ball Bearing	Equipment	2	350	700
Hydraulic Valve	Equipment	3	2000	6000
Acrylic	Miscellaneous	1	4000	4000
Wood	Miscellaneous	1	2000	2000
Stationery, Printing and other things	Miscellaneous	1	4000	4000