Pen plotters/Pen Hacking: Difference between revisions

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(Add pushing and cutting techniques)
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Page dedicated to the modification of Pen Plotter Pens
Page dedicated to the modification of Pen Plotter Pens
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==Pushing Technique==
==Pushing Technique==
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* Cosider pulling the pen-intestants out from the head of the pen (easy after the top has been cut off). This will allow you to more easily push out the top of the pen.
* Cosider pulling the pen-intestants out from the head of the pen (easy after the top has been cut off). This will allow you to more easily push out the top of the pen.
* Be careful!
* Be careful!
==Pen Alignment==
When using a custom pen, you want to make sure the pen is placed properly in the holder. This includes:
* The pen is properly aligned height wise: the tip of the pen just touches the paper when the plotter holds the pen down.
* The pen is secured, so that it won't loosen or move during plotting.
The former, in particular, can be tricky. You can hold your custom pen next to a regular pen plotter pen and compare the heigts. Also, [[User:Thijshijsijsjss/Pen_Plotting_Panache#Testing_Rig|a test rig]] is in the making.

Revision as of 16:27, 20 December 2023

Page dedicated to the modification of Pen Plotter Pens

Pushing Technique

If you're lucky, you have a pen lying around without head. If you're luckier still, the top of the pen will pop right off. A toothpick is the perfect tool.

A broken pen (right)
Take a toothpick
Push the toothpick
Push harder with the toothpic
Keep Pushing
You might need help from a knife
Tadaa!

Cutting Technique

When you're not so lucky, you might need to use a knife immediately. A few notes:

  • Not all pens are created equal, some plastics seems to be softer than others
  • Cosider pulling the pen-intestants out from the head of the pen (easy after the top has been cut off). This will allow you to more easily push out the top of the pen.
  • Be careful!

Pen Alignment

When using a custom pen, you want to make sure the pen is placed properly in the holder. This includes:

  • The pen is properly aligned height wise: the tip of the pen just touches the paper when the plotter holds the pen down.
  • The pen is secured, so that it won't loosen or move during plotting.

The former, in particular, can be tricky. You can hold your custom pen next to a regular pen plotter pen and compare the heigts. Also, a test rig is in the making.