Pen plotters/Pen Hacking: Difference between revisions

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Page dedicated to the modification of Pen Plotter Pens
Page dedicated to the modification of Pen Plotter Pens
__TOC__


==Pushing Technique==
==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.
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.
[[File:Pen hacking 1.jpg|thumb|center|A broken pen (right)]]
{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
[[File:Pen hacking 2.jpg|thumb|center|Take a toothpick]]
|[[File:Pen_hacking_1.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|A broken pen (right)]]
[[File:Pen hacking 3.jpg|thumb|center|Push the toothpick]]
|[[File:Pen_hacking_2.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Take a toothpick]]
[[File:Pen hacking 4.jpg|thumb|center|Push harder with the toothpic]]
|[[File:Pen_hacking_3.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Push the toothpick]]
[[File:Pen hacking 5.jpg|thumb|center|Keep Pushing]]
|-
[[File:Pen hacking 6.jpeg|thumb|center|You might need help from a knife]]
|[[File:Pen_hacking_4.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Push harder with the toothpic]]
|[[File:Pen_hacking_5.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Keep pushing]]
|[[File:Pen_hacking_6.jpeg|thumb|upright=0.55|You might need help from a knife]]
|}
[[File:Pen hacking 7.jpg|thumb|center|Tadaa!]]
[[File:Pen hacking 7.jpg|thumb|center|Tadaa!]]


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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!
==3D printing Technique==
You can also 3D print custom holders. This is a reliable way of obtaining a large number of holders, which has the benefit of being able to have one holder per pen, so that you don't have to align them each time you switch pens.
* [https://github.com/juliendorra/3D-printable-plotter-adapters-for-pens-and-refills This] is a GitHub repo with many stl files. The one I have tried did not work for me, however (too slim for the pen specified, or not aligned properly).
* I have made my own (specifically for stabillo 68 / 88 pens), the stl files for which can be found [https://git.xpub.nl/thijsoid/PenPlotterPenHolders here on Gitea].
[[File:Pen-test-rig-print-2.jpg|thumb|right|3d printed rig for vertical alginment of custom pens]]
==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. To make life easier, a [[User:Thijshijsijsjss/Pen_Plotting_Panache#Testing_Rig|vertical alignment rig]] has been made. It can be found [https://git.xpub.nl/thijsoid/PenPlotterPenHolders here on Gitea].

Latest revision as of 15:09, 9 February 2024

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!

3D printing Technique

You can also 3D print custom holders. This is a reliable way of obtaining a large number of holders, which has the benefit of being able to have one holder per pen, so that you don't have to align them each time you switch pens.

  • This is a GitHub repo with many stl files. The one I have tried did not work for me, however (too slim for the pen specified, or not aligned properly).
  • I have made my own (specifically for stabillo 68 / 88 pens), the stl files for which can be found here on Gitea.
3d printed rig for vertical alginment of custom pens

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. To make life easier, a vertical alignment rig has been made. It can be found here on Gitea.