Development of Arduino Controlled Writing Machine
Development of Arduino Controlled Writing Machine
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
The technologies like automatic speech writing machine, speech to text output,
printers, scanners, etc. But the basic problem is, it only writes only those fonts which the
computer already had. That is Roman, Calibri, Arial, Impact, Georgia, etc. People want a
machine which can write the full matter on a page by the ink of pen in our own personal
hand writing. By using the concepts like CNC machines, wooden CNCs which make the
design on wood by giving accurate feed to the driller. Similarly, It can be used in this
Technology to make a machine for writing purpose also.
Education system plays a major role in describing the innovative ideas to the
students. In recent years, the definition of robot is generally used to mean an unmanned
system or automation, as often seen in industrial applications. Generally, a robot is used
to be shaped like humans and referred to as machines and electric systems were capable
of performing similar actions as humans. With the technological advancements in
robotics field, efforts are being taken in researching, designing and development of
robots for different practical purposes. Robots designed to assist human in their work
and reduced human efforts. Many research companies are developing writing machine
for performing basic functions like human arm. Among different functions, writing
skills is one of function. The proposed writing machine can be used by physically
challenged person for writing operation.
The objective of this project work is to fabricate the Arduino based writing
machine using open source software for control the machine. Basically the machine
works with 3 axes stepper motors [X, Y, Z axes]; there are 3 stepper motors that are
controlled by shield for movement. The left and right movement controlled by X axis
stepper motor, front-back movement controlled by Y axis stepper motor and the pen is
up down that is controlled by Z axis. The lower cost is achieved by incorporating
features of PC with Arduino UNO controller to drive the stepper motor in X, Y, &Z axis.
This machine can be used very easily for writing, it just needs to give the input
text and for drawing, it needs to give the measurement as the input.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
M. Aditi et al. [1] made study on the automated writing and drawing machine.
Which is use to write with speech recognition system for physical handicap person. In
this machine robotic arm is programmed to write down words which are pronounced in
the microphone. They use Arduino with CNC machine; it can draw most of basic shapes
& texts. That is faster and more accurate than humans.
Sonali Dhanwade et al. [2] made research on developing a writing machine which
helps the students or office workers to write. It is used to write the characters, words
from document with the help of hardware and software. They use UNO Arduino,
servo motor, CNC shield, motor driver and Benbox software, stepper motors (taken
from old DVD writers). The main advantage of this proposed system is to just
recognize the file from computer which wants to write on paper using this writer
machine without any hassle. It will reduce the workload as well as your time. They focus
on reducing the size of the hardware so the total system will become small.
Saif Aldeen Saad Obayes et al. [3] made research on Prototype Wireless
Controller System based on Raspberry Pi and Arduino for Engraving Machine.
Wireless controller system provided a simple NC (Numerical Control) machine
network technology. This machine is used to write on different things by pen. Like
on paper, metal, plastic etc. The work area is 200mm in X axis, 200mm in Y axis &
70mm in Z axis. GRBL is software for controlling the motion of machines that make
things. Benbox software is used to convert the image into g-code format.
Infantanto Abishek.J et al. [4] made research Mini CNC Engraver Machine which
is similar to CNC milling machine. It reduces worksheet residue & frequency of errors.
They have 3 dimensional (X, Y&Z axis) working areas of 230mm x 290mm. This
machine can engrave on plastic, steel, aluminium, wood etc. It gives the better
precision accuracy at competitive development cost. With the help of G code, it gives
better productivity & reduces the work load also it gives the information about the
positions of all the stepper motor on the computer screen so it can easily start or stop the
system motor whenever it want.
Udit Pandey et al. [6] work likewise fabrication unit, demonstrating the hardware
required for the CNC plotter at low cost in real time control of Z axis control using a
stepper motor takes more time than servo motor to move the drawing pen up and down.
Dinesh Awari et al. [7] describes a small scale three axis CNC milling
machine’s component discuss and analyzed under very limited budget. Puja Girhe et al.
[8] paper deals with the design of automatic mini CNC machine for PCB drawing and
drilling operation. Kajal J.Madekar, Kranti R. Nanaware., Pooja, R. Phadtare., Vikas S.
Mane., focus the Design and drill PCB based on low cost CNC system and the lower cost
is achieved by incorporating features of PC with ATMEGA 328 controller in an arduino
microcontroller.
Based primarily on the nature of the machine tool design practice, requirements
for the knowledge-centric frame-work with integration of process and knowledge are
analysed in consideration of the design objects, the D&D process, the knowledge-centric
demand and its implementing and monitoring demand. Then, the framework of
knowledge-centric CNC machine tool D&D process management used in the CNC
machine tool industry is proposed, which includes the modelling, simulation and its
execution and takes the knowledge into consideration. The design process of KVC1050N
Vertical machining centre is also studied as an example to demonstrate the feasibility
and availability of the proposed framework. The results of this study significantly
contribute to efforts to achieve knowledge and process integration in CNC machine tool
D&D. In a word, on-going efforts are being taken to make the framework more
practical in the industrial application. Thus, this solution can serve machine tool
companies in this important industry sector by increasing machine tool development
capabilities, improving work efficiency and ultimately reducing development cycle time
and costs.
Venkata Krishna pabolu et al. [9] (2010) discuss the design and
implementation of low cost three dimensional computerised numerical control system
(CNC) for industrial application. In this project prototyping an Embedded CNC machine
was created Detail description of different modules such as software development,
Electronic/Electrical development, along with technical details of their implementation
have been given.
Dr.J.B. Jayachandraiah et al. [10] (2014) provide the idea to develop the low cost
Router system which is capable of 3 axes simultaneous interpolated. The low cost is
prototyping is achieved by incorporating the features of standard PC interface
w i t h microcontroller base CNC system in an Arduino based embedded system.
With limited budget the author conclude that small machine tools to fabricate small parts
can provide flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing approach and reduce the capital
cost, which is beneficial for small business owners.
CHAPTER 3
PROJECT PLANNING
Buying all the necessary materials before starting of any project is important.
Arduino was received the command or data from the computer and with the help
of USB cable. It is mounted on CNC shield; it will be transfer data from Arduino to CNC
shield with using stepper driver. Arduino UNO is a microcontroller board, it contains
everything needed to support the microcontroller, simply connect it to a computer with a
USB cable and a power source. It controls the position of stepper motor with help of a
program. It is open source platform based on easy to use hardware and software. It have
digital and analog input/output pins which can interface into various expansion board and
other circuits and microcontroller with complementary components that helps in
programming and incorporation into other circuits. Current supplied 5 volts with USB
cable.
The input of motor driver is provided from CNC Shield V3. The motor driver
circuit is placed on CNC Shield circuit. Motor driver circuit (A4988) is a 28pin circuit. Its
maximum supply voltage is 35v & maximum current rating is 2A. It takes three inputs
from microcontroller. 1st input is the supply voltage given to enable (EN) pin to energize
the IC, and 2nd & 3rd input decides the direction of rotation of motor. In this project,
there are 2 motor driver circuit used, one for each axis.
A servo motor is an entirely different story the function of the servo is to receive
a control signal that represents a desired output position of the servo shift and apply
power to its DC motor until its shaft turns to that position.
shaft through a fixed angle. In this 3 stepper motors with lead screw are used. Motor
output will be in the form of rotation of lead screw.
Specification
CNC Shield V3 can be used as drive expansion board for writing machine, 3D
printer and other devices. There’re 4 slots in the board for stepper motor driver modules,
can drive 4 stepper motors. It has an input voltage of 8-36v.
Specifications
A Coupling is a device used to connect two shafts together at their ends for the
purpose of transmitting power. The primary purpose of coupling is to join two pieces of
rotating equipment while permitting some degree of misalignment or end movement or
both.
Specifications:
Specifications:
Specifications:
Specifications:
To build the base cut several wooden boards which have made holes and blind
holes. These tables form the support of the machine. The screwed steel rods operate
as a worm drive. The blind holes serve as a stop for the steel bars that act as guides for
the x-axis, in the middle, Attach the screwed steel bar, that when turning, generates
displacement in the x-axis. Above, it is used wooden board greater weight and thickness
for stability
Bridge construction (y-axis) is very similar to that of the base, but this is
supported on a table that is moved in the x-axis by a fixed nut below table.
And finally the z-axis, similarly fact that the other two axes and carries a support
for a writing machine. To test use a pen to move the axis.
Now it has to attach a wood surface on Y axis. On this put the paper piece to print
the texts.
It's time to build the circuit and test stepper motors (X and Y axis). Steppers
motors wiring is something that need patient. On next step need to find a 'testing' code
for x and y axis. If steppers doesn't work properly must find correct working
combination by changing the cables between them.
CHAPTER 4
METHODOLOGY
Supply the current in Arduino with USB Data cable to transfer Data from
Computer to Arduino Board, Here it used 2 Stepper Drivers to supply the program in
Sequence to the stepper motors. Arduino will be mounted on CNC shield. CNC shield
will be distributing the Current in the command of Arduino. CNC shield will be
converting the command of programming in digital pulse by Stepper motor. In X
direction Stepper motor will be move left and Right ,Y direction stepper motor will be
move in front and back direction, Z direction Stepper motor will be move in Up and
down. It made much difficult design via using this machine. The accuracy of this
machines result is very high.
Mechanical system
Electrical system
Software system
Power supply
Microcontroller board
Stepper motor driver board
Power supply is heart of the CNC system which converts the AC voltage to
DC voltage supplies required voltages to the corresponding devices. Microcontroller
board operates at 5v supply whereas the stepper motor board operates at12v.
Micro-stepping drive designed for smooth and quiet operation is chosen to drive
the NEMA 17 stepper motor. Stepper motor Driver Board receives the control signal
from the microcontroller board to the terminals PULSE and DIR which generates the
corresponding digital pulse signals for stepper motor to control the rotation of the motor.
Inkscape is a free and open-source Graphics editor. Here creating the images,
drawings which should draw on the paper. After that run the program through Benbox.
Benbox is Accurate Software than Inkscape.
Benbox is software which is used to generate C language form the given two
dimensional pictures. It is only available for Windows operating system. It is mainly use
for the application of Laser Engraver. It has various features like configure the
microcontroller, setting speed, intensity and steps for the engraving.
4.4 WORKING
Supply the current in Arduino with USB Data cable to transfer Data from Computer to Arduino
Board, Here it used 2 Stepper Drivers to supply the programming language in Sequence to the
stepper motors. Arduino will be mounted on CNC shield. CNC shield will be distributing the
Current in the command of Arduino. CNC shield will be converting the command of C
language in digital pulse by Stepper motor. In X direction Stepper motor will move left
and Right ,Y direction stepper motor will be move in front and back direction, Z direction
Stepper motor will be move in Up and down. The accuracy of these machines
results is very high. So it used in industry to reduce the cost of design printing and
maintain accuracy level.
This writing or drawing machine is able to draw complex line drawings. The
coordinates are uploaded to the machine controller by a separate program. The image file
is transformed into software. Then that is transferred to the microcontroller by which the
motor mechanism is instructed to draw the image. Depending on the image to be
drawn, the computer will generate the appropriate coordinates and send them to the
microcontroller through the USB port. The sketching axes are controlled by program.
Then program is uploaded on the Microcontroller of the sketching machine. Then the
controller outputs commands to motors and accessories that can repetitively and
extremely accurately design or draw. The automatic sketch pen movement for building
drawing or sketch is obtained by processing c program through the microcontroller. The
servo motor will be used along the Z axis for positioning the pen which will go up for
logic 0 and down for logic 1. Drawing will be done on the X-Y plane where the
positioning will be controlled by stepper motors. The two axes pen movements can be
precisely and automatically positioned along their lengths of travel by a servo motor and
two stepper motors. The motor drivers are used to process the machine language obtained
from microcontroller and in turn run the motors in clockwise or anticlockwise directions
so as to achieve the desired pen movement. An A4 sheet is pasted using cello tape at the
edges of the proposed 2D sketcher table. It can be used as writing or drawing
(sketching) machine.
CHAPTER 5
WORKING OF SOFTWARE
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor; it can be used to create
or edit vector graphics such as illustrations, diagrams, line arts, charts, logos and
complex paintings. Inkscape primary vector graphics format is Scalable Vector Graphics
(SVG), however many other formats can be imported and exported.
Inkscape can render primitive vector shapes (e.g. rectangles, ellipses, polygons,
arcs, spirals, stars and 3D boxes) and text. These objects may be filled with solid colours,
patterns, radial or linear colour gradients and their borders may be stroked, both
with adjustable transparency. Embedding and optional tracing of raster graphics is also
supported, enabling the editor to create vector graphics from photos and other raster
sources. Created shapes can be further manipulated with transformations, such as
moving, rotating, scaling and skewing
5.2 BENBOX
After image edited by Inkscape the image is moved to Benbox and it give output
on the paper. First download the BenBox software version 3.7.99 from internet it’s in
the form of zip file. Inside of the file it find the BenBox software, the driver for the
CH340 chip of the microcontroller, the hexadecimal code to be uploaded to the
microcontroller and an example file to print(logo)
Download the zip file and extract it. Inside it has the software but also the
firmware for the main board in a hexadecimal format. First make sure you install the CH
340 driver. Once that is done, install the BenBox software and open it. Here click the
update firmware in order to upload it to the board. Select the Com of the machine board
and open the hexadecimal file that it had in the downloaded folder. Upload and wait till
you get a green check mark.
There are many buttons on the screen, let's introduce one by one.
Open files
Move buttons - move the laser or pen and choose the zero
Click the parameter setting button Hidden interface it can see that there are two pages:
Figure 5.4(a)
Figure 5.4(b)
5.5.1 Connecting the writing machine to the computer, then follow the steps below to
upload firmware.
Figure 5.5(a)
Figure 5.5(b)
Select the right version of the board. Depending on the main board type.
Figure 5.5(c)
If the connection is unsuccessful, restart the software and check the hardware is
functioning properly. It should to connect an external power supply to make sure it can
work normally.
Figure 5.5(d)
5.5.3 This information is based on writing modify the way you want:
Figure 5.5(e)
Processing
Figure 5.5.1(a)
CHAPTER 6
6.1 ADVANTAGES
1. It’s an open source program and thus a free one, it supports various kinds of
hardware and configurations and it’s very easy to use.
2. The stepper motor never misses any step. Hence the whole operation is reliable.
3. Through Inkscape and Benbox software it can easily generate images.
4. The whole project is cheaper and can be easily constructed through used
parts of hardware from computers.
5. The pen holder is very compatible in nature.
6. Saves time, money & effort.
6.2 DISADVANTAGES
The machine runs in a slow pace and generates excess heat which causes the heat
sink to be heated quickly. A slight error may remain on the image file after it has been
plotted due to one side of the Y-axis fixed to the moving mechanism and the other end is
free to move. The Z-axis is not very rigid so it causes slight vibration.
6.3 APPLICATIONS
CHAPTER 7
CONCLUSION
This machine will give better accuracy and reduce work load with the
combination of hardware and software this machine will be easy to use and convenient.
This machine can be used by teachers, students and in offices where still some documents
are writing manually. Making a small machine brings a flexibility to do work. Students
can write their assignments with this machine; it can draw or write on smartphone case
covers. This machine has wide range of applications. It can also draw company name
and logos .So, this machine is useful for industrial purposes and personal purposes
because of great flexibility.
This project works based on the concept of three-axis Arduino Controlled writing
machine. The existing Writing machines are of high cost, difficult to maintain and
requires highly skilled operators. This writing machine overcomes these problems. It
easy to control and there is a need of highly skilled operators. It is hoped to extend this
work for future development.
The pen of the machine can be replaced by a laser to make it work like a laser
engraving or cutting machine. Engraving machine can be used on wood. The pen can
also be replaced with a powerful drill so that it can be used for both milling and
drilling purposes. The servo can be replaced with a stepper motor and the pen with a 3-D
pen to make it a 3-D printer which can print objects with dimensions. By extrapolation
of the axes, the working area of the machine can be extended keeping the algorithm
unaltered.
REFERENCES