LLavigne Labs
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Whiteboard Plotter

MechanicalMotion control

A whiteboard plotter inspired by draw bots, built on plywood with linear rails, a 3D printer control board and open-source software.

Whiteboard with a gantry plotter and a geometric web-like star pattern drawn in black marker.Whiteboard with a plotter and a black outline world map drawn inside an oval.Whiteboard with a plotter and a block of small black text, with a short list below it.Whiteboard in a wooden frame with the word 'Hello World' written in light pink by the plotter.Pink marker line drawing of a character with a large mouth, drawn on a white board inside a rounded border.Open grey electronics enclosure holding a green circuit board, a ventilated power supply and wiring.

Whiteboard Plotter: Combining Art and Engineering

From Concept to Creation:

At Lavigne Labs, our passion for innovative projects led us to create a Whiteboard Plotter, inspired by draw bots and a class by Mark Rober. This project was initially conceptualized as an artistic endeavor but quickly evolved into a sophisticated office feature.

Building the Prototype:

  • Early Design: The initial proof of concept was built on plywood with round bar rails, laying the groundwork for a more refined version.

  • Desire for Perfection: Unsettled with the initial model's limitations, we were driven to develop a robust and efficient plotter for our office.

Enhanced Construction:

  • Sturdy Mounting: We mounted the plywood base to a concrete wall, ensuring stability and precision in the plotter's movements.

  • Linear Rail Integration: Custom machined aluminum bars were used to mount linear rails on the wood, providing a reliable foundation for the plotting mechanism.

Technical Refinements:

  • Software and Control: Utilizing a 3D printer control board and open-source software, we enhanced the plotter's capabilities, including a text-to-G-code feature for converting basic HTML to whiteboard-friendly formats.

  • Leveling and Accuracy: Custom spacers and concrete anchors were employed to perfectly level the linear rails, ensuring smooth and precise plotting.

Final Outcome:

The result is a smooth, accurate, and relatively quiet Whiteboard Plotter, complete with a sleek glass board. This fun project not only serves as a conversation piece but also exemplifies Lavigne Labs' dedication to exploring and mastering new technologies, be it for work or play. Our love for what we do is evident in every project, blending creativity with technical prowess.

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