PEN PLOTTER / GENERATIVE ART

Workflow

The tools each sketch passes through on its way from code to ink on paper.

Processing

Where I code each sketch in Java and generate the SVG file.

Inkscape

Open-source SVG editor where I align the drawing and fit it to the paper size, then generate and export the G-code with the 4xiDraw Tools extension.

NC Viewer

Simulates the exported G-code and previews it as a toolpath in the browser before it ever reaches the plotter.

Universal G-Code Sender

Streams the final G-code to the pen plotter and drives it directly.

Or just choose pre-defined shape, customize the variables and download the SVG from Book of Shapes.

Plot your city or town roads — create an SVG from City Roads.

PEN PLOTTER / GENERATIVE ART

Gallery

Timelapses and photos of the plotter at work.

Day one: the plotter kit unboxed, before a single line was drawn.
Day one: the plotter kit unboxed, before a single line was drawn.
Perlin noise plot, with empty circle in the middle. Satisfied with the accuracy.
Walker fields plot, with a small cell size. Denser plotting with satisfying finish.
Mid-plot: dense road-map linework building up under the pen.
Mid-plot: dense road-map linework building up under the pen.
The carriage sweeps across the sheet as the drawing slowly fills in.
Close-up of the pen tip laying down fine road lines on the paper.
Close-up of the pen tip laying down fine road lines on the paper.
Timelapse of a full plot, from empty paper to finished drawing.
Another run: the gantry moves left to right while the pen keeps its line.
This is a failed plot, the pen is not lifting. I overloaded the pen lifting servo and fried the voltage regulator by setting the pen-lift value too high. Have to replace the servo and the voltage regulator (PCB soldering work).
The sketch on screen first, a dense lattice that becomes the G-code the plotter runs.

PEN PLOTTER / GENERATIVE ART

Purchase

Order a physical print of any sketch here, plotted and shipped to you.

Coming soon.