Skip to content
This repository has been archived by the owner on Apr 23, 2019. It is now read-only.

Latest commit

 

History

History
60 lines (47 loc) · 2.25 KB

README.md

File metadata and controls

60 lines (47 loc) · 2.25 KB
Raw

MakerBot Unicorn G-Code Output for Inkscape

This is an Inkscape extension that allows you to save your Inkscape drawings as G-Code files suitable for plotting with the MakerBot Unicorn Pen Plotter.

Author: Marty McGuire

Website: http://github.com/martymcguire/inkscape-unicorn

Credits

  • Marty McGuire pulled this all together into an Inkscape extension.
  • Inkscape is an awesome open source vector graphics app.
  • Scribbles is the original DXF-to-Unicorn Python script.
  • The Egg-Bot Driver for Inkscape provided inspiration and good examples for working with Inkscape's extensions API.

Install

Copy the contents of src/ to your Inkscape extensions/ folder.

Typical locations include:

  • OS X - /Applications/Inkscape.app/Contents/Resources/extensions
  • Linux - /usr/share/inkscape/extensions
  • Windows - C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\extensions

Usage

  • Size and locate your image appropriately:
    • The CupCake CNC build platform size is 100mm x 100mm.
    • Setting units to mm in Inkscape makes it easy to size your drawing.
    • The extension will automatically attempt to center everything.
  • Convert all text to paths:
    • Select all text objects.
    • Choose Path | Object to Path.
  • Save as G-Code:
    • File | Save a Copy.
    • Select MakerBot Unicorn G-Code (*.gcode).
    • Save your file.
  • Preview
    • For OS X, Pleasant3D is great for this.
    • For other operating systems... I don't know!
  • Print!
    • Open your .gcode file in ReplicatorG
    • Set up your Unicorn and pen.
    • Center your build platform.
    • Click the Build button!

TODOs

  • Rename *PolyLine stuff to *Path to be less misleading.
  • Formalize "home" to be a reasonable place to change pages/pens.
  • Parameterize smoothness for curve approximation.
  • Use native curve G-Codes instead of converting to paths?
  • Include example templates?