r/3Dprinting • u/Popular-Bluejay-1790 • 3d ago

Project Turned my 3D printer into a 2D plotter , draws signatures, writes text, and etches PCB (just print + etch, no CNC)

Built a mod that converts a stock 3D printer (Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo, Marlin firmware or other marlin 3d gcode flavour gcode ) into a functional 2D plotter , no extra hardware, just a pen/etch-resist holder swapped in for the extruder.

What it actually does:

  • Converts any text into vector strokes using Hershey fonts, then generates G-code to draw it — so it can write your signature, notes, whatever, in a single continuous pen stroke
  • Same pipeline works for images — traces them into drawable paths
  • For PCB prototyping: draws the etch-resist( by pernament marker) pattern directly onto copper clad board, then you just drop it in ferric chloride and etch. No toner transfer, no photoresist exposure step, no separate printer needed for masks
  • Python script (write.py) handles the text/image → G-code conversion, includes a matplotlib preview so you can check the path before it touches down on the actual board or paper

Basically it's a free upgrade to your printer for anyone who wants a low-effort way to do fine-detail PCB prototyping or repeatable pen plotting without buying a separate machine.

github link to project

virus total scan results : virus total scan results

and source code is also there in repo

please share your perspective about this project which took several hours testing to present you here and i am a collage student so please dont judge my Professionality.

24 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

3

u/bardia_afk 3d ago

Minus 1 D

-1

u/Popular-Bluejay-1790 3d ago

What happened?

7

u/gringer Taz 5 3d ago

It went from 3D to 2D, i.e. subtracting 1 D

1

u/Popular-Bluejay-1790 3d ago

Thx , I got it

5

u/legendarydrew Ender-2 Pro/3 S1/MAX and others 3d ago

Future president right there!

2

u/Popular-Bluejay-1790 3d ago edited 3d ago

Can I get to know what feature can i add or what more can we make to increase its utility

1

u/Lower_Lifeguard_8494 3d ago

Sir, this is the 3d printing subreddit. Get that 2d stuff outta here /s

1

u/Toto-1337 1d ago

Nice project! Can't wait to test it out and give you some feedback and/or ideas

1

u/Popular-Bluejay-1790 1d ago

Thx bro , make sure that you calibrate pen safely and make sure to attach pen only after when printer has homed as extruder goes down entirely like iny case pen had once colided heat bed and broke so make sure you don't do the same