Module 1: Everything You Need For Plotter Painting: Machine, Material, and Tools

Part of The Painting with Plotters Course by Licia He

Overview

In this module, we will cover:

1. Equipment needed for plotter painting
2. Prepare the machine
3. Prepare the painting environment
4. Materials and Tools Overview
5. Making Inkwells
6. Stretching watercolor paper
7. [Bonus]: Creating 3D models with Python and Blender

Plan

This module will be divided into multiple parts. It will contain 2 main videos and a bonus video (subject to change).

Part 1: Machines and Preparation

In this first video, I will cover two major topics: 1) equipment and 2) preparing the machine/environment.

Here is a quick summary and additional notes on the topics covered in the video.

1. Things to consider when finding a plotter for painting

Plotting Angle

The plotting angle impacts which material you can use on your plotter. I mainly use watercolor, ink, and liquid acrylic at this moment, so I will only cover flat plotters in the course. But there are many types of plotters waiting for your exploration.

Some examples of plotters with different plotting angles:

Hanging Plotter:
- Scribit - Makelangelo

Flat Plotters: - Axidraw - IDraw

Slanted Plotter: - I mostly see vintage plotters with slanted surfaces, such as this one

Paper Feeding Mechanism

Z-axis space

How much do you need exactly on the Z-Axis? Is 10mm enough? Check out this good question(Q12) on the Q&A page .

2. Plotter I use

I mainly use AxiDraw/NextDraw . In the video, I discussed my servo motor issue and how to solve it. If you paint with your plotter, I highly recommend using a durable motor for your z-axis.

3. Computers I use

When I started plotting, I controlled the plotter using my laptop. Later, I switched to a Raspberry Pi because of its many benefits.

I mentioned a centralized control system for multiple Pi and plotters. We might get to this in the future. The high-level idea is to connect all devices to Wi-Fi and utilize one machine to control other machines (using SSH). I am running a Python command to operate the plotters, which made this remote control easier, as I don't need a graphical interface (e.g., Inkscape) to operate the machine.

4. principles I use in my studio

I use 4 guidelines in my studio. (I learned some of them the hard way.)

Nothing can move except for the plotter arm - Fix paper and ink trays with tape/magnets. I recommend using a magnetic system. - Fix and raise plotters with wooden blocks/boards. I've used clamps mainly. - I recently switched to a 3D-printed version. The STL file of the model is stored in the repository.

Water shouldn't reach electricity

It's essential to protect your machines from water/paint damage. I use a multi-level system:

• Move the plotter up
• Move the computer down

Prepare for paint splashing damage Because it will happen. Cover everything, especially the walls.

Double check before every plotter run

• Check if the plotter arm is in its home location
• Check if the brush/tool is at the correct z-axis height.

That's it for part 1. Let me know if you have any questions . I will see you in the next part! Happy plotting!