The creator has modified their plasma cutter to also function as a pen plotter. This was done to solve a problem they encountered when working with folded sheet metal structures, where they would struggle to place bends accurately. The pen plotter allows them to draw lines on the metal, making it easier to bend them into the correct shape.
The modification involved adding an air cylinder, springs, and a retractable Sharpie to the plasma cutter. The Sharpie is raised and lowered using the air cylinder and springs, allowing it to draw lines on the metal. The creator also added solenoid valves and a control system to automate the process.
After assembling the modified plasma cutter, the creator tested it by drawing a line and then cutting it with the plasma cutter. The test was successful, and the creator is excited to use the modified tool for future projects.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The author is working on a project to combine a plasma cutter with a pen plotter.
2. The author uses the plasma cutter to make folded sheet metal structures.
3. The author had a problem with not being able to accurately place bends in the metal structures.
4. The author decided to add a pen plotter to the plasma cutter to draw bend lines.
5. The author used an air cylinder to raise and lower the marker.
6. The author used stiff springs to overcome friction and accurately locate the piston.
7. The author used a five-port, two-way valve to control the air cylinder.
8. The author printed the parts in a rigid material.
9. The author cut a bracket out of sheet metal and bent it in a press.
10. The author added sintered bronze dampers to control the rate of the air cylinder.
11. The author used relays to control the valves.
12. The author had to adjust the system to fine-tune it.
13. The author made a guess about the offset between the plasma cutter and the marker.
14. The author drew a 90-degree angle to measure the distance between the two heads.
15. The author had to repeat the process a few times to get the offset correct.
16. The author was able to draw a line and then cut it with the plasma cutter.
17. The author tested the system with a complicated part.
18. The author used an improvised bending setup to bend the part.
19. The author is happy with the result and plans to use the system for future projects.