Unicorn G-Code Extension for Inkscape
Description
mifga did an awesome tutorial[2] that made it possible to understand the steps needed to work all of these tools, but it was obvious that something better was needed.
So, I made a mashup of scribbles.py[3] and the Egg-Bot Driver for Inkscape[4] to bring you the inkscape-unicorn extension for Inkscape!
Once installed, this extension allows you to save files in "MakerBot Unicorn G-Code (*.gcode)" format!
Learn more, download, and contribute at the GitHub page for this project:
github.com/martymcguire/inkscape-unicorn
If you're desperate, you can also download the zip file attached to this thing, but it is guaranteed to be out of date. Please get the latest version from GitHub. :)
Thanks to langfordw for the original Unicorn Logo[5] used as an example on this Thing.
UPDATES!
I'm updating and adding features to this script as my first days for the February Thing-A-Day. Updates below:
* Day 1, Release: thing-a-day.com/thing-a-day-2011-1-unicorn-pen-plotter-extens
* Day 2, Registration and Homing: thing-a-day.com/new-features-for-inkscape-unicorn-pen-registr
* Day 3, Copies and Continuous Plotting: thing-a-day.com/thing-a-day-2011-3-copies-and-continuous-plot
[1] Unicorn - store.makerbot.com/makerbot-unicorn-pen-plotter-kit.html
[2] mifga's Unicorn Tutorial - wiki.makerbot.com/unicorn-tutorial-01
[3] scribbles.py - github.com/makerbot/Makerbot/tree/master/Unicorn/Scribbles%20Scripts
[4] Egg-Bot Driver for Inkscape - code.google.com/p/eggbotcode/
[5] Unicorn Logo by langfordw thingiverse.com/thing:4197
Instructions
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 FilesInkscapeshareextensions
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!
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Thanks for making this. I very slightly modified the code to do z moves for the pen up/down and it worked out great.
Really impressed, thanks for making the G-Code extension. I'm making a Spherebot and this really makes it work! Keep up the great work!
Can you add a travel speed option? I've been using this script with my laser unicorn - etch speeds are around 200 - 400 mm/min... I'd love to have it move much faster when not etching.
Where is the ''Love it'' button? This thing is so awesome. I hated dealing with the python scribbles script. Great job. I have it installed and in use. You should really consider posting a page on the reprap wiki and Makerbot wiki because it is really a huge leap forward on user friendliness. I am very surprised this thing hasn't gotten more attenion. Anyways the thing is awesome! :)
What needs to change so I can use a stock cupcake as a drawbot and this script? The Z just needs to hop up 2mm.
I couldn't agree more : Today I grabbed four Inkscape svg files that were the source for existing Unicorn plottables at Thingiverse and ran them to gcode with practically no issues. Even the stepping on curves wasn't as noticeable as when you run a big circle. And now that Matt Mets has fixed the G3 issue in ReplicatorG, there is a lot of room to tune this tool up to take over ye olde long process of generating Unicorn gcode. Also, I ran an XKCD webcomic for fun, and within 30 seconds had a unicorn printing, well, what appears to me to be a Klingon language variant. Text still needs some work. (not with the script, with the tools to trace usefully into Inkscape for paths for printing!) Marty -- go for the Hershey font trickery we discussed!
License
Cool! Thanks! replaced M300 commands with G1 Z0 commands to run on my Prusa Mendel