jochipochi / inkscape-unicorn

Inkscape extension for outputting G-Code for the MakerBot Unicorn Pen Plotter

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?