Inkscape plugin for drawing more complex shapes using CNC Airbrush
If you need to draw vector images, more complex structures with curves, spirals and Or it is simply easier for you to create the trajectory of the movement of the nozzle in a graphic environment, using the Airbrush plugin for inscape 1.4 is an ideal way to simplify your work.
Installing Inkscape and the plugin:
- The first step is to download and install the Inkscape vector graphics editor:
https://inkscape.org/release/inkscape-1.4/windows/64-bit/msi/ - Install Inkscape on your computer. The installation will typically take place in the directory:
C:\Program Files\Inkscape - Next, download the Airbrushtool for Inkscape plugin.
http://work.czrobotics.cz/Airbrush_tool_for_Inkscape_1.4.zip - Finally, extract the complete contents of the ZIP files into a directory:
C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\inkscape\extensions
In case you used a directory other than the default one to install Inkscape, extract the contents of the ZIP files into the appropriate subdirectory: Inkscape\share\inkscape\extensions.
Creating a shape:
Launch Inkscape.
- Now you can draw your first object – a line, rectangle or write text.
- Select the drawn object and select Path -> Object to path in the menu. this option will convert shapes to path.
To create a G-code:
Open the extensions menu and select CNC Airbrush tool.
A window will open where we set the CNC AirBrush drawing parameters.
Bookmark Airbrush settings
- Always use millimeter units.
- Travel Speed – determines the crossing speed between individual lines and curves, the default value is set to 20,000 mm/min.
- Painting Speed – determines the nozzle movement speed in millimeters per minute. changing this speed will naturally also change the amount of paint or other liquid applied. the default value of a is set to 5000 mm/min.
- Nozzle Open Command – the nozzle opening command is set to G0 A20 by default, the size of the value of parameter A determines the degree of nozzle opening. the value can range from 0 to 45 and can be set to one decimal place for example 12.3 for very fine tuning. Always use a decimal point in the number.
- Nozzle Close Command – The command for closing the nozzle is set to G0 A0 by default.
- Note: due to the mechanical properties of the nozzle opening system, the start of opening does not take place at 0, but always at a higher value. likewise, the full opening of the nozzle does not occur until the value 45, but earlier. These values are dependent both on the specific piece of Airbrush pen and on the viscosity of the sprayed liquid.
- Absolute Z-Axis Start Position (unit) – this parameter determines the height of the nozzle above the surface. It is usually given in negative values from the upper position of the Z axis, because the starting position usually moves down. Of course, if you have a zero Z plane set in the system on the surface of the sprayed material, then the z value can take on positive values.
- Output directory – Output directory for saving the generated G-code.
- Filename – The name of the output file with the option of adding automatic numbering.
Bookmark Advanced settings:
- Custom G-code Header Filepath – File path for the G-code header. C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\inkscape\extensions\airbrush_start.ngc typically.
Commands for setting up the machine before starting drawing are stored in this header, such as setting units or opening the solenoid using the M3 command - Custom G-code Footer Filepath – file path for the G-code footer. C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\inkscape\extensions\airbrush_stop.ngc in the foot there is usually a command to close the solenoid, return the nozzle to the home or park position.
- Passes – number of repetitions.
- Pass Depth – not used.