DIY Pen Engraver

by mkarvonen in Circuits > Tools

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DIY Pen Engraver

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DIY Pen Engraver

Here is a quick and simple Instructable about how to make a small USB powered engraving pen.

Mobile users can find the video from here.

3D Desing Case

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The case is 3D printed just to make the parts snap on right size.

You could use a pen's hollow tube with this also.

Printed with Printrbot makers kit. 0.4mm nozzle and 0.2 layer height and 30mm/s speed.

Downloads

Parts

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Parts needed are:

-Tube to act as a pen

-Push button

-USB cable

-A tiny motor.

Make a Hole for the Button

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I made this tube just to show how to make the same thing with a normal pen.

Just cut a hole with anything you think is suitable to get the job done.

Measure the button used first to get it right the first time.

Electronics

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Insert a motor to the other end of the tube. Mine is measured for that motor. Use hot glue if needed.

Peel the cables and heat up your soldering iron.

Solders

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The connections are pretty simple.

Solder motor negative to USB negative and cover it up.

Solder motor positive wire to the button and USB positive to the other end. Cover the wires with hot glue to make sure there is no short circuit.

Glue Up

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Use hot glue to attach the button to the hole you made.

Also hot glue the cable end of the engraver to secure it in its place.

Optionally you can use shrink tube to make the USB cable more secure.

Done

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This is pretty simple thing to do.

But this works pretty well on soft metals and plastic. Easy to hold in hand and finger operated on/off button.

Watch the video to see the engraver in use.

Thanks for reading!