A novel automatic low cost cutting machine-cum-3D printer using an image processing based control

Over the past 5 years, there has been a tremendous rise in designing various prototypes for a 3D printer. While most of them concentrate on accuracy and speed, the cost has always been a concerning factor. In this paper, we present a novel cost effective setup which could be used for both the X and Y axis motion, which is required for either a 3D printer or a cutting machine which is widely used in any industry. The paper also concentrates on creating a CAD tool independent interface with inputs to the setup being given purely based on images drawn. This simplifies the process with the user not needing to have any computer knowledge at all. All image processing algorithms were designed and developed using Simulink — a part of MATLAB 2011b and controls to the setup were given using an Arduino Uno (ATmega328) Rev. 3 board, in turn creating a perfect embedded system setup.