Description
The AxiDraw SE/A3 has the same extended plotting area as the AxiDraw V3/A3. In place of the central extrusion that makes up the body of that machine, the AxiDraw SE/A3 has a central beam that is CNC machined from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aluminum, and then anodized to a sleek black finish.
This heavy, rigid structure – it's a solid block of metal! – provides dramatically better straightness and stiffness, even compared to the already-stiff AxiDraw V3/A3. This design adds mass exactly where you want it: to the non-moving base that forms the X-axis of the machine. In order to keep the weight light where it matters, the moving Y-axis of the AxiDraw SE/A3 uses the same stiff and light custom aluminum extrusion that we use on the AxiDraw V3/A3.
Beyond this, the central beam and X-axis of the AxiDraw SE/A3 feature an all-new geometry for the rolling wheels, which provides more stable and uniform motion along the axis.
Getting Started
The AxiDraw comes fully assembled, tested, and ready to use, right out of the box. A universal-input plug-in power supply is included with the AxiDraw, as is a USB cable, and an optional paper-holding easel. Assuming that you've installed the software first, you can be up and plotting within minutes of opening the box. Our comprehensive PDF user guide walks you through every step of the process.
To operate AxiDraw, you will need a reasonably modern computer with an available USB port (Mac, Windows or Linux), plus internet access to download necessary software. Pens and paper are not included. (You can use your own; AxiDraw does not require proprietary pens or paper.)
AxiDraw is normally controlled through a set of extensions to Inkscape, the excellent, popular and free vector graphics program. Basic operation is much like that of a printer driver: you import or make a drawing in Inkscape, and use the extensions to plot your text or artwork. It's all handled through a straightforward graphical user interface, and works cleanly on Mac, Windows and Linux.
Specifications
Performance
- Usable pen travel (inches): 16.93 × 11.69 inches
- Usable pen travel (millimeters): 430 × 297 mm
- Vertical pen travel: 0.7 inch (17 mm)
- Maximum XY travel speed: 15 inches (38 cm) per second
- Native XY resolution: 2032 steps per inch (80 steps per mm)
- Reproducibility (XY): Typically better than 0.005 inches (0.1 mm) at low speeds.
Physical
- Major structural components are machined and/or folded aluminum.
- Holds pens and other drawing instruments up to 1' (25.4 mm) diameter.
- Overall dimensions: Approximately 26 × 19 × 5 inches (66 × 48 × 13 cm)
- Maximum height with cable guides: Approximately 11 inches (29 cm)
- Footprint: Approximately 26 × 5 inches (66 x 13 cm)
- Weight: 8.4 Lb (3.8 kg)
Software
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux
- Drive directly from within Inkscape, using the AxiDraw extension.
- Comprehensive user guide available for download
- Driver software software free to download and open source
- Internet access is required to download software.
- Additionally, AxiDraw Merge software available at no cost to AxiDraw owners.
Programming interfaces
- Note: Programming is not required to use the AxiDraw.
- Stand-alone command line interface (CLI)
- Available AxiDraw Python API
- RESTful API available for full machine control, stand-alone or accessible by running RoboPaint in the background.
- Simplified 'GET-only' API available as well, for use in programming environments (such as Scratch, Snap) that permit only retrieval of URLs.
- Direct EiBotBoard (EBB) command protocol available for use in any programming environment that supports communication with USB-based serial ports.
- Code that generates SVG files can also be used to (indirectly) control the machine.
Included
- AxiDraw SE/A3 writing and drawing machine (fully assembled, tested, and ready to use)
- Multi-plug power supply with EU adapter
- USB cable
- Tabloid/A3 Clip Easel (Board and clips) for paper holding
- Standard AxiDraw pen clip and XL pen clip
- Italic pen adapter
Downloads
