Ender 3 S1 Pen Plotter attachment

Turn your 3D printer back into a 2D printer by having it draw out text or images with a pen on paper.
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updated April 6, 2025

Description

PDF

This allows you to attach a pen to your ender 3 S1 extruder. This enables you to let the printer write or even "draw" on a piece of paper.

2xM3 screws are used clamp the pen down

This project works with any pen with a diameter smaller than 10.85mm. This includes Sharpies. I have also created files for a pen to be printed that uses a sprint to apply consistent force down onto the paper.

 

 

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Printer Setup

Printer settings

 

Important Note:

Start your text or image plotting file WITHOUT the pen tightened.

The printer will level your z axis and then pause at a height.

Insert your pen into the holder and tighten only after the printer has come to a standstill.

Press the control knob to start plotting.

 


Add a new printer and change the following settings:

  • X (width) = 200mm 
  • Y (depth) = 215 mm
  • Heated bed = unchecked

 

Replace the Start G-Code with the following:
G1 ; metric values
G90 ; absolute positioning
M107 ; start with the fan off
G28 ; home all
G0 Z1.7 ; move up
M0 ; Adjust Pen then click
Replace the End G-Code with the following:
; End GCode
G91 ;relative positioning
G0 Z15 ;move Z up before moving away
G28 X0 Y0 ;move X/Y to min endsteps
M84 X Y E ;Disable all stepper but Z
G90 ;absolute positioning
G1 X0 Y200 ;

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Z Offset plugin

Install the free "Z offset Setting" plugin from the Cura marketplace :

https://marketplace.ultimaker.com/app/cura/plugins/fieldofview/ZOffsetPlugin

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Zip file

Download the Profile+Material.zip file and extract the files

Import both the Plotter_Print_settings.curaprofile and the Pen_material.xml.fdm_material into Cura

Or alternatively use the following slicer settings:

  • Layer Height                            = 0.3mm
  • Wall thickness                         = 0.3mm
  • Wall Line Count                      = 1
  • Print Thin Walls                      = Checked
  • Infill Density                            = 100%
  • Infill Pattern                             = Lines
  • Printing Temperature             = 0
  • Build Plate Temperature        = 0
  • Enable Retraction                   = Checked
  • Z Hop When Retracted          = Checked
  • Z Hop Height                           = 2.5mm
  • Z Offset                                    = 1.7mm (for my pen)
  •                                                   = 0.2mm (for a sharpie)

 

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Printing Files:

 

Images

  • Drag a .jpg file onto the cura build plate
  • When Prompted, use the following import settings:
    • Height : 0.2 mm
    • Base : 0.0 mm
    • Width & Depth : your desired dimensions

 

Text

  • Use the included Text.sldprt 
    • Edit the text sketch
    • Rebuild
    • Save as an STL

 

Category: 3D Printer Accessories

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The author marked this model as their own original creation. Imported from Thingiverse.

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