Embroidery machine

Projects
Participants	Narya
Skills	Electronics, Coding
Status	Active
Niche	Electronics
Purpose	Use in other project

Embroidery machines are pretty expensive. The software too. In this project I want to convert a normal sewing machine into a CNC embroidery machine. For this a XY table is needed to move the embroidery hoop under the needle. The sewing machine needs a small modification to control the speed and to monitor the needle position. I would like to start from SVG images, and convert this to GCODE to send patterns to the machine.

Links

Projects found on the interweb

• 2006, no documentation
• Lego
• Forum thread
• Makezine computerized sewing machine and here
• Openbuilds sausagePaws 2014 (will use this as basis)

Sewing machine embroidery by hand

• Youtube instruction movie

Shops

• https://www.iprototype.nl/
• http://www.makerbeam.eu/
• http://openbuildspartstore.com/

Data sheets or related info

• Motor wiring

Software

• GCode Inkscape extension
• G code reference
• GCode parser and CNC controller
• Open source embroidery software

CNC stuff

• How to build a CNC machine
• RepRap calculator

List of stuff

XY frame

• Stuff for frame (ordered on 31 May 2014)
  • 1m V-slot rail
  • 1.5m Belt
  • 12 Wheels
  • 2 Pulleys
  • 2 Motor mount plates
• Electronic parts (ordered on 31 May 2014, in on 11 June 2014)
  • GRBL shield
  • Pololu stepper drivers
  • 2 stepper motors
  • 4 switches for end-stop
• In house?
  • M3/M5 Bolts and nuts
  • Plate to mount everything on (DIY)
  • Arduino UNO

Sewing machine controller

• http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-controlled-light-dimmer-The-circuit/
• something to measure the needle position

Two ways of sewing machine operation:

• • continuous (quilting) This is probably the easiest way, because you only need to control the speed. Basically "on" with certain speed and "off"
  • end-point punching (more like embroidery) Needs either accurate needle position info or a motor to make exactly one punch. In the second case this would be the Z axis.

Build log

• 11 June 2014: soldered pins on the Pololu drivers and soldered the CNC shield
  • assembly and instructions
• 12 June 2014: connected the shield to an Arduino Nano (while waiting for an Uno). Connected a motor and tested the shield.
  • Have put the arduino GRBL library on the Arduino
  • Created a simple drawing in Inkscape, converted the path to Gcode with this extension, and have sent the gcode to the arduino with the Universal Gcode Sender

Uno to Nano

• 13 June 2014: added connectors to both motors and ran a simple test
• 15 June 2014: embroidered a lemming by hand