Evil Mad Scientist AxiDraw V3 User Manual

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11.6 Stroke fonts
In addition to regular computer fonts (outline fonts), pen plotters like the Axi-
Draw can in some cases make use of a second class of specialized fonts, called
stroke fonts, or engraving fonts. In stroke fonts, each visible character is defined
by strokes of non-zero width, as opposed to the area within an outline.
While they do have some restrictions, stroke fonts are ideal for use with pen plot-
ters, since they plot eciently (for example, the “o” is one loop, not two). They
are particularly suited for handwriting-like applications, because they can closely
mimic how humans write: Along the center lines of the text.
The following sample of text is rendered with a stroke font, using a special appli-
cation called Hershey Text. The second line is identical to the first, except that
we have colored the individual paths (strokes) within each character so that you
can tell them apart:
As you can see, characters like the “t” and “x” here are composed of two inter-
secting strokes. Similarly, a letter “o” in this font consists of a single loop. This
particular stroke font is a single-stroke font, since each visible line is made up of
only a single path. Some other stroke fonts instead use multiple strokes to con-
struct wider characters, e.g., bold fonts.
There two important drawbacks to stroke fonts. First, they are not regular com-
puter fonts, so they generally cannot be used in the same ways as other fonts.
You cannot, for example, install them as regular fonts on your computer nor use
them in word processors or graphics applications. Second (and mostly because
of that first reason) there are at present few available stroke fonts. Despite these
obstacles, stroke fonts are still worth mentioning: In cases where you can use
them, they are the best solution for using fonts with a plotter.

Evil Mad Scientist AxiDraw V3 Specifications

General

Model	AxiDraw V3
Manufacturer	Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories
Type	Pen Plotter
Repeatability (Precision)	0.1 mm
Connectivity	USB
Pen Lift Mechanism	Servo
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux
Software	Inkscape
Power Supply	5 V DC
Supported Media	Paper, cardstock

Summary

Checking Out Your AxiDraw

Unboxing and Initial Setup

Step-by-step instructions for unboxing and connecting the AxiDraw.

Safe Handling Procedures

Essential safety guidelines for operating and moving the AxiDraw.

Software Installation and Setup

Installing AxiDraw Software

Guide to downloading and installing the necessary software on your computer.

Inkscape Integration and Extensions

Quick Start: First Plotting

Preparing Your Workspace

Positioning the Carriage to Home

Manual steps to move the AxiDraw carriage to its starting position.

Connecting Power and USB Cables

Instructions for connecting the AxiDraw to power and your computer.

Verifying Pen Up/Down Movement

Testing the pen lift mechanism using AxiDraw Control.

Inserting and Securing the Pen

Guidance on how to properly insert and tighten a pen in the clip.

Positioning Paper Correctly

Methods for aligning paper on the work surface.

Loading and Executing a Sample Plot

Steps to open a document and initiate the first plot.

Setting Machine Size Configuration

Detailed: Workholding Methods

Printing on Large Workpieces

Using the Clip Easel for Paper

Instructions for using the included easel to hold paper.

Detailed: Power and USB Connections

Detailed: Pen and Paper Setup

Selecting the Right Pen

Adjusting Pen Angle Position

How to set the pen clip for vertical or angled placement.

Inserting and Securing a Pen

Configuring Pen Up and Down Positions

Setting the vertical travel range for the pen.

Precise Paper Positioning Guide

Working with AxiDraw Control

Plotting Your Document

Using the Plot tab to initiate a drawing job.

Setting Multiple Copies and Delays

Pausing, Resuming, and Canceling Plots

Managing active plotting jobs.

Resuming a Paused Plot

Steps to restart a plot after pausing.

Canceling an Active Plot

Procedure to stop and reset a plot.

Plotting with Layers and Colors

Organizing plots using Inkscape layers.

Inkscape Layers Panel Overview

AxiDraw Control Layers Tab

Plotting specific layers based on naming conventions.

The Timing Tab: Movement Speeds

Adjusting writing, pen-up, and acceleration speeds.

Suggested Speed Settings

Pen Lift and Lowering Speeds

Controlling the vertical movement speed of the pen.

Advanced Options Overview

Preview Mode for Simulation

Simulating plots without physical interaction with the AxiDraw.

Plot Order and Optimization

Determining Default Plot Order

Plot Optimization Options

Settings for reordering elements to reduce plotting time.

Preserve Group Order During Reordering

Full Reordering (Ignore Grouping)

Optimization Tips and Examples

Manual Control and Utilities

Manual Carriage Movement

Directly moving the AxiDraw's X and Y axes.

Manual Pen Up/Down Control

Manually raising or lowering the pen.

Configuration Settings

Selecting AxiDraw Model

Specifying the AxiDraw model for correct operation.

Machine Selection for Multiple Devices

Checking for Software Updates

Querying and installing the latest software and firmware.

AxiDraw Utilities

AxiDraw Naming Utility

Hatch Fill Utility

Hershey Text Font Conversion

Stand-alone Plot Optimization Tool

Designing Artwork for AxiDraw

General Design Considerations

Handling Non-Path Objects

Fonts, Characters, and Languages

Achieving Handwriting-Like Output

Introduction to Stroke Fonts

Using the Hershey Text Tool

Hershey Advanced and AxiDraw Merge

Capturing Signatures and Handwriting

Filling Shapes with Hatch Marks

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Plot Area Access

Lubrication and Cleaning Guidelines

Belt Tension Adjustment

Further Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Pen-Lift Servo Motor and Position Loss

Troubleshooting the pen lift motor and carriage position errors.

Service, Repair, and Parts Support