Substrate surface carburization-based electro-mechanical plotter using plasma evolved during electrostatic breakdown of ambient air

Abstract

This paper describes the research, development and prototype of an electro-mechanic electrical discharge plotter system based on a three-axis Cartesian robot. The plotter can trace monochromatic arbitrary figures or alphanumeric characters on a given substrate such as paper without using any ink. A discharge probe delivering controlled electrical discharges is moved on the two-dimensional surface of the substrate using stepper motor-driven linear actuators to generate the arbitrary figures similar to CNC-based laser cutters and EDMs. The heat of the plasma evolved during the dielectric breakdown of ambient air during an electrical discharge or an arc has been used to create dark spots on the substrate by surface carburization. The discharge pulse duration, electrical parameters and the actuator movement are controlled by a microcontroller. The common printing systems currently available in the market give 300 to 600 DPI of resolution. However, the plotter prototype featured in this article plots with a resolution of 60 to 80 DPI which is enough to demonstrate. This technology can potentially eliminate the need for inks and toners which need frequent refilling. Every refilling invites considerable expenditure and significant environmental impact when their containing cartridges are discarded. This article only intends to put forward the possibility of such a printing technique and not propose the perfect alternative for existing printing systems.