MicroPanto
MicroPanto is a 50:1 pantograph reducer that converts a desktop CNC router into a micro-engraver. The machine is driven by a Handibot, whose working range is shrunk to a few millimeters with a corresponding increase in resolution. A microswitch temporarily mounted to the Handibot's Z-axis actuates a stylus which can be electronically adjusted for different workpiece heights. The working tool is a laser-turned diamond bonded to a strip of stainless shim stock with a tip radius of roughly 2 microns. After assembling the machine at Haystack, a number of substrates (polished stone, steel, obsidian, gold-coated glass, silver, rice, etc) were micro-engraved with tiny messages and designs.
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© zach fredin, massachusetts institute of technology, 2021