Turn Your Bambu Lab A1 Into a Pen Plotter in 30 Minutes (No Mods Required)

Learn how to convert your Bambu Lab A1 3D printer into a fully functional pen plotter in less than 30 minutes—without any firmware modifications, soldering, or permanent alterations to your printer.

What You'll Create

1. Line art drawings with professional precision
2. Custom maps and diagrams directly on paper
3. Greeting cards and invitations with unique designs
4. Technical illustrations and architectural sketches
5. Calligraphy and custom lettering projects

Why This Method Works

Unlike other pen plotter conversions that require:

1. ❌ Firmware modifications
2. ❌ Soldering components
3. ❌ Permanent hardware changes
4. ❌ Complex calibration procedures

This method uses:

1. ✅ A simple 3D-printed pen mount
2. ✅ Standard ballpoint pens
3. ✅ Web-based G-code generation
4. ✅ Reversible installation
5. ✅ Zero technical expertise required

Hardware Components

1. Bambu Lab A1 - Your existing 3D printer
2. Standard Ballpoint Pen - 0.5mm to 0.7mm tip diameter (recommended brands: Stabilo Fineliner Point 88, Pilot G2, Uni-ball Signo)
3. Pen Mount - 3D-printed attachment (STL file provided)
4. Paper - A4 (210 × 297mm) or Letter size (8.5 × 11 inches)
5. Painter's Tape - Blue or green masking tape for securing paper
6. Precision Tools - Scissors or craft knife for tape cutting

Software Requirements

1. 3dplotter.xyz Web App - Online G-code generator optimized for pen plotting with Bambu Lab, Elegoo, Creality and other 3D Printers
2. SD Card Reader - For transferring files to your Bambu Lab printer
3. Web Browser - Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge (latest versions)

Estimated Costs

1. Pen Mount: 50-170g - 6oz of Filament around $2 (3D print yourself)
2. Ballpoint Pens: $2-5 per pack
3. Painter's Tape: $1-2 per roll
4. 3dplotter license: $29.9 lifetime (limited time offer)
5. Total Project Cost: $30-40

Setting Up 3dplotter.xyz

Why 3dplotter.xyz? 3dplotter.xyz is a specialized web application designed specifically for converting 3D printers into pen plotters. Unlike generic G-code generators, it provides:

1. Printer-specific profiles with pre-calibrated settings
2. Visual canvas for real-time design preview
3. Offset compensation for pen mount positioning
4. One-click G-code generation optimized for drawing
5. No installation required - works in any modern browser

Account Setup Instructions

1. Navigate to https://3dplotter.xyz
2. Click "Get Started" in the top right corner
3. Create your account using:
4. Email address and password
5. Verify your email (check spam folder if needed)
6. Continue to Checkout to complete your payment
7. Login to start designing

Selecting Your Printer Profile

1. Select Bambu Lab A1 from the onboarding modal
2. Select it as your active printer from the dropdown at the top:
3. Build volume dimensions (256 × 256 × 256mm)
4. Pen offset coordinates
5. Drawing area boundaries
6. Default Z-axis heights
7. Enable the pen toggle next to the dropdown

Downloading the Pen Mount STL

1. Press the "Printers" button in the top right
2. Navigate to the "3D Models" tab within the printer settings
3. Locate "Head Mount V1 - Series A" in the models list
4. Download the STL file to your computer
5. Alternative: Visit the direct MakerWorld link provided in the app

Preparing Your Slicer

Recommended Slicer Settings for Bambu Studio:

Support Placement Guide

Critical support areas:

1. Pen holder opening (horizontal overhang)
2. Mounting clip underside
3. Any angles exceeding 45° from vertical

Support removal tip: Remove supports gently with needle-nose pliers, working from the bottom up to avoid breaking the pen holder walls.

Post-Processing Steps

1. Remove all support material carefully
2. Test fit your pen - it should slide smoothly without binding
3. Check mounting clips - they should be flexible but not loose

Recommended Pens (Tested Compatibility)

Pen BrandModelTip SizePerformance

Stabilo

Fineliner Point 88

0.4mm

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Pilot

G2 Gel

0.5mm

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good

Uni-ball

Signo

0.5mm

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good

Sakura

Pigma Micron

0.45mm

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Staedtler

Triplus Fineliner

0.3mm

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good

Note: The Stabilo Fineliner Point 88 (0.4mm) is recommended for beginners due to consistent ink flow and optimal line weight.

Safety Precautions

1. ⚠️ Power off your Bambu Lab A1 before installation
2. ⚠️ Allow to cool if recently used (wait 10-15 minutes)

Removing the Extruder Cap

Step-by-step removal process:

1. Locate the extruder cap - This is the plastic cover on top of the hotend assembly
2. Gently pull out and upward as shown in the video - The cap is held by friction clips
3. Do not force - If it doesn't release easily, wiggle gently side-to-side
4. Set aside safely - Store the original cap for later reinstallation
5. Inspect mounting area - Ensure no dust or debris on the mounting surface

Photo reference points:

1. Cap is located at the top of the toolhead carriage
2. Two small alignment tabs on the top and on the center of the head
3. Smooth plastic surface with Bambu Lab logo

Installing the Pen Mount

Installation procedure:

1. Orient the pen mount correctly:
2. Pen holder clamps face forward (toward the front of the printer)
3. Mounting clips align with the toolhead slots
4. Flat mounting surface sits flush against the extruder body
5. Press down and in firmly until you hear/feel a click
6. Apply even pressure on both sides
7. The mount should sit completely flush
8. No gaps should be visible around the edges
9. Test stability by gently wiggling the mount
10. Should not move or rotate
11. Should feel as secure as the original cap
12. If loose, remove and reinstall

Loading the Pen

Proper pen installation technique:

1. Insert the pen from the bottom of the pen holder
2. For Stabilo pens: where the cap touches the bottom of the pen holder is the ideal height
3. Secure with a screw at the top of the pen holder

Height adjustment tips:

1. Too low: Pen will drag and potentially tear paper
2. Too high: Pen won't make contact with paper
3. Perfect height: Pen tip just touches paper with minimal pressure

Activating the Pen Plotter Interface

1. Log into 3dplotter.xyz with your account
2. Locate the printer selection dropdown in the top toolbar
3. Find the "Pen" toggle switch next to the printer name
4. Click to enable - the interface will update to show:
5. Drawing canvas with pen-safe area
6. Pen-specific tools (line, curve, text)
7. G-code generation optimized for 2D plotting

Understanding the Drawing Canvas

Visual indicators on the canvas:

1. Black area: Safe drawing zone (fully accessible)
2. Red area: Restricted zone (pen mount offset prevents access)
3. Grid lines: 10mm spacing for precise positioning

Why is there a red restricted area? The pen mount offsets the pen position from the original hotend location. The red zone marks areas the pen physically cannot reach due to:

1. Pen mount geometry extending beyond the toolhead
2. Mechanical limits of the gantry system
3. Safety margins to prevent collisions

Usable drawing area dimensions:

1. Bambu Lab A1 total bed: 256 × 256mm
2. Pen plotter usable area: ~228 × 228mm (accounting for offset)
3. Safe margin from edges: 10mm on all sides

Design Creation Methods

Method 1: Drawing Tools

1. Line tool: Click points to create connected line segments
2. Curve tool: Drag to create smooth bezier curves
3. Shape tools: Rectangles, circles, polygons
4. Eraser: Remove unwanted elements

Method 2: Text Input

1. Click the "Add Text" button
2. Type your desired text (supports Unicode characters)
3. Choose font (options include Hershey fonts optimized for single-line drawing)
4. Adjust size and position
5. Text is converted to continuous line paths

Method 3: Pattern Generation

1. Geometric patterns: Select from pre-made designs
2. Hatch patterns: Adjust density and angle
3. Parametric designs: Spirals, waves, fractals
4. Grid patterns: Customizable spacing and line weight

Method 4: Image Import

1. Click "Import Image" button
2. Upload a line art image (PNG, JPG, SVG formats supported)
3. Recommended image types:
4. Line drawings with clear edges
5. High contrast black and white images
6. Vector graphics (SVG) for best results
7. Coloring book pages
8. Technical diagrams
9. Adjust image-to-path conversion settings:
10. Threshold: Controls which pixels become lines
11. Simplification: Reduces number of points (faster plotting)
12. Edge detection: Finds outlines in photos
13. Position and scale your imported design

Critical Plotter Settings

Z-Axis Configuration (MUST be correct):

What these settings mean:

1. Z-Draw (14mm): Height where pen tip touches paper and draws
2. Lower values = more pressure (darker lines, risk of tearing)
3. Higher values = less pressure (lighter lines, may skip)
4. 14mm is calibrated for standard ballpoint pens on regular paper
5. Z-Lift (20mm): Height where pen lifts during travel moves
6. Must be high enough to clear the paper completely
7. Prevents accidental marks during repositioning
8. 20mm provides safe clearance for most setups

How to verify settings:

1. Navigate to "Plotter Settings"
2. Confirm Z-Draw = 14 and Z-Lift = 20
3. If values differ, update them and click "Save"

Downloading Your G-code

Step-by-step download process:

1. Review your design on the canvas
2. Check that all elements are within the white (safe) area
3. Verify text is readable and oriented correctly
4. Ensure no overlapping lines that would double-draw
5. Click "Download G-code" button (bottom-right)
6. G-code preview modal appears showing:
7. Paths
8. Layers
9. Plate Size
10. Plotter Settings
11. Final checks before download:
12. ✅ Printer profile: Bambu Lab A1
13. ✅ Pen mode: Enabled
14. ✅ Z-heights: 14mm draw, 20mm lift
15. ✅ Design fits within safe area
16. Click "Download" in the modal
17. Save to a memorable location on your computer

For Multicolor Pen Plotting

Create layers - each layer is exported as a single G-code file. Choose a different pen color for each G-code file.

SD Card File Transfer

Preparing the SD card:

1. Remove the SD card from the printer's SD card slot
2. Location: Right Side
3. Push gently to eject
4. Insert SD card into your computer
5. Use built-in SD card reader
6. Or external USB SD card adapter
7. Open the SD card drive in your file explorer
8. Windows: Shows as removable drive (E:, F:, etc.)
9. Mac: Appears in Finder sidebar
10. Linux: Usually auto-mounts to /media/

Transferring the G-code file:

1. Locate your downloaded .gcode file
2. Copy (don't move) the file to the SD card root directory
3. Don't place in subfolders
4. Keep the filename readable
5. Safely eject the SD card:
6. Windows: Right-click drive → "Eject"
7. Mac: Drag drive icon to Trash
8. Linux: Right-click → "Unmount"
9. Reinsert SD card into the Bambu Lab A1
10. Push until it clicks into place

Preparing Your Paper

Paper securing technique for best results:

1. Choose your paper:
2. Standard printer paper (80gsm): Good for practice
3. Cardstock (200-300gsm): Better for finished pieces
4. Watercolor paper: Textured effects
5. Avoid glossy paper: Ink may smudge
6. Position paper on the print bed:
7. Align with the front-left corner
8. Use scissors to cut the excess
9. Secure with painter's tape:
10. Place tape strips on all four sides
11. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles
12. Press tape firmly to prevent paper movement

Running Your First Plot

Startup procedure:

1. Tap "Print files" on the touchscreen display
2. Navigate to "SD Card" section
3. Find your G-code file in the list
4. Look for the filename you created
5. Important: Select the file WITHOUT an underscore prefix
6. Files with "_" prefix are thumbnails/metadata
7. Preview appears showing file info:
8. Filename
9. File size
10. (No print time estimate for custom G-code)
11. Tap "Print" to start
12. Printer will begin homing - toolhead moves to corners
13. Pen will lift to Z-Lift height (20mm)
14. Plotting begins - watch the magic happen!

What to Expect During Plotting

Normal operation indicators:

1. Smooth X/Y movements: Pen glides across paper
2. Regular pen lifts: Between disconnected lines
3. Consistent line quality: Even ink flow
4. Quiet operation: Stepper motors at low speed

Problem: Pen Not Drawing

Symptoms:

1. Pen moves but leaves no marks
2. Intermittent line gaps
3. Very faint lines

Solutions:

1. Check pen functionality:
2. Test pen on scrap paper by hand
3. Replace if ink flow is poor
4. Try a different pen brand
5. Adjust Z-Draw height (lower the pen):
6. In 3dplotter.xyz settings, try: 13mm, 12mm, 11mm
7. Download new G-code and test
8. Find the sweet spot where lines are consistent
9. Verify pen installation:
10. Pen should be vertical (use a level)
11. Pen tip extends beyond mount
12. No wobble or movement
13. Check paper surface:
14. Some papers resist ink better than others
15. Try different paper types
16. Ensure paper is clean and dry

Problem: Paper Moving During Plot

Symptoms:

1. Paper shifts mid-plot
2. Lines don't align correctly
3. Wrinkles or buckling

Solutions:

1. Add more tape:
2. Tape all four corners securely
3. Add strips every 30-50mm along edges
4. Use wider tape (2-inch painter's tape)
5. Improve tape adhesion:
6. Clean print bed with isopropyl alcohol first
7. Press tape down firmly
8. Reduce paper size:
9. Use smaller paper for complex plots
10. Center smaller paper on the bed
11. More tape contact points = more stability
12. Check for bed level issues:
13. Run printer's auto-leveling routine
14. Ensure bed is clean and flat
15. Inspect for warping or damage

Problem: Printer Not Moving / G-code Not Running

Symptoms:

1. Display shows file but nothing happens
2. Error messages
3. Toolhead doesn't move

Solutions:

1. Verify printer profile:
2. Log into 3dplotter.xyz
3. Confirm "Bambu Lab A1" is selected
4. Re-download G-code with correct profile

Problem: Pen Dragging or Tearing Paper

Symptoms:

1. Paper tears or punctures
2. Heavy pen pressure marks
3. Paper lifts off bed during travel moves

Solutions:

1. Raise Z-Draw height:
2. Increase from 14mm to 15mm or 16mm
3. Test with shorter plots first
4. Find balance between contact and pressure
5. Use heavier paper:
6. Switch to cardstock (200-300gsm)
7. Thicker paper resists tearing better
8. More stable during plotting
9. Reduce pen extension:
10. Retract pen slightly in the mount
11. Less leverage = less pressure
12. Adjust until tip just makes contact
13. Check for pen mount misalignment:
14. Reinstall pen mount - ensure it's straight
15. Pen should be perfectly vertical
16. No angle should be visible

Advanced Calibration Guide

Running the Calibration G-code

Why calibrate? Every printer has slight variations in:

1. Bed levelness
2. Z-axis offset
3. Pen holder manufacturing tolerance
4. Pen tip length variation

Calibration procedure:

1. Download the Full or Compact calibration test G-code from 3dplotter.xyz:
2. Navigate to the bottom of the right section
3. Click "Full or Compact calibration test G-code"
4. Or click Fractal Patterns
5. Transfer to SD card (same process as your plots)
6. Prepare calibration paper:
7. Use A4/Letter white paper
8. Tape down securely
9. Mark with your name/date for reference
10. Run the calibration G-code:
11. Select from SD card menu
12. Calibration draws a series of test patterns:
13. Straight lines (horizontal and vertical)
14. Diagonal lines (45° angles)
15. Circles (various sizes)
16. Grid pattern (spacing accuracy)
17. Text (legibility test)
18. Inspect the results

Evaluating Line Quality

Line QualityZ-Draw AdjustmentAction

Too light / invisible

Decrease 0.5-1mm

Lower pen closer to bed

Perfect / consistent

No change

Current height is ideal

Too dark / tearing

Increase 0.5-1mm

Raise pen away from bed

Inconsistent

Check bed level

Run auto-level, check pen mount

Calibration Interpretation

✅ Good calibration result:

1. All lines are visible and consistent
2. Corners are clean (no overrun)
3. Circles are round (not oval)
4. Text is legible at small sizes
5. No ink blobs or skipping

❌ Poor calibration - needs adjustment:

1. Lines fade in/out
2. Gaps in continuous lines
3. Extreme pressure (paper dents)
4. Misaligned corners
5. Oval circles (indicates axis issue)

Fine-tuning Steps

1. Adjust Z-Draw by 0.5mm increments
2. Download new G-code with updated settings
3. Re-run calibration plot
4. Compare results - keep the best performing height
5. Document your ideal setting for future reference

Tips for Best Results

Paper Selection Guide

Paper TypeWeightBest ForInk QualityCost

Standard Printer

80gsm

Practice, drafts

Good

$

Premium Printer

100-120gsm

General plotting

Very Good

$$

Cardstock

200-300gsm

Final pieces, cards

Excellent

$$$

Bristol Board

270gsm

Professional work

Excellent

$$$

Watercolor

190-300gsm

Artistic effects

Variable

$$$$

Kraft Paper

70-120gsm

Rustic aesthetic

Good

$

Pen Selection by Project Type

Text and lettering projects:

1. Stabilo Point 88 (0.4mm) - Clean, professional look
2. Pilot Precise V5 (0.5mm) - Consistent ink flow

Design Best Practices

Optimizing designs for pen plotting:

1. Use single-line fonts (Hershey fonts) rather than filled fonts
2. Plots 10x faster
3. Cleaner results
4. Less pen wear

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions

Q: Will this damage my 3D printer? A: No. This is a completely reversible modification that doesn't alter firmware, electronics, or mechanical components. The pen mount simply replaces the extruder cap and can be removed in seconds.

Q: Can I still use my printer for 3D printing after installing the pen mount? A: Yes! Simply remove the pen mount and reinstall the original extruder cap. Takes less than 30 seconds to switch between modes.

Q: What if my printer isn't a Bambu Lab A1? A: 3dplotter.xyz supports multiple printer brands and models. Check the website for your specific printer's pen mount design and profile.

Q: Do I need to modify firmware or install custom software? A: No firmware modifications required. All G-code is generated by the web app and is standard-compliant G-code that any 3D printer can read.

Q: How accurate is the pen plotting compared to professional plotters? A: Modern 3D printers like the Bambu Lab A1 have positioning accuracy of ±0.1mm, which matches or exceeds many consumer pen plotters.

Technical Questions

Q: What G-code flavor does 3dplotter.xyz generate? A: Standard RepRap/Marlin/and other G-code, compatible with virtually all FDM 3D printers.

Q: What's the maximum plotting area? A: For the Bambu Lab A1, usable plotting area is approximately 228 × 228mm after accounting for pen mount offset. Total bed is 256 × 256mm.

Q: Can I plot on materials other than paper? A: Yes! Users have successfully plotted on wood veneer, fabric, cardboard, plastic sheets, leather, canvas, and whiteboard surfaces.

Q: How do I plot in multiple colors? A: Plot each color separately with individual G-Code per layer.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully transformed your Bambu Lab A1 into a precision pen plotter. This opens up a world of creative possibilities:

✅ Draw custom artwork without buying a dedicated plotter ✅ Create professional-looking cards and invitations ✅ Plot maps and diagrams for presentations ✅ Experiment with generative art and algorithmic designs ✅ Produce educational materials and worksheets ✅ Personalize gifts with custom lettering

What's Next?

1. Experiment with different pen types and paper combinations
2. Join the 3dplotter.xyz community to share your creations
3. Try multi-color plots with manual pen swaps
4. Explore generative art scripts and algorithmic designs
5. Push the boundaries of what's possible with your converted plotter

Remember: The pen mount is completely reversible. Switch back to 3D printing anytime by simply reinstalling the original extruder cap. Your A1 is now a two-in-one machine!

Last Updated: February 5, 2026 Guide Version: 1.0 Compatible Printers: Bambu Lab A1 Software Version: 3dplotter.xyz (latest)

Ready to create your first plot? Head over to 3dplotter.xyz and start transforming your ideas into physical drawings!