01
CNC
CNC prototype
The first CNC chapter
An early CNC prototype documents P3D’s exploration of machine building and practical robotics. It marks the beginning of the CNC work shared on the channel.
The evolution of P3D
Built. Tested.
Built again.
A journey through the machines we make. From early CNC prototypes to robotic arms and vision-guided fabrication, explore P3D Technologies’ work in mechatronics.
Explore our journey
The project archive
One build leads
to the next.
Follow the projects in the order they were shared on our YouTube channel. Dates mark published demonstrations; related updates stay with their original project.
12 project milestones
02
CNC
Compact A4 roller CNC
Exploring a compact machine format
The compact roller CNC explores another way to build a small-format machine around A4-sized work. A distinct research direction alongside the gantry-based CNC work.
03
Robotics
Three-axis Robo-Arm
Putting robot control within reach
Developed for training, this customizable arm brings web control, concealed wiring and electronics, and quiet motors into one working build.
04
Robotics
Five-axis Robo-Arm
Exploring more axes of motion
A multi-axis robotic arm prototype for automation and kinematics experiments, extending the range of robot configurations documented by P3D.
05
CNC
Fabric-cutting CNC
From an alpha build to a cutting workflow
The alpha fabric cutter develops into P3D Cut Smart: a configurable fabric-cutting system connected to pattern digitization and reusable digital patterns. Later demonstrations document multi-layer cutting and the wider cutting workflow.
06
CNC
Cutting App / CAM
Connecting digital geometry to machine motion
P3D’s CAM application generates machine-tool cutting paths, connecting the software side of the workflow to the physical cutting machine.
07
Robotics
SCARA v1
Coordinated motion in a new robot geometry
The first SCARA demonstration documents coordinated arm movement. The published update describes a prototype carrying approximately 300 g, with pick-and-place identified as the next development milestone.
08
CNC
Pen Portraiter
Turning a photo into a physical drawing
A photo becomes line art, then a CNC pen plotter recreates it on paper. The demonstration also introduces a smile effect for portraits, combining image processing and controlled motion.
09
Vision
Camera-guided registration
The machine begins to see its work
Camera-based origin registration locates a workpiece on the bed. The subsequent autonomous calibration demonstration detects registration marks, compensates for sheet translation and rotation, and adjusts the cutting path.
10
Tooling
Scoring & creasing head
A new process on the CNC platform
A P3D-developed tool head combines vertical movement, rotation and spring-loaded action for scoring and creasing. The published demonstration shows a head ready for mounting on the CNC platform.
11
Vision
Creative Crafter 1212
Lighting, vision and intricate cutting
Added lighting helps the camera see material and reference marks. An intricate cutting demonstration puts the upgraded platform to work on fine patterns and small lattice details.
12
Tooling
Glass laser engraving
From outline paths to filled engraving
A transparent-glass engraving trial uses a temporary dark paint coating to absorb the diode laser’s energy. The same update introduces software hatching: closely spaced scan lines that fill an engraved design.
The next build
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build with you?
Bring us a motion, cutting or automation challenge.
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