# PolarPlot: 3D-printable SCARA plotter and laser engraver

> **Key takeaway:** PolarPlot is a 3D-printable, Arduino-driven SCARA mechanism designed for pen plotting or low-power laser engraving.

**Published:** 2026-10-22T12:44:08+00:00 
**Source:** Hackster.io News 
**Category:** open-hardware 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/polarplot-3d-printable-scara-plotter-and-laser-engraver.html 

## Summary
Engineer Simone Carriero has introduced PolarPlot, a 3D-printable CNC device using a five-link SCARA parallel mechanism instead of a traditional Cartesian gantry. The project is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter and provides files for users to build their own desktop plotter or a laser engraver using a module of 250mW or less. The system is controlled via Arduino and includes custom software.

## Technical design of PolarPlot
- Uses a **five-link SCARA** (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) parallel mechanism.
- Controlled by an **Arduino-based** system with custom software.
- Operates in two modes: **pen plotter** (using a servo for the Z-axis) or **laser engraver** (using a $\le$250mW laser module).
- Designed to be more compact when idle compared to Cartesian XY systems.

## Why it matters
The project provides an accessible entry point for makers to learn about inverse kinematics and CNC mechanics through 3D printing and open hardware.