Pico Cut

Open-Source Smart Wire Cutting Platform

Pico Cut is an affordable, open-source wire-cutting machine powered by the Raspberry Pi Pico ecosystem.

Designed for makers, students, educators, and small workshops, Pico Cut demonstrates how industrial automation concepts can be implemented using accessible hardware, 3D-printed components, and open-source software.

Traditional wire processing equipment is often expensive and difficult to customize. Pico Cut provides a low-cost alternative that allows users to learn, experiment, and build their own automated wire-cutting solutions.

The entire platform is designed around modularity, affordability, and educational value.

Features

* Raspberry Pi Pico powered

* Automatic wire feeding

* Automatic cutting operation

* Independent motor control

* Fully 3D printable structure

* Modular and expandable architecture

* Open-source hardware and software

* Educational manufacturing platform

Educational Benefits

Pico Cut combines multiple engineering disciplines into a single project:

* Mechanical Design

* 3D Printing

* Embedded Programming

* Electronics

* Motion Control

* Automation

* Manufacturing Technologies

* Rapid Prototyping

Whether you are learning electronics, programming, CAD design, or automation, Pico Cut provides a practical platform to explore real-world engineering concepts.

Why Pico Cut?

Automation should not be limited to large factories.

Pico Cut demonstrates that modern manufacturing tools can be built using affordable hardware and open-source technology.

By combining 3D printing, stepper motors, and the Raspberry Pi Pico ecosystem, Pico Cut makes industrial automation concepts accessible to everyone.

Hardware Requirements

Mechanical Components

| Quantity | Item |

| -------- | --------------------------- |

| 6 | 608 Bearings |

| 42 | M3 Heat-Set Inserts |

| 34 | M3x10 Screws |

| 8 | M3x30 Screws |

| 8 | M3x40 Screws |

| 8 | Pen Springs |

| 1 | Cutting Pliers |

| 1 | Lead Screw and Nut Assembly |

| 1 | Flexible Coupler for NEMA17 |

| 1 | M3 Nut |

Electronics

| Quantity | Item |

| -------- | --------------------------- |

| 1 | Raspberry Pi Pico Cartridge |

| 1 | Universal Perfboard |

| 2 | NEMA17 Stepper Motors |

| 2 | TB6600 Stepper Drivers |

| 1 | 12V Power Supply |

Pico Cartridge

This project uses the Pico Cartridge ecosystem:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7363449

Software

Project source code:

https://github.com/Bryand02/Pico_cut

Assembly Instructions

1. Print All Components

Print all STL files included in the project using your preferred material.

PLA is recommended for educational use and prototyping.

2. Install Heat-Set Inserts

Install all M3 threaded inserts into the designated mounting locations.

3. Assemble the Frame

Secure the structural components using the specified M3 hardware.

4. Install Bearings

Insert all six 608 bearings into their corresponding locations.

Verify smooth movement before continuing.

5. Install Feed Mechanism

Mount the feed motor, lead screw assembly, and coupler.

Ensure proper alignment to minimize friction.

6. Install Cutting Mechanism

Mount the cutting pliers and spring return mechanism.

Verify smooth operation of the cutting assembly.

7. Install Electronics

Mount:

* Raspberry Pi Pico Cartridge

* Universal Perfboard

* Two TB6600 Drivers

* Power Supply Connections

8. Wire the Motors

Connect:

* Feeder Motor

* Cutter Motor

according to the wiring diagrams provided in the repository.

9. Upload Firmware

Upload the latest Pico Cut firmware to the Raspberry Pi Pico.

10. Calibration

Calibrate:

* Feed distance

* Steps per millimeter

* Cutting stroke

* Motor speeds

before operating the machine.

Community & Support

If you need additional information, assembly help, or would like to contribute to the project:

* Open an issue on GitHub

* Leave a comment on the project page

* Contact the author through the project repository

Questions, suggestions, and improvements are always welcome.

Source:

• Raspberry Pi Pico Pinout Diagram

https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/pico/Pico-R3-A4-Pinout.pdf

• Raspberry Pi Pico Documentation

https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/microcontrollers/pico-series.html

© Raspberry Pi Ltd. Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi Pico are trademarks of Raspberry Pi Ltd.

Designed by

Bryand Salamanca

Designed and developed in Colombia.