Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ 1824

• Two Size Options: Choose between the ArtFrame 1824 (18x24” travel area) and the larger ArtFrame 2436 (24x36” travel area)
• Quiet, High-Performance Operation: Custom-designed electronics and a magnetic, sound-dampening work surface let you focus on your next artwork.
• Versatile Tool Compatibility: Use traditional implements like brushes, charcoal, and pens on paper, canvas, and other archival media.
• Standalone Operation: Work uninterrupted with SD card capability, no need to tether your laptop.
• Professional Results: Trusted by artists, galleries, and museums to create professional-grade artwork.

The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ Art Machine System is an art machine system for professional artists to create physical art from digital designs with traditional materials.

The Professional Art Machine

The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ ensures predictable results, allowing artists to create the fine art they envision. It operates independently with a micro SD card, enabling users to start a plot and move on to their next piece while the ArtFrame brings their artwork to life.

Use Traditional Materials Capable of Fine Art

Using traditional implements controlled with the machine’s precision, artists can utilize media including brushes, charcoal, oil sticks, pastels, and pens on paper, canvas and archival materials.

Tool Control

The ArtFrame offers versatile control across a wide range of tool-handling approaches. It features direct and linear control of pen height for precise adjustments, along with a “floating” Z stage that lets the pen glide smoothly over uneven surfaces.

Introducing Bantam Tools Studio

Powerful and versatile, Bantam Tools Studio™ is SVG-to-Gcode conversion software compatible with both Mac and Windows. It optimizes plots with advanced tools for scaling, multicolor designs, and tool management.

Performance:

• Usable Pen Travel (inches): X: 18” Y: 24” Z: 2.36”
• Usable Pen Travel (millimeters): X: 457.2mm Y: 609.6mm Z: 60mm
• Vertical Pen Travel: 60mm
• Maximum XYZ Travel Speed: 15 m/minute
• Maximum XYZ Travel Speed (Pen-Up Rapid): 40 m/minute
• Native XY Resolution: 0.0125mm (.0005”)
• Reproducibility (XY): Typically better than 0.004 inches (0.1mm) at low speeds.
• Maximum Paper Size: 29x25 inches (736.6x635mm)
• Maximum Material Thickness: 1 inch (25.4mm)

Physical:

• Included Pen Clip: Holds pens and drawing instruments up to 5/8" (16mm) diameter.
• Tool Compatibility: Supports Bantam Tools Cross-Platform Tool Holders
• Maximum Height: 279.6mm (11.0”)
• Footprint / Overall Dimensions: 864mm (34.0”) x 758.7mm (29.87”)
• Physical Weight: 29.0 lb.

• 1x Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ Art Machine
• 1x Bantam Tools Studio™ Software
• 1x Power Cord
• 1x Pen Setting Tool
• 1x Pilot G2 Pen
• 1x USB Cable
• 1x SD Card
• 4x Chess Pawn Magnets
• Set of Adjustment Tools
• Set of Additional Spring Kit Items

• Should I buy a Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ 1824 or 2436?
  Yes, both machines are equal in quality but different in size. If you are working in a constrained environment and have limited table space, then get the Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ 1824. If you have the space and desire to make large, museum-sized works, then get the Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ 2436.
  
  
• What software is used to prepare plots on the Bantam Tools ArtFrame™?
  The way you create your SVG artwork is up to you. There are many programs that output SVG vector files. The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ Art Machine System runs on G-code. The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ comes with our Bantam Tools Studio™ software, which makes it easy to convert SVG files to G-code files which are then transferred via SD card to the machine. The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ is a standalone device.
  
  
• What is G-code and do I need to learn how to program it?
  The Bantam Tools Studio™ software makes it easy to transform your SVG designs into G-code, and you do not need to learn it as a programming language. For reference, G-code is one of the first programming languages. It was originally created to control milling machines and has been adapted to command all sorts of machines since, including art machines. In G-code, there are different commands G0 through G99 and each one does different things. To learn more about the history of CNC machines and G-code, read our summary here.
  
  
• Is the software included with the purchase?
  Yes; the Bantam Tools Studio™ software is included with the ArtFrame™; no additional purchase is necessary.
  
  
• Can I purchase Bantam Tools Studio™ separately?
  Yes, we plan to make this software available for purchase soon.
  
  
• What are the computer requirements; which operating systems are supported?
  Our desktop software, Bantam Tools Studio™, supports Mac and Windows computers, recent operating system versions (Windows 8 and MacOS 10.15 and above). Minimum screen resolution 1024 × 720.
  The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ is a standalone device that does not require that you attach your computer to it, so the quality of your computer will not affect the quality of the machine’s output.
  Internet access is required to download and activate software.
  
  
• What pens/tools are supported with the Bantam Tools ArtFrame™?
  You can make marks with any implement the machine can hold. The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ comes with a standard pen clip. Other accessories available include a large pen clip and a strap clamp. These accessories unlock your machine’s ability to hold nearly any mark making implement.
  
  
• Does the Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ require maintenance?
  Over time the wheels will leave tracks on the aluminum and the wheels will begin to polish the rails, which is a good thing. We recommend using a paper towel and some rubbing alcohol to clean the rails when marks appear.
  The rubberized magnetic work surface may also eventually require dusting or cleaning. A lightly water-moistened paper towel is recommended for cleaning the magnetic surface. Avoid using solvents or harsh cleaners on the surface.
  
  
• What methods can I use to secure paper?
  The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ Art Machine System includes a surface made from a rubberized magnetic material laminated to a lightweight board. We recommend using the included chess pawn magnets to hold down paper and other thin materials. If you need to use tape to hold down materials, we highly recommend archival, low tack, artist tape. You can also use low-tack ("blue") painters tape. Do not use masking tape or stronger tapes as they can chemically bond with the surface and mar it.
  
  
• Can I write/draw/paint on other things that aren't paper?
  The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ 1824 has a plottable area of 18 × 24” (45.7 × 60.9 cm) and can accommodate media up to 29 × 25” (73.6 × 63.5 cm). You make marks on material up to 1” (2.54 cm) thick.
  The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ 2436 has a plottable area of 24” × 36” and can accommodate paper up to 29 × 43” (73.6 × 109.2 cm). You make marks on material up to 1” (2.54 cm) thick.
  We’ve tested drawing on paper and canvas, but materials are limited to your imagination and resources.
  
  
• Are replacement (or spare) rubber surfaces available?
  The writing surface is a consumable item. We’ve been testing for many months and with normal use would expect it to last for many years. Because many types of implements could be put into this machine as tools, including sharp things, we consider it a durable surface that is not impervious to destruction.
  
  
• Should I buy a Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ 2436 or a Bantam Tools NextDraw™ 2234?
  We suggest you buy both. The advantage of the Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ is that it is designed with the most flexible and extendable toolhead options and configurations for holding traditional tools and media. The Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ has a new electronics and software platform, consistent pen over paper height, extensible toolhead, standalone operation, and an included magnetic surface.
  
  Those who choose NextDraw™ will choose it because it’s more affordable, portable and is a familiar platform. The Bantam Tools NextDraw™ is also the best tool for those who want to write custom code to take advantage of the NextDraw™ APIs. The Bantam Tools NextDraw™ is compatible with NextDraw™ Merge, which is the best software optimized for handwriting applications.
  Bantam Tools ArtFrame™ and the Bantam Tools NextDraw™ are both professional-grade machines.