If you’ve ever wished that something you drew could come to life, then look no further because the first 3D printing pen has arrived.
A Boston-based company, WobbleWorks, LLC, has backed the kickstarter project “3Doodler,” which has earned over $650,000 in pledges with 32 days still remaining. (That’s 20 times their original goal of $30,000!) The pen works just like a 3D printer, only the user is manually controlling the printing.
The 3Doodler. (Image via WobbleWorks LLC)
The 3Doodler uses ABS (commonly used in 3D printing) or PLA plastic to create these 3D structures. PLA plastic is biodegradable and made of corn. This plastic is offered as an option since it melts at lower temperatures than ABS.
The pen uses a universal power supply that accepts 110 or 240 V so once you plug it in, just wait for it to heat up (this takes about one to two minutes and the indicator light will turn blue when ready for use). The heated plastic is forced out of the pen as the user draws with it and cools quickly into a strong structure.
The cool part is you don’t have to draw strictly on flat surfaces. Lift your pen and draw into the air.
Some of your potential creations with the 3Doodler. (Image via WobbleWorks LLC)
WobbleWorks envisions creations such as 3D models, jewelry, and art works. They have also introduced 3Doodler printout stencil kits to help users create desired objects. These are available at 3Doodler.com for free download.
3Doodler will go on sale in September 2013 for $75. Each kit includes a pen and a bag of plastic with 10 one-foot strands. Each foot allows for about 11 feet of doodling. The final pen will be small about one inch thick and will weigh seven ounces.
The 3Doodler doesn’t have to be used solely for artistic purposes. “3Doodler can be used as a plastic welding tool. If you have something made of ABS plastic, you can repair it with the 3Doodler. For example two broken parts can be welded back together by ‘drawing’ a plastic weld where the parts are broken,” the company said on its kickstarter page.
WobbleWorks has already been in touch with a Chinese manufacturer to discuss future production.
Visit kickstarter.com to learn more about the world’s first 3D printing pen and watch the video below to see the 3Doodler in action and get more craft ideas for its potential use.
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