Science & Technology

3D-printing pen turns doodles into sculptures

By T.K. Randall
February 21, 2013 ·  8 comments

Image Credit: Youtube The device works a lot like a handheld version of a 3D printer and utilizes an internal heater to melt the plastic beads used to create the material for the sculptures. As you lift the pen vertically it's possible to produce actual three-dimensional objects from the plastic which solidifies as soon as it leaves the nib thanks to a built-in fan.

The project was funded thanks to a Kickstarter campaign which raised $30,000 and the devices should go on sale next year with a battery-powered version to follow soon after that. WobbleWorks also has a few ideas for its next project - a similar device that can melt sticks of sugar and draw sculptures that are edible. Food safety issues however may mean it will be quite some time before the 'food pen' makes its debut.[!gad]The device works a lot like a handheld version of a 3D printer and utilizes an internal heater to melt the plastic beads used to create the material for the sculptures. As you lift the pen vertically it's possible to produce actual three-dimensional objects from the plastic which solidifies as soon as it leaves the nib thanks to a built-in fan.

The project was funded thanks to a Kickstarter campaign which raised $30,000 and the devices should go on sale next year with a battery-powered version to follow soon after that. WobbleWorks also has a few ideas for its next project - a similar device that can melt sticks of sugar and draw sculptures that are edible. Food safety issues however may mean it will be quite some time before the 'food pen' makes its debut.


Source: New Scientist | Comments (8)

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