3D printing pen launches on Kickstarter

A US STARTUP FIRM has launched a 3D printing prototype on Kickstarter that allows you to draw 3D objects in the air with a pen.

Dubbed 3Doodler, the pen extrudes heated ABS plastic that quickly cools and solidifies into a stable structure in the air or on surfaces and requires no software or computers.

Manufactured by Wobbleworks, which claims to be the first to bring this technology to market in this form, as of today the project has 339 backers and has received $29,153 dollars of the $30,000 it needs to receive the funding. With 33 days still to go, it looks like it will have no problem hitting its target.

Initially, backers who pledged $50 or more for the project would receive a 3Doodler pen. However, this deal has now sold out. Right now, if you want the pen you'll have to back the project and pledge $75 or more. You'll receive the final version of the 3Doodler pen plus two bags of mixed colour plastic, with estimated delivery in September.

"3Doodler works on almost any surface, including plastic, allowing users to personalise items such as iPhone cases, or anything else they feel like 3Doodling on," Wobbleworks said on its Kickstarter page. "3Doodler can even be used for minor repair work."

While the technology is similar to that of 3D printers, the 3Doodler isn't quite as capable. The 3Doodle takes the "print head" of a 3D printer and puts it into the tip of the pen, but it won't offer you the same results as a 3D printer, not by a long shot.

Measuring 180x24mm, the pen weighs less than 200 grams. However, Wobbleworks said that the final weight will depend on the final shell specifications once in production. It also uses a universal power supply, so provided you that have the correct adapter for your country, 3Doodler will work on either 110V or 220V.

If the 3Doodler does come to fruition, it seems likely that we can expect a lot of cheap looking homemade plastic ornaments to pop up in craft shop display windows everywhere. µ