3D-printing pen turns doodles into sculptures

Posted on Thursday, 21 February, 2013 | Comment icon

8 comments | News tip by: Still Waters

Image credit: Youtube

A US start-up called WobbleWorks has developed a pen that lets you draw 3-dimensional objects.

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.

Free yourself from the tyranny of paper and boring 2D. With a $75 pen you can draw in thin air. The 3Doodle pen, developed by US start-up WobbleWorks, works much like a handheld 3D printer. It contains a mains-powered heater that melts the plastic beads used in such printers.

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Source: New Scientist

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Recent comments on this story

#1 Posted by OverSword on 20 February, 2013, 16:15

That looks like fun. I think I'll wait and see where the technology is in a couple of years.

#2 Posted by J. K. on 20 February, 2013, 16:34

That will create some brand-new hobbies. Imagine collecting 3-D signatures of celebrities.

#3 Posted by Twinkle Arora is back on 21 February, 2013, 14:11

Its just a hot-glue gun with plastic sticks inside(I think) instead of glue. What I am thinking right now is that why didn't anyone come up with this for the consumer market earlier? It sounds like a good consumer product. They just need to find some way to make it edible with different flavors :P

#4 Posted by Purifier on 22 February, 2013, 2:05

I WANT IT! *drools*

#5 Posted by AsteroidX on 22 February, 2013, 2:12

I dropped mine in a puddle. It was on and still had ink it. Should I be worried.

#6 Posted by Silver Surfer on 22 February, 2013, 2:44

that looks so dumb. unless its making candy.. then its cool.

#7 Posted by spartan max2 on 22 February, 2013, 4:28

this 3d printing is getting insane. IT amazes me

#8 Posted by Rocketgirl on 22 February, 2013, 6:40

Looks cool ,but the price tag for it is crazy. I will stick to regular pens.

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