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While 3D printers are still too expensive for most of
us, a kickstarter project is hoping to fund a cheaper alterative - a pen
capable of drawing 3D structures.
Called 3Doodler, the $50 (£32) pen writes using a plastic wire that
hardens almost instantly on being cooled by a fan built in to the pen's
tip.
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It is hoped it will go on sale later this year, and the firm has already
given prototypes to artists to create everything from 3D animals to
reconstructions of the Eiffel tower.
'Everyone knows how to use a pen, so we designed a 3D printing pen' the
firm said.
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'If you can scribble, trace or wave a finger in the air you can use a
3Doodler.
'As you draw, plastic comes out of the pen, is cooled by an integrated
fan, and solidifies right in front of you.
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'You can draw on any surface and lift it up into the air to create your
own 3D objects.'
The device has been created by a company called WobbleWorks, which is
currently seeking $30,000 (£19,300) funding through Kickstarter.
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The creators say it can also be used to repair items through using it as
a plastic welding tool.
It has also given artists prototypes of the pen, many of whom are using
it to create 3D doodles they then sell online via etsy.com
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WobbleWorks is a toy company founded by Maxwell Bogue and Peter
Dilworth, who both formerly worked at robotic toy company WowWee's R&D
department.
Their other products include movable animals ears.
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