3D Printing Pens

As the interest in 3D printing technology grows across the world, manufacturers are starting to branch out and try new ideas in hope of finding the next big innovation. One such idea is the 3D printing pen.

3D printing pens, as he name suggests, are simply just handheld devices that act as tiny 3D printers. In appearance, they resemble a regular pen, though slightly larger. Most models take a regular PLA filament that is fed through the back and slowly eject it out of a nozzle at the front tip. The main difference between a 3D printing pen and a regular 3D printer is other than the obvious size is that a regular 3D printer takes a 3D model as an input and uses it to print out a plastic model by controlling a nozzle and moving it in all three axis using motors, while a 3D printing pen takes no input and is moved directly by the user’s hand. In this way, using a 3D printing pen can literally be thought of as drawing in three dimensions instead of flat two dimensional pictures.

Obviously, this opens up a multitude of possibilities for a large number of different groups of people. Artists and other creators now have a completely new medium to work with, using which they can create intricately beautiful and interesting objects. The bonsai tree being created using a 3D printing pen in this video perfectly exemplifies this.

Scientists and engineers can also benefit from this technology as they now have an even faster means of basic prototyping than regular 3D printing as this method does not require a CAD model to first be created.

It would be interesting to see how this technology further develops with more advances in the field of 3D printing and how different people will leverage this technology to do interesting and innovative things.

5 thoughts on “3D Printing Pens

  1. The first time I heard about 3D printing pens was in 2014. I thought this was so cool and can’t believe this technology. Now, over 2 years, the idea of 3D printing pens expends very fast. However, I think 3D printing pens are more like professional tools for regular people. In the video, it looks it took kind of long time to make a product. Most regular people may do not want to spend that long time and instead they would just use the 3D printer. I find the interest that you said this idea not only benefits for artistic but also benefits the engineering and scientist. I agree with you about this. Here is a link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWNgKAg_93Q. There are a number of ways 3D printing can be incorporated into engineering and manufacturing such as Prototyping, small production runs, bespoke or customized items and replacement parts. In the film area, we have 3D and then 4D follow by. I think this technology will continue developing in the future. Maybe there will be a 4D printing technology.

  2. 3D printing is defined as turning a three-dimensional model into an actual physical object. Personally, I’m not very amused by the 3D printing pens. I do understand the hopes of finding the next big innovation can be stressful, however, 3D printing pens are not the answer. I’m not opposed to 3D printing, in fact, I am very fascinated by the concept. On the contrary, I am not crazy about how 3D printing is implemented in the above video. The printing pens look like they were made for children. I can’t think of any other demographic that would take advantage of these pens or actually use them.

    The only benefits of this pen I can think of are that it promotes creativity and stimulates educational activity in elementary schools. Art classes for the next generations would be revolutionary. Preschoolers and kindergarteners would enjoy going to school more and working on their projects. This could also stimulate socializing outside the school as well. Individuals would find common interests through the use of 3D printing and though creating different works of art. Another positive feature of the printing pen is that it’s extremely versatile and easy to use. I can see how many artists will take liking to this. 3D art is always pleasant to look at and is increasing in popularity. I can see painters and sculptors being attracted to these technologies which will cause this market to grow. The future of 3D printing is very exciting and I can’t wait for what’s to come.

    One industry 3D printing has had a major impact on is the medical and dental industry. Its been extremely useful in taking advantage of patients past medical records (X-rays, CT scans, MRI’s, etc.) to create an actual 3D printed model. Not only is 3D printing vital in implants and major surgeries, however it also saves a lot of time and is extremely efficient. In addition, 3D printing has also revolutionized medical school and basic medical procedures. 3D printing has allowed individuals to print real life models of craniums, hearts, and other body parts. Replicating identical models allows individuals to stage a surgery which is extremely beneficial because it increases the success rate and makes the whole event more predictable and safer. In conclusion, 3D printing is extremely advantageous for our society and improves the quality of life for everyone.

    Sources:
    http://explainingthefuture.com/3dprinting.html

    https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/12-things-we-can-3d-print-in-medicine-right-now-42867/

    http://www.engineering.com/3DPrinting/3DPrintingArticles/ArticleID/13689/6-Industries-Changed-Forever-by-3D-Printing.aspx

  3. I think that 3D printing pens are going to be more useful to artists than for manufacturers or scientists. Having creative freedom without needing to create models in CAD or similar software is awesome for small projects like the tree that is shown in the video. However it looks extremely time-consuming especially if larger pieces are going to be made. Most people will want to just let the 3D printer print while they do other things. I also don’t see scientists using these tools because of the amount of human error involved. A well made CAD model and a good 3D printer will create a much better item than if scientists were to do it by hand and it would not take as much of the scientist’s time. The pen may be good if there are small imperfections found in the 3D printed item and can be used to touch it up. Overall I don’t see a 3D printing pen as more than a gimmick or niche version of a 3D printer.

  4. Sort of a similar technology here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o82m0v-tABQ

    It’s really interesting what you said about this not only opening up new mediums for artists, but also how it could benefit engineers as well.

    I think both aspects are very interesting and also related. I think the big picture here is that people are being able to express their thoughts in ways that previously weren’t possible. I think this could open up new design processes especially when combined with some sort of cloud platform.

    It will be fascinating to see the human mind reach new creative heights these next couple years!

  5. Due to the idea of 3D printing pens only being shy of 2 years old, different prototypes and beta-versions are constantly being developed and improved. New variations are currently being funded as we speak, as well as updated versions of popular brands pending to be released. While the process is not perfected by any means, the advancements in traditional 3D printing technology serve as an optimistic comparison as to how much 3D printing pens could improve in due time. Hopefully upcoming developments will provide consumers with more versatile material options, as well as a battery-operated option to add a sense of portability to the devices. The growth in 3D printing technology has been so substantial in the past 30+ years, that it will be fascinating to see what the future has in store for 3D printing pens and accessories.

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