World's first 3D printing pen hits the market

WobbleWorks has developed a pen that can transmit your doodles into three-dimensional works of art.

The firm's pen, the "3Doodler," is being touted as the world's first and only 3D printing pen. Recently launching a Kickstarter campaign to try and fund the manufacture of the 3Doodler, what makes it different from our usual 2D efforts is that you can build up an image, which is then solidified in durable plastic.

Whether you draw in the air or on a surface, the pen -- once plugged into a power socket -- allows you to begin by drawing flat, before lifting the plastic outline off the page. The ABS plastic, the 3D printing alternative to ink, is released from the pen and quickly cools and solidifies, allowing you to peel the outline away and then begin making your artwork three-dimensional. For example, you could draw the first flat panel of a cube before holding the pen in the air and begin drawing upwards.

The developers have included a number of case studies where the pen has been used, including drawing jewelry, fridge magnets and even a mini Eiffel Tower -- shown below -- which took roughly 45 minutes to create.

At the time of writing, the Kickstarter campaign has reached $49,137 out of a $30,000 goal, supported by 550 backers. Early prototypes are heading to the manufacturers this month.

Image credit: WobbleWorks

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This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com