3D pen - what is it and for whom?

The modern world is already difficult to imagine without the use of 3D technologies. They accompany us everywhere - in cinemas, entertainment centers, on television. The industry of 3D printing did not become an exception either. The first 3D printer appeared long ago - almost 30 years ago, and to this day, constantly improving, serves the person in medicine, jewelry, design and in other areas of production, where you need to accurately create a three-dimensional model or a copy of a certain detail.

However, despite all the efforts of 3D printer manufacturers, they still remain quite expensive devices so that they can be massively used in everyday life. High-performance and multifunctional models can only be afforded by large organizations, and the simplest household printers in the price range from 20 to 30 thousand rubles are severely limited both in print sizes and in its quality. And then just pay attention to the 3D pen, which uses the same printing technology as the printer.

The device and the principle of operation of 3D handles

As a material for printing is a plastic cord with a diameter of 1.75 mm, which, with the help of the built-in motor, passes at the adjustable speed inside the handle and exits through the ceramic nozzle. A heating element is built into the spout, which melts the plastic. As a result, you as though paint with liquid plastic and you can do it not only on any surface, but right in the air!

Simple 3D models of knobs do not have the ability to control the melting temperature and therefore can only work with one type of plastic - usually ABS plastic, which, by the way, produces, for example, the details of the LEGO designer. More functional 3D knobs are equipped with a temperature regulator and as a material with them you can use any kind of plastic, adjusting the desired temperature depending on the type of plastic.

With the development of 3D production technologies, handles are becoming more compact, and models of the latest generations can already operate not only from the 220V network, but also from a USB power source. Thus, you can use the pen anywhere - just connect it to a laptop or an external battery power bank.

What plastic is needed for 3D pens?

As we already noted above, some handles work only with ABS plastic, but in the last generations of 3D handles, as a rule, there is an opportunity to use any kind of plastic.

• ABS plastic. Classic semi-matt colors. Products are durable and resistant to subsequent processing. Do not be afraid of moisture, you can wash, glue together.
• PLA plastic. Products are distinguished by high gloss - like candy (PLA is usually made from organic syrups), but they are afraid of moisture, sticky when hardened and fragile in solid state.
• UNID PRO plastic. A wide range of melting point, therefore, is considered a universal plastic for all types of handles. A translucent crystal color is characteristic. It is characterized by high elasticity.
• SBS GLASS plastic. Has a very high coefficient of light transmission - 93%, ideally imitates products made of colored glass. Products remain elastic and visually beautiful, pleasant to the touch.

These are just the main types, which account for 90% of the plastic for 3D printing. There are also special plastics, each of which is unique in its own way and meets certain goals and requirements.

Who will handle the 3D pen?

First of all, the 3D pen will appeal to children of any age, both as an original and fashionable gift, and as a device for the development of fine motor skills and spatial thinking.

With the help of a 3D pen, the child himself can create his favorite cartoon characters, try himself in architecture and design, and make useful little things and gifts for parents and friends.

3D pen can also be used by adults - creative individuals working in design, design and modeling. The pen can be used to create prototypes of any products and parts, and already finish the work later to trust the 3D printer.

Where to buy 3D pen

In the retail network, 3D handles are not so widely represented, but in online stores offers more than enough. However, if you decide to buy 3D pens, you should first of all pay attention to specialized stores aimed at working with the assortment of the world of 3D technologies. One such is, for example, a 3D goods store 3D-TOY.RU