3D Pen...
You've probably heard of 3D printing where a filament of heated plastic is extruded to build up layers creating dimensional objects. Yes? They are used to create toys, mechanical gears, tools and medical supplies such as prosthetic body parts.Ink printers is where it all started and they have been around more than 2 generations. Paper is only 2 dimension, X and Y axis. Later came laser or router in place of an ink print head and allowed companies to do engraving with the same 2D technology.
More sophisticated technology can be found in the woodworking industry were different router heads are used on a 3 axis machine using X, Y and Z for length, width and height. I've seen lots of videos of guitar making where a single computerized router can switch tools to cut the shape a guitar, curve the edges, drill for pickups, switches and hardware all without having the remove the block of wood from the bed it's clamped to.
This is Computer Numeric Control technology, CNC for short.
That technology only cut away existing material. There weren't any devices to build something from literally nothing.
On a large scale, they are making houses with a related technology using quick setting concrete from a nozzle to build walls.
Tonight, I hit a video of a 3D pen. Hand operated, it's a simple device similar to the way a hot-melt glue gun works and uses thin filaments that you can actually draw in 2D or build more complex shapes in layers in 3D. Prices range anywhere from $30 to $150 and filaments are available in 1.75mm to 3mm thickness. Some more expensive models have different nozzles so you can change the thickness from the same tool.
Here is a demo video explaining many facets on the 3D pen...
Comments (2)
Amazing skill that has the appearance of much larger porcelain doll.