The modern world is already hard to imagine without the use of 3D technology. They accompany us everywhere - in cinemas, entertainment centers, on television. The 3D printing industry was no exception. The first 3D printer appeared quite a long time ago - almost 30 years ago, and to this day, constantly improving, serves people in medicine, jewelry, design and in other areas of production where it is necessary to create a three-dimensional model or a copy of a specific part in accuracy.
However, despite the best efforts of manufacturers of 3D printers, they still remain quite expensive devices to massively be used in everyday life. Only large organizations can afford high-performance and multifunctional models, and the simplest household printers in the price range from 20 to 30 thousand rubles are very limited both in print size and quality. And here it is worth paying attention to the 3D pen using the same printing technology as the printer.
The device and principle of operation of 3D handles
The material used for printing is a plastic cord with a diameter of 1.75 mm, which, with the help of a built-in motor, with adjustable speed passes inside the handle body and exits through a ceramic spout. A heating element is built into the spout, which melts the plastic. As a result, you kind of paint with liquid plastic and can do this not only on any surface, but right in the air!
Simple models of 3D handles do not have the ability to control the melting temperature and therefore can only work with one type of plastic - as a rule, this is ABS plastic, from which, by the way, for example, parts of the LEGO designer are made. More functional 3D pens are equipped with a temperature controller and any type of plastic can be used as a material with them, adjusting the desired temperature depending on the type of plastic.
With the development of 3D manufacturing technologies, pens become more and more compact, and models of the latest generations can already work not only from a 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 power bank battery.
What plastic is needed for a 3D pen?
As we noted above, some pens only work with ABS plastic, but in the latest generations of 3D pens, as a rule, there is the opportunity to use any kind of plastic.
- ABS plastic. Classic semi-gloss colors. Products are durable and resistant to subsequent processing. Not afraid of moisture, you can wash, glue with each other.
- 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 hardening and brittle in the solid state.
- UNID PRO plastic. A wide range of melting points, so it is considered a universal plastic for all types of pens. Translucent crystal color is characteristic. Differs in high elasticity.
- SBS GLASS plastic. It has a very high light transmission coefficient - 93%, perfectly imitates colored glass products. Products remain elastic and visually beautiful, pleasant to the touch.
These are just the main types, which account for 90% of plastic for 3D printing. There are also special plastics, each of which is unique in its own way and meets certain goals and requirements.
For whom is a 3D pen suitable?
First of all, a 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 3D pens, the child himself can create his own favorite cartoon characters, try himself in architecture and design, as well as craft useful little things and gifts for parents and friends.
The 3D pen can also be used by adults - creative individuals working in engineering, design, and modeling. The pen can be used to create prototypes of any products and parts, and subsequently entrust the finishing work to a 3D printer.
Where to buy a 3D pen
In the 3D retail network, pens are not so widely represented, but there are more than enough offers in online stores. However, if you decide , you should first of all pay attention to specialized stores focused on working with an assortment from the world of 3D technology. One of these is, for example, a 3D goods store