Technology is always changing. That’s what makes it technology, after all. Still, when a brand new product is revealed, it can be exciting. The mind marvels at the possibilities this new item holds. That’s precisely what the newest item on the 3D printing market has done. It’s called the 3Doodler and while it’s not hitting store shelves anytime soon, it has certainly built a remarkable following.
The 3Doodler was created by WobbleWorks and was introduced to the world via a Kickstarter campaign. The product is exactly what it sounds like: a device that allows you to doodle in three-dimensional space. In the shape of a pen, the 3Doodler allows you to wave it in the air and create a model, in real-time, out of plastic.
They called this a 3D printing pen and it really works. Apparently, many people think so as within 48 hours of launching on Kickstarter, the project received pledges for $1.1 million. Their original goal was only $30,000. The response was amazing and WobbleWorks couldn’t be happier by the burgeoning support on the web.
To use the device, all you have to do is plug it into an electrical outlet. It works very much like a glue gun in that it heats up plastic and emits it out in the shape you draw. The plastic dries very quickly so it freezes in place, allowing you to create three-dimensional objects out of thin air. It also works on surfaces.
It uses ABS plastic, which is currently used in most 3D printers. One foot of the plastic can be used to make 11 feet of material. Pretty cool, huh? The idea here was to make technology that’s normally thought of as quite advanced more accessible to the general populace. Plus, it brings the price down considerably as well. The 3Doodler is expected to retail for around $75. And that includes a bag of plastic strands so you can get started right away.
While it may sound a bit unconventional at first, the 3Doodler is exactly what technology should be about: innovation, creativity, and expansion. It takes 3D printing out of the hands of big companies with big budgets and into the hands of individuals who want to create things for both practical and fun reasons.
It should be exciting to see how this project progresses in the near future.