A 3-D printing pen works like a portable handheld 3-D printer. The only difference between a 3-D printing pen and a 3-D printer is that you will need to guide the 3-D printing pen by hand to create a 3-D print whereas computer software guides printing head to print a three-dimensional object in a 3-D printer. Due to softness of the melted plastic, it can easily be manoeuvred to create a variety of shapes. You are free to draw any object on a plane surface as well as in the air using your 3-D printing pen. Once this of plastic cools down, it becomes rigid and retains the shape you have created.
3D pens are easy to use but you may take a little while to get used to the 3D pen in case you are holding it for the first time. However, it becomes easy to operate once you discover the way it works and find a convenient way to use it and within no time, it will work like just another pen in your hand.
Using 3-D Printing Pen
You should begin by connecting the 3-D pen to the power switch and turning it on. Most 3-D pens have an LED indicator telling the user whether the pen is warm enough to be used. If the pen is sufficiently warm, plastic filament can be inserted and you can start feeding the filament in the 3-D pen by pressing the extruder button. The pen will start extruding melted plastic after a few seconds and you can start drawing with it.
You are free to make your own designs or you may start with a two-dimensional sketch in the beginning. To begin drawing, you need to hold the 3-D pen above paper and start releasing the melted plastic by pressing the extruder button. Just move it along the paper surface to lay down the plastic line. Once the sketch is done or you reach the end of a line, you need to pause for a few seconds to allow the plastic to solidify before moving your pen away.
If you want to connect two lines, you need to hold the 3-D pen over the junction for a few seconds in order to fuse the two lines. For completing the sketch, you need to add lines continuously until you are done. Once you are finished, peel off the plastic from the paper and you will have created your first 3-D art with the help of a 3-D pen.
Rough edges can be trimmed off with the help of a pair of scissors. In case the lines of the sketch appear to be rough, the 3-D art can be stuck in a toaster for a few minutes after setting the temperature of the toaster above the melting point of the plastic filament. This will help in softening up the edges.
The best way to create 3-D objects is to use two-dimensional sketches. You need to sketch each of the side of the 3-D object in two-dimensional space and attach these different sketches with small drops of plastic. Once all the sides have been attached, more plastic may be applied to the connections. This is the most simple to create a 3D wire-frame model.
If you want to create free hand 3-D art or draw in the air, you should begin by creating an anchor point on the surface by dropping a drop of melted plastic. Start lifting the 3-D pen slowly to create a line by pressing the extruder button. You need to pause for a few seconds for the plastic to harden before you can move your 3-D pen away. For creating a curved line, the pen needs to be moved around when the plastic is cool. You will need a lot of practice to create a curved line as it needs perfect timing.
The best 3-D pens can be used in a variety of ways ranging from creating accessories to customizing Lego pieces to prototyping to drawing shapes. You may also use a 3-D pen for drawing animals or objects if you love arts and craft. You may even create house decor such as a miniature version of your house, vases, accessories that can be worn, toys as well as a complete dress.
Maxine, who happens to be an illustrator and artist with a background in medical modafinil study, was able to design a variety of sculptures with her 3D pen. Maxine used this tool like a toy at first as she was not able to find a practical use for it until she managed to break her hand. With the help of her doodler, she was able to create a customized ABS plastic exoskeleton for supporting and protecting her broken hand.
Customized exoskeleton allows her to hold things while protecting her hand from accidental movements and knocks that might break her bones again. She likes her customized plastic exoskeleton as it is colorful, washable and flexible. Also, it’s very easy to put on as well as take off.