Lix 3d print pen

$29.99	March 12, 2023
$21.99	March 11, 2023
$26.99	March 9, 2023
$29.99	March 9, 2023
$26. 99	March 8, 2023

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Lix 3D Printing Pen lets you draw in the air

What is a 3D pen?

How the 3D pen works

In appearance, the 3D pen is only shaped like writing stationery and uses plastic filament or photopolymer instead of traditional ink. Like a 3D printer, it uses the same type of heating element and extruder, but instead of a computer, you will control the creation process. There are two types of pens currently on the market that use different 3D printing methods.

FDM handles. Such a device in its work uses the fusing of a plastic rod: the thread is heated to the melting temperature and extruded through the tip. This is very similar to how a construction gun extrudes glue or sealant. The melted plastic solidifies within a few seconds, and thanks to this, the pen can draw not only on paper, but also create three-dimensional objects right in the air.

SLA handles. The so-called "cold" pens appeared on sale not so long ago, but quickly gained popularity. They do not heat up at all, and the filament solidifies under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. This tool uses photosensitive resin as the printing material. Therefore, unlike FDM pens, these devices are safe for children because they have absolutely no hot parts.

What can I do with the 3D pen?

The scope of the pen is limited only by your imagination and the physical capabilities of consumables. With this device you can draw with plastic on almost any surface, decorate household items, create drawings right in the air. In the hands of a skilled designer or artist, pens become tools for creating unique objects, such as designer furniture or fashion accessories. 3D pens break the traditional notions of creativity by combining flat drawings with 3D images. The devices are of great interest to children. 3D pens easily replace boring paints and plasticine, not inferior to them in terms of functionality.

A more practical person will find a use for the pen in minor repairs. With their help, it is easy to repair or modify other plastic products. For example, glue a broken toy, add additional elements to familiar objects, or patch a plastic part. By the way, this is how the first 3D-pen 3Doddler appeared. The creators of the device, Max Baugh and Peter Dilworth, were trying to fix a hole in the layout after poor-quality 3D printing and came up with an idea for a compact additive device. However, the first 3Doddler was capable of more than that (see video).

3D pen consumables

As with 3D printers, the pen consumable is plastic or photopolymer resin.

FDM pens use either 1.75 mm or 3 mm ABS or PLA filament. Since these filaments have different extrusion temperatures, the pen has the ability to switch between types of plastic. Some companies offer a special filament for 3D pens, but regular printer filament can also be used in the device. PLA is more used for creating horizontal patterns, while ABS plastic is also suitable for vertical ones. The latter adheres worse to surfaces, so it is better for them to draw on stencils, and with PLA you can create directly on glass or ceramics.

For "cold" pens, as already mentioned, the starting material is photopolymer resin. It costs more than plastic, but in stores you can pick up materials with interesting physical properties. What about ink that glows in the dark or changes color with temperature?

Important characteristics of a 3D pen, or how not to buy a pig in a poke

According to Michael Scott, the editor of the Top 3D Shop blog, when choosing a 3D pen, first of all, you should pay attention to three things:

1. 3D printing technology. It is important to consider for whom the 3D pen is purchased and for what purposes. If this is a pen that prints with molten plastic, for example, then it will not work for children under 10 years old. There are photopolymer samples that are safer - they do not have parts that get very hot during operation. If this is a pen for correcting 3D printouts, creating art objects or making - on the contrary, it is better to choose an FDM device.

2. Consumables - the composition and format of the materials used, different types of plastic and standard size of the rod. Not all pens are thermoregulated and can draw with different materials, you need to choose the right one. If a pen is purchased by a person who already has a 3D printer and who wants to save on consumables, it is obvious that a machine that draws with a rod of the same material and the same diameter that this user already has will be preferable.

3. Temperature and speed control functions. The degree of heating of the extruder and the feed rate of the material in different handles may vary. The choice should be adjusted depending on how important the accuracy of these parameters is. If a 3D pen is purchased as a working tool, then the adjustment options are more important, but if as a toy, you can ignore the “redundant” functions and choose a more affordable option.

Last but not least, you should pay attention to the availability of a guarantee. A 3D pen bought on a foreign Internet site will be difficult to repair in the event of a breakdown (often it will be easier to throw it away). A gadget purchased from an official distributor can be replaced or repaired under warranty.

In addition, the important characteristics of the 3D pen are:

Generation of 3D pen. For 4 years of existence of the device, 6 generations of devices have already changed. The very first pen did not have a display, temperature and speed control was lame. Further improvements have led to significant improvements in the operation of the instruments: they have become compact, quiet, comfortable, many are equipped with OLED displays. There is a famous saying that an old friend is better than a new one, but in the context of the rapid development of technology, the latest versions of devices are much more convenient than the previous ones.

Food. Powered and cordless 3D pens are available with built-in rechargeable batteries. Depending on the place and method of operation, the user can choose the most optimal version of the device. A standalone pen is convenient to draw on a trip or on vacation, while at home it is easier to use a wired device.

Display characteristic. The very first pens did not have a display, and the user had to read all the necessary information literally by touch. Even now, there are devices of the first generations on the shelves that offer to check the temperature and feed rate empirically. More modern devices are capable of displaying basic extrusion information: speed, temperature, errors, etc.

Silent mode. In most cases, a 3D device is synonymous with the noise and smell of melted plastic - pens are no exception. When choosing a device, you should pay attention to the presence of a silent mode, otherwise the constant hum of the fan will not add to the pleasure of using it.

Ergonomics. Say what you like, but any tool should lie comfortably in the palm of your hand. Before buying, hold the pen, evaluate the weight, size, convenience of the location of the wires and the buttons / filament feed slider - you will use them all the time. There are models on the market no thicker than a felt-tip pen and, conversely, comparable to a small banana - see which option is most convenient for you. If the user writes with his left hand, also be careful, some pens will only be comfortable for right-handers.

3D Safety Pen

The very nature of this printer suggests its use in the home. At the same time, the precautions for working with the pen are similar to those for using the printer.

Because the FDM device contains heating elements, never touch the extruder while the handle is running. Its temperature, depending on the type of plastic, can reach 270 degrees. Therefore, it is better not to leave a child drawing with a 3D pen unattended. A number of manufacturers even advise not to purchase a tool for children under 12 years old.

And, since the principle of operation of the pen is associated with molten material, it is better to use the tool in well-ventilated areas: the evaporation of heated plastic is poorly understood and dangerous to health.

Cold handles are safer because they do not contain heating elements. Of course, it is better not to direct a working tool into the eyes: the power of the ultraviolet radiation of a flashlight is comparable to that of the sun.

If the device is not operated from a battery, but from the mains, additionally, the rules for working with electrical equipment must be observed.

Famous 3D pen models

3Doddler is the very first 3D pen. The developer of the device, the American company WobbleWorks, was able to fit a 3D printer in a small plastic case.

MyRivell is a Chinese company that has produced several generations of devices.

Funtastique One is another Chinese company known for its localized versions of devices for the Russian market.

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