Since successfully funding the first model of their 3D printing pen on Kickstarter back in 2013, 3Doodler has been trying to put the power of 3D printing technology directly into our hands. 3Doodler has been aiming at artists and Makers alike with their unique, handheld plastic extruding devices, encouraging those who may not have the means for a 3D printer to use their mind as CAD software and their hand as the printer. Now, 3Doodler has announced a 3D printing pen for a younger audience, the 3Doodler Start, a more affordable and colorful version of their original 3D printing pen.
Much like their previously released 3D printing pens, the 3Doodler Start will come with loadable strands of their non-toxic Eco-Plastic. With a slow extruder speed and a set temperature, 3Doodler has mindfully engineered the 3Doodler Start to ensure safety and accessibility for kids aged 8 and above. In fact, the 3Doodler Start’s temperature is so well-controlled that you can build a 3D model right on your own skin (though the team recommends starting the build on paper for the best result). Along with being completely wireless, the 3Doodler Start charging method is simple and relatively portable, using a Micro USB to re-juice the battery. As soon as the 3Doodler Start is loaded and powered on, the 3D printing pen is ready to build right away. The increased safety features and lower temperature extrusion are reportedly the biggest difference between the Start and the other 3Doodler pens.
“Once fully charged, your 3Doodler Start will run wirelessly for 45 -60 minutes. If you want to keep Doodling, you can continue to use it when it’s plugged in and charging too,” the 3Doodle Start website suggests. “Like any focussed activity it’s good to give yourself (and the pen) a break now and then. We suggest taking a break after two hours of continuous Doodling.“
The 3Doodler Start will cost $50, half the price of the 3Doodler 2.0 that was released last year, and is even cheaper right now at the pre-order price of $40. Helping these future potential artists and Makers get accustomed to the 3D printing pen technology, 3Doodler packages a project booklet and a few stencils to help get the creative gears turning. By lowering the price and increasing the safety of their technology, 3Doodler is looking to lock in on the imagination of younger minds, working to create future artists rather than supplying the current ones. Though I’ve never personally used a 3Doodler 3D printing pen, it seems easy to say that the 3Doodler Start is a safe and accessible introduction for young kids to the massive world of 3D printing technology.
