3D Pen

From MakeICT Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search

3D Pen, aka Brutus the Pink est. June 2018

Ingredients for a successful 3D Pen Project:

  • 3D pen
  • 3D pen power supply/3D pen stand
  • PLA (poly lactic acid) filament
  • Sketch or idea for cool project
  • Scissors
  • Hot air gun (optional)

Recipe for success:

  • Plug in power cord to top of pen.
  • Then press the extrude down button to start the pen to warming for PLA.
  • When the bottom light changes from blinking to green, the pen is ready to use.
  • Then insert filament.
  • The pen will melt the filament and be ready to extrude shortly.

Recommendations for beginner 3D artists:

  • Start with a 2D sketch. Either free handing or by tracing a sketch.
  • Press the extrude button and slowly move the pen across the surface to lay down a line of filament. Hold the pen close to the paper so the melted filament is applied to the surface before cooled.
  • At junctions, the end of a line, and turns, pause for a micro-moment to allow the filament to cool before continuing.
  • To connect two lines, hold the pen over the junction for long enough for the heat to fuse the two lines together.
  • Continue adding lines till your sketch is complete.
  • When finished, pull your sketch off of the paper. Use scissors to trim any unsightly edges.

3D Sketches:

  • Plan your 3D sketch in 2D steps.
  • Complete the 2D sketch using the instructions above.
  • Hold each 2D sketches up and connect them together.
  • Add more filament as needed to strengthen your joints.

3D Freehanding:

  • Set up a desk fan to blow on your workspace/area.
  • Start with a drop of filament to make an anchor point.
  • Move the pen in the perfect timing.
  • Good luck with getting the timing right for movement.
  • Expect to spend a lot of time practicing and having a lot of "test" runs.
  • Never give up. Never surrender.

Side notes:

  • It does go to sleep. Just press the extrude button to wake it up.
  • It heats up to 196 degrees.
  • Trim excess filament with scissors.
  • Use heat gun to smooth out the entire project at the end (optional. I didn't have good results doing this, but completely understand the idea behind it.).
  • Pictures will be added later.

If you want these instructions in video form, check out: http://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printing-Pen-Tutorial/