News: a pen that can "print" 3D drawings in mid-air has attracted nearly $500,000 in one day from Kickstarter backers (+ movie).
The $75 3Doodler by U.S. toy and robotics company WobbleWorks is described on the crowdfunding website as the world's first 3D printing pen.
It works like a hot glue gun to extrude plastic filament in a fine line, which quickly cools and solidifies into a stable structure.
With no need for software or computers, the 3Doodler acts as a handheld version of the extrusion element found in many 3D printers.
WobbleWorks suggest it could be used to make 3D models, jewellery and ornaments as well as to personalise objects like phone cases.
The designers are also working on a selection of stencil kits allowing users to draw out shapes on a flat surface before connecting them into 3D objects.
The pen currently has over 5500 backers on Kickstarter, with 32 days remaining for new backers to pledge their funding.
We've been following all the latest developments in 3D printing, including the race to build the first 3D-printed house and plans to 3D print buildings on the moon with lunar soil – see all news about 3D printing.
Photographs are by WobbleWorks.
