Scientists at Harvard have created an amazing new 3D pen that creates metallic objects with ease.
Similar to the recent 3Doodler pen in some concepts, this new pen goes above and beyond and was created for adult use, with various possibilities in mind.
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This new pen could assist in making parts needed for medical devices. Earlier versions of 3D printers are held back in their ability to produce certain designs, because they have to be fixed to a frame for support. However, with this new printer pen, one can produce intricate objects that include bends, curves and loops.
With this capability, the sky is the limit when it comes to what this new printer can be used for. It may also end up playing a big part in the wearable industry, becoming the next big thing in how wearables are designed.
Pen turns silver to “ink”
This 3D printer pen works by using ink made of silver nanoparticles that harden when they are hit by a laser on the pen.
The particles are squeezed out of the bottom of the pen, while the laser is on, allowing an individual to create 3D objects right in the air.
What is really fascinating is how small the items are that the pen can create, because it is able to produce lines as thin as human hair strands.
Harvard’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering team members discussed how they went about in creating this 3D printer pen. One of the biggest problems they had was figuring out the correct distance between the laser and the nozzle, in order for the pen to actually work. If the laser was too close to the nozzle, then the ink became solidified and clogged up the pen.
With all the things it can produce, this pen could well revolutionize the 3D printer market.
