Is it a 3D Printer or is it a Modelling Tool?
It is both of these things but 3Doodler is certainly not a toy - although it is great fun to use! 3Doodler works in the same way as FDM 3D Printers by feeding a plastic filament into a heated liquefier head and extruding this as a very fine filament of sticky molten material. This fine filament is then extruded onto a base, or onto itself, so that you can quickly build up layers to create 3D models. Provided the filament is laid down while still hot, the layers will fuse into a solid plastic model. The shape, strength and solidity of the model is controlled entirely by the user – the more densely you lay down the filament, the more solid (and strong) will be the model. It really is that simple – but 3Doodler is clever too. 3Doodler is an ingenious hand-held device that not only feeds, melts and extrudes the filament but finely controls the process too. By selecting the material to be used from the LCD display, you will be selecting extrusion speed and temperature. This allows a wide variety of thermo-plastic materials to be used and provides the optimum conditions for the type of modelling you want to do.
Where can I use 3Doodler?
3Doodler is great for free-form modelling plastic parts – even for spacial models ‘in the air’. Models can be entirely expressive forms or be functional parts for projects. Because 3Doodler uses the same materials as 3D Printers, it can even be used for repairing, beefing-up or modifying 3D printed parts without the need to edit a CAD file and run the job again.
Is 3Doodler Safe for Kids?
Materials such as PLA, ABS and FLEXY are commonly used in children’s toys and food packaging and, therefore, completely safe. The extrusion tip will be hot but careful attention to ergonomics makes it easy and natural to keep hands and fingers away. The extruded filament is hot but only for a very short time – normal supervision and instruction will be sufficient to ensure teachers can confidently allow 3Doodler to be used in their classroom.
What Materials does 3Doodler Use?
Because 3Doodler closely controls temperature and feedrate, a wide variety of materials can be used. These include:
ABS – for strong models in range of colours
PLA – a general purpose material for lower-cost models in a range of colours
FLEXY - for creating moving joint/parts with maximum stretch
In addition, specially ‘filled’ grades of filament will give the appearance of wood, stone or brick. Thermo-chromic, luminous and flexible filaments are also available. 3Doodler is supplied with a range of sample materials to help you get started.
