If 3D printers sound too expensive... try a 3D pen

If you've been watching the rise of 3D printing in envy as you can't shell out on a 3D printer, then a little-known American company may have just made your day.

Click here to view photos of the 3Doodler in action

WobbleWorks LLC has created what they believe is the first truly affordable device to print 3D objects - a 3D printing pen. While 3D printers are retailing at an eye-watering £1,000 plus, the 3Doodler is available for $50 (approximately £32) for those lucky enough to have supported the product on their Kickstarter fundraising page. Through the site, they have well-exceeded their target of $30,000, thanks to the large amount of interest surrounding the product.

3Doodler works by using a mains-powered heater to melt ABS plastic (the same non-toxic plastic used in 3D printers) inside the pen. As you draw, the plastic is then cooled by a fan so that it sets almost immediately, allowing the pen holder to draw 3D objects in the air. The company has also created stencils so that people can create 3D objects by drawing out flat shapes and melding them together. One of the first stencils to be released is a template of the Eiffel Tower.

WobbleWorks LLC expects that they will begin shipping later this year.