
3D printing tool is all-in-one pen, precision solder, burner, and cutter
A refined, “smarter” version of the 3DSimo product that was released by the Czech company of the same name in October 2013, the much smaller 3DSimo Mini builds on the capabilities of the original 3DSimo as well as the capabilities of the world’s first 3D pen, the 3Doodler, which Engadget’s Brian Heater described as “a bit like a hot glue gun for plastic — simple and ingenious.” The 3DSimo also presses melted/quickly cooling plastic out of a die. It distinguishes itself, however, with added functionality.
“We created the 3DSimo Mini to be the ultimate creator’s tool,” says David Paskevic, CEO of 3DSimo. “It is more than a 3D printing pen. Immediate uses include extensions for burning, foam cutting, and soldering. In the future, we will incorporate additional functionality to the pen, such as drilling, making it a practical tool for creators of any skill set. The Mini is a tool that can be used for all creative projects.”
Able to fit in the palm of your hand and provided with several changeable tips, the 3DSimo Mini allows you to 3D print using one of close to a dozen different materials as well as solder, burn, and cut foam.
Housed in an ergonomic, user-friendly white case that measure 163×36×22 mm and weighs 40 grams, the tool offers changeable tips and turns an “ordinary” 3D printing pen into a multipurpose tool for 3D drawing, soldering, burning, and cutting. It features an LED display and can reach a temperature of 490 degrees Celsius at the tip. The 3DSimo Mini accepts spools of 1.75-mm filament, such as ABS, HIPS, PLA, and Thermochrome. Users can create models that glow in the dark or that change colour based on temperature fluctuations.
It’s powered with an included micro-USB cable to wall charger or an optional battery pack that lasts for about an hour. The accompanying free mobile app (iOS and Android) connects to the 3DSimo Mini through Bluetooth and allows users to control temperature, speed, and material profiles. The app also provides instructional videos, printable templates, and software updates.
A late summer 2015 Kickstarter campaign raised almost $230,000 for the 3DSimo Mini from more than 1,800 backers. Early-bird pricing was $89 for the basic model. Pre-ordering is now available for a price of $109. The basic set includes four attachments, six filaments, and one drawing plate.
