LIX, the smallest 3D pen in the world

 Handheld 3D pen creates vertical illustrations

LIX is the latest contender in the handheld 3D-printing field. Launched just a few days ago on Kickstarter, the developers say the super compact design is smaller than any other pen on the market. This 3D printing pen has a sleek design and a finer tip than similar devices we’ve seen. It looks more like a normal ball point pen. And it can even be powered by the electricity from a USB port. After turning it on the LIX takes less than a minute to heat up and you’re ready to start creating vertical illustrations.

The 3D printing pen has the similar function as of 3D printers: it melts and cools coloured plastic, letting you create rigid and freestanding structures. Claimed to be the world’s smallest pen, the LIX pen is lightweight and easy to hold. It has a aluminium body and supports major materials in 3D printers today: ABS and PLA filament.

Two buttons are provided that control the speed of the extruded plastic. Using the LIX pen is a lot like using a glue gun. You plug in your power cable on any USB output and wait for an LED heat indicator to show the pen has reached its right temperature, which takes less than a minute. You can then start sketching your vertical illustrations. Anton Suvorov, creator of the LIX pen is offering the 3D printing pen in two colors: black matte and white matte.

The pen will be launched on Kickstarter for $135 USD (£82). (€100) While the pen is easy to operate, you need to know using it to create a clean 3D model requires patience. It could take many hours before you can realize a project.

Pictures and Vimeo via LIX

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