You can buy 3D printing pens at Urban Outfitters because we live in the future now
In past years, the idea of 3D printing seemed like a super hi-tech, almost fictional concept that you could only see in science-fiction TV shows and movies. Though some “user friendly” 3D printing machines are scattered throughout sites like Amazon for the common consumer to purchase, the high price point and lack of tech knowledge still provided a slight barrier to entry for the public — until now.
Meet 3Doodler: The world’s first 3D printing pen that is looking to change the 3D printing game. Born as a Kickstarter project in 2013, the pen unsurprisingly surpassed its monetary goal – making it one of the most successful technology products to date on the site.
The transition to retail was a smart move for the 3Doodler. Though it was first sold in the MoMA Design store, the pen quickly edged its way closer to the common consumer and entered into lifestyle focused retailers (AKA: our favorite mainstream stores) like Urban Outfitters, Michaels, Barnes and Noble, and Target.
While the 3Doodler started out as a product for those 14 and older, the push to expand the audience was continuous. The production of huge varieties of colors, types of building plastic, accessories, and kits for the pen led to the creation of the 3Doodler Start: the first kid-safe 3D printing pen, which amped up the accessibility of the pen even more by opening doors to an even wider range of retailers.
A new release of the 3Doodler Start was designed to included tactile buttons to help those with sight loss get into 3D drawing without hesitation. In fact, the new 3Doodler Start is officially approved by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) — thus widening the market to include those who may have been previously left out of the industry.
Let’s let this sink in for a second: everyday mainstream retail stores like Urban Outfitters and Target have a literal 3D printing pen for sale right now, which means you don't have to "get tech" to get tech.
Now that your mind is blown, it’s time to bring your ideas to fruition. Get your hands on the 3Doodler for $99.99 here and the 3Doodler Start here.
Topics Innovations
Leah Stodart is a Philadelphia-based Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable where she covers and tests essential home tech like vacuums and TVs, plus eco-friendly hacks. Her ever-evolving experience in these categories comes in clutch when making recommendations on how to spend your money during shopping holidays like Black Friday, which Leah has been covering for Mashable since 2017.
