In the early 2010s, 3D printing technology gained significant attention due to its versatility and the ease with which it could be used for a variety of creative and practical applications. One of the standout innovations during this period was the development of 3D printing pens, which allowed users to draw in three dimensions with molten plastic. In 2013, the 3Dsimo company introduced its first 3D printing pen, a groundbreaking product in the DIY and creative tech space. The concept for the pen was brought to life by David Paškevič, the CEO of 3Dsimo, who sought to create a tool that would bring 3D printing into the hands of everyday users.
My task in this project was to develop the electronics for the pen, ensuring its functionality and user-friendliness. The pen was powered by an AVR microcontroller, which handled the core operations such as regulating the temperature of the heating element and controlling the speed of the extrusion mechanism. I also designed the electronics to include an integrated LCD display, which provided users with essential information such as the current temperature of the extruder, speed settings, and any error or status messages. The display and controls were designed to be intuitive, allowing users to easily adjust settings in real time as they worked with the pen. This combination of microcontroller technology, user-centric design, and functional hardware helped make the 3Dsimo 3D pen both accessible and reliable for a wide range of users.
