3D Pen Kit

thingiverse

One project that really gets students excited is designing their own pens on a mini lathe, making them from wood or acrylic, using simple tools. It's something quick, easy, and affordable, allowing students to take home their finished pen to use or give as a gift. The cost is minimal, with the entire project coming in at just $2. After teaching this project, introducing 3D printing allowed me to take it to the next level - designing pens on the computer, 3D printing them, and putting the pieces together! With its short print time of less than an hour, students can quickly design and complete their own pen however they like or use a pre-existing design. More details on this project are available at www.teach3D.org. I've found that teaching this lesson not only gives students hands-on experience with 3D printing but also introduces them to measurement concepts and 3D modeling. Students learn the fundamentals of creating custom designs using Inventor, designing a 3D Ink Pen from scratch, or customizing a pre-existing model. With the right tools and equipment, any student at any grade level can complete this simple project - all they need is access to a computer, 3D printer, modeling software, and the pen parts. Students as young as grade school with some assistance may be able to assemble their pen, while students in grades 7-12 can complete it on their own. To begin this project, students will need access to a 3D modeling program, computer, 3D printer, and a purchased pen kit - the kits must be ordered beforehand. You can find these by searching online or visiting www.pennstateind.com.