"Ink Extruder" - Ballpoint Click Pen that looks like a Smart Extruder!

thingiverse

Here's how you can 3D print your very own "Ink Extruder" Ballpoint Click Pen. This project requires a bit of manual work, but it's really quick, easy, and a fantastic alternative to using a boring everyday pen. The 3D printed ballpoint pen is modelled after the fifth-generation Replicator Smart Extruder, a fully functional clickable pen that utilizes the internals from a common Bic Click Pen. You get to choose your own colors for the nozzle, body, ink, and clicker. There's a wide range of color options available, so go wild! Just make sure you use a pen with the same type of spring as the one shown in the pictures. The spring is crucial to the pen's functionality, and not all Bic Click Pens have the same spring design. To ensure everything works smoothly, check that you're using the correct nozzle file for your particular pen. There are two different files provided – choose the right one according to your Bic Click Pen's internal workings. For those interested in getting a 3D printed ballpoint pen like this one, it's worth noting that it might take some time and patience to assemble everything correctly. The instructions provided below will guide you through the process. Instructions for printing your "Ink Extruder" Ballpoint Click Pen: Print the two parts of the pen separately in different colors or use a combined file with both parts. It's also essential to print the model at the right settings, which includes a Raft and a 0.20mm resolution but no support material. You can achieve this on a Replicator 2 or 5th Generation Replicator. Once you have your printed parts, gently remove the designed-in support material from four specific areas of the body. This support has been made to break away without much force, so be careful not to damage the delicate walls of the pen's body. You can usually remove it by hand, but in some cases, you might need to use a knife. Now, take an old Bic Click Ballpoint Pen and break it down to get its internal components. Trim 47mm from the ink tube, then carefully insert the clicker part into the body and align it correctly with the help of a jeweller's screwdriver. Finally, assemble all the parts, making sure the ink tube is properly attached to the nozzle, sprint, cap, and the rest of the internal components. As you put everything together, pay close attention to how each piece interacts with others to ensure a smooth and reliable pen. Remember, some patience and force may be necessary during assembly, but once it's complete, your 3D printed ballpoint click pen will write beautifully and smoothly every time. If you're printing the "Ink Extruder" Ballpoint Click Pen on a MakerBot M with Raft and edited depth of total 0.97mm, use Z-Pause to change filament color when you see the first shape start printing (13mm is the optimal height). Be aware that two nozzle .stl files are provided due to differences in Bic Clic Pens. Look at images for further details on which file suits your needs.