3D printing startup 3Doodler were extremely successful at the beginning of their Kickstarter campaign. Now they are now back with a 3Doodler Start, a pen suitable for children.

The team at 3Doodler have always been sure that they would have to create a version of their pen specifically for kids.

So finally, as well as bringing 3Doodler pens into schools and successfully releasing of an upgrade to the original, they have managed to create a special version of the pen just for children.

The pen is aimed at kids between the ages of 8 and 13, however, some artistic skills are definitely required to be able to create shapes to the standard of the prints in the video below.

How Does the 3Doodler Start Work?

The 3Doodler Start takes one minute to heat up before use. It comes with a starter pack of plastic strands and also has a standard MicroUSB port for charging.

All you need to do is; click to start, click to stop, double click to reverse. It will take just 10 to 15 seconds for a new strand to feed through the pen, then you can start doodling in 3D – child’s play!

Another benefit is that the new pen will only cost around $50. That half the price of the 3Doodler 2.0 which was released last year!

But of course, this has meant some compromises: There’s only one extruding speed and only a single temperature setting. However, this actually means that the 3Doodler Start’s plastic extrusion tip does not get hot enough to burn anything or anyone.

The company states on their website: “The plastic is warm, but completely safe to touch when it emerges from the tip of your 3Doodler Start. You can safely use your hands to shape your Doodles to perfection.”

In order for this to be achieved, 3Doodler has also developed a new kind of biodegradable plastic filament that melts at lower temperatures.

The first units are expected to ship this May, and if you pre-order, your 3Doodler Start will only set you back $40. However, early-bird pricing is limited. Make sure to check out the website for more details.