Makers Next Door: Meet Uncle Andrew, 3D Pen Artist
At first glance, the colourful creations on the table may seem like complex constructions. Ranging from iconic characters in pop culture, to fantasy creatures and other fascinating designs, all these creations share one thing in common: they were produced using only a 3D pen by Uncle Andrew, a Maker Coach with MakeIT at Libraries.
“I know nothing until I know something,” says retiree Koh Hang Chee, better known as Uncle Andrew to his friends and colleagues. Although the 66-year-old retiree has earned the title of “3D Pen Master” among his colleagues thanks to his expertise with the tool, he humbly attributes his skill to his curiosity and a willingness to experiment and practise.
Finding the Flow
But first and foremost, what is a 3D pen and how does it work?
Similar to how a hot glue gun functions, a 3D pen is a little instrument that produces molten plastic instead of ink. It works by heating a thin cord of plastic filament to its melting point and extruding the molten plastic through the pen tip. Since the plastic is flexible, users can draw 3D shapes before the plastic solidifies.
Uncle Andrew tells us that the secret to a successful 3D pen creation lies in controlling the flow of the plastic filament. Heating up too much or too little filament can disrupt the 3D design, making it unbalanced or brittle.
He also shares that his experience with Chinese calligraphy has come in useful in working with the 3D pen, as both mediums require an awareness of the flow of fluid. “I try to help users understand that not only do you move your whole hand, you can also vary the angle of your fingers and wrist to gain more control of the pen.”
To Uncle Andrew, drawing with the 3D pen is an art form that encourages one to be focused for long periods of time, since any distractions from the task can easily cause the filament from the 3D pen to flow away from the intended design, or build up at certain spots, which result in unsightly bumps in the final product.
An Experimental, Process-Based Journey
During his first few years with the 3D pen, Uncle Andrew explored creating 3D objects through trial and error. “I would use an existing object as a mould, draw over it and peel off the plastic filament when it hardened. I tried it on all sorts of different materials to see what worked.”
“I learnt that the filament fused with some materials, and refused to stick to others if the surface was too smooth. In those cases, I improvised and used all kinds of tape to help it adhere to the object,” said Uncle Andrew, laughing.
He cites YouTube as a valuable resource for advice and tips, as well as a place to learn from those who have pushed the envelope using the 3D pen.
Apart from design templates, Uncle Andrew also uses his imagination as a source of inspiration. “These are the items that I created from scratch, without anything except an image that I found from the internet,” says Uncle Andrew, pointing to a couple of creature artworks. “After looking at the picture, I start to imagine how to create it in 3D.”
He begins building the 3D object by constructing its basic skeletal shape using the pen, before filling the empty spaces with what he describes as a curling method, where he manipulates the produced filament to a mesh-like finish.
It is not always smooth sailing, as mistakes do occur along the way. A determined tinkerer then has to consider how he might salvage his flawed creation, instead of tossing it away and wasting crafting materials. “When I do it wrongly, am I going to throw it away? I want to re-form it,” says Uncle Andrew.
To do so, he uses a heat gun—an electric hand tool that blows hot air, similar to a hair dryer—to soften the plastic filament so that it becomes flexible once more to be manipulated. With this method, Uncle Andrew can still craft something that he wants, and reduce wastage.
Writing a Surprising Chapter with the 3D Pen During His Golden Years
The 3D pen is just one of several hobbies that Uncle Andrew has — the senior is also an avid calligrapher and a Tai Chi instructor — but his creations speak of the dedication that he applies to his handicrafts.
Uncle Andrew’s latest creation happens to be a Chinese lantern. They combine his years-long calligraphic practice with his passion for the 3D pen — an interesting blend of technology and tradition. Using a 3D pen and a soldering iron to heat, bend and join several flat, modular pieces, the lantern marks a new frontier in his creative explorations.
The retiree pensively reflects, “I never thought that I would have this kind of interest [in 3D pens] and that I could do all this. During my working days, I’d only think about work, business, and family.”
The Gateway to Further Exploration
While creating 3D designs with the 3D pen is a significant development for any user, it’s simply the beginning! The instrument serves as a gentle introduction to the possibilities of 3D printing, where users can further enhance their crafts (and skills).
For Uncle Andrew, it is curiosity and commitment that drives him every day. This multi-talented Maker Coach suggests for newcomers who express interest in 3D creation to figure out what they find enjoyable, before focusing on mastery.
“When you have a liking for something, you won’t mind spending time and effort on it because you commit yourself to it.”
Begin Your Maker Journey
Sign up for one of our free 3D Starter Sessions, where you can learn about creating 3D designs in a broader spectrum! If drawing with a 3D pen isn’t your cup of tea, try your hand at 3D printing, which produces objects that are higher in quality, variety and detail. All you need to learn is the right settings to input into the printer, which makes it the more beginner-friendly option.
About MakeIT
MakeIT is a free-for-public library makerspace that aims to introduce the wonder of digital and tech-based creativity through 3D printing, robotics and other forms of tech-based tinkering to all adult and senior library members. All programmes and materials are free, and no expertise is required.
Join the community of makers at MakeIT on Facebook, or visit MakeIT at Libraries in person at the following locations:
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