Drawing in 3D: Using 3D printer pens to draw chemical models

Abstract

Development of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has started a new chapter for in-classroom modeling of chemical molecules. The technology provides the opportunity to design and produce various types of personalized models.However, using classical 3D printers is time consuming, and it is hard to involve students in the modeling process during traditional class times. One solution can be using hand-held 3D printers (3D pens) that allow users to instantly draw geometrical structures. Unfortunately, drawing directly in 3D is very difficult, and precise modeling of even small molecules is simply not possible. In this article, a new approach to 3D modeling is described. It is based on 3D templates that enable the drawing of molecular models directly in three dimensions. The modular nature of the templates allows for the creation of a wide variety of structures. The resulting models provide an accurate representation of molecules including correct bond angles and geometry. This approach makes 3D pens a powerful tool for the modeling of chemical structures. K E Y W O R D S3D printing, molecular modeling, organic chemistry

3D Printing Technology in Education and Some Examples of 3D Printer Technology Materials Applied in Chemistry Education

“…(de Cataldo et al, 2018). Bernard & Mendez (2019) suggested the use of pen-like 3D writing products called "Handheld 3D Printer" or "3D Pen" in creating geometric structures, considering the long product acquisition time in conventional 3D printers and therefore very difficult to integrate into the course period. However, they stated that these pen-like products should be supported with templates created with classical 3D printers because it is difficult to make 3D drawings directly.…”

“…Figure 19 illustrates the use of the thus generated template for the toluene molecular model. (Bernard & Mendez, 2019).…”

Characteristics of ultrafine particles emitted from 3D‐pens and effect of partition on children's exposure during 3D‐pen operation

“…The rates were calculated using the equations derived from Azimi et al ( 2016), as shown in Equation (1). 7 The total L UFP was calculated using the concentration from the final decay period after completion of the operation, as shown in Equation (2).…”

“…Unlike a 3D-printer, the extruder nozzle of a 3D-pen is moved manually by the user and the ventilator, cooling system, and software in a 3D-printer are removed for portability. 1,2 Since 3D-pens are portable and easier to operate than 3D-printers, their use by children is increasing. From 2013, the annual growth rate of the global 3D-printing market was 25.9% and the market value is projected to reach 18 billion USD by the end of 2021.…”

“…The 3D‐pen is operated via a fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology that extrudes melted thermoplastic filaments through a heated nozzle and builds an object layer by layer. Unlike a 3D‐printer, the extruder nozzle of a 3D‐pen is moved manually by the user and the ventilator, cooling system, and software in a 3D‐printer are removed for portability 1,2 . Since 3D‐pens are portable and easier to operate than 3D‐printers, their use by children is increasing.…”