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Animation & VFX · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

3D Pen Modeling & Sculpture

“Drawing in thin air.” This hands-on studio course explores the bridge between 2D illustration and 3D prototyping using 3D printing pens. It is an exercise in spatial awareness and manual dexterity. Students will learn to construct wireframes, join disparate parts, and finish surfaces, using plastic filament to create rapid prototypes and intricate artistic sculptures without a computer.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master manual extrusion techniques (Speed vs. Temperature control)
  2. Construct structural wireframes for stability and scale
  3. Utilize templates and "tracing" methods for complex geometry
  4. Execute post-processing: Sanding, smoothing, and painting PLA/ABS
  5. Combine 3D pen elements with mixed media (wood, metal, found objects)
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01Introduction to 3D Pens: PLA vs. ABS vs. PCL
  2. 02Basic Techniques: Dots, Lines, & Hatching
  3. 03Working with Templates: 2D to 3D Assembly
  4. 04Structural Integrity: Triangulation & Trusses
  5. 05Geometric Shapes: Cubes, Spheres, Pyramids
  6. 06Joining Techniques: "Welding" Plastic
  7. 07Contour Drawing in Space
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Advanced Structure: Bridges & Overhangs
  10. 10The Organic Form: Sculpting Curves
  11. 11Articulation: Creating Moving Hinges
  12. 12Surface Finishing: Smoothing Tools
  13. 13Mixed Media Integration
  14. 14Repair & Maintenance of the Pen
  15. 15Architectural Modeling with 3D Pens
  16. 16Final Project: The Large-Scale Sculpture

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Large-Scale Sculpture

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. 3D Pen Art: The Guide for Creatives by Various
  2. Maker Lab: 28 Super Cool Projects by Jack Challoner
  3. The Art of 3D Drawing by Stefan Pabst (Perspective context)
  4. 3D Printing Failures (Understanding material properties) by Sean Aranda
  5. Plastic Materials and Processes (Reference)
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