PocketMaker: The Palm-Sized 3D Printer Revolutionizing Creativity

Compact, Affordable, and Easy-to-Use: The Future of 3D Printing

Innovation meets convenience with the PocketMaker, a palm-sized 3D printer designed by LANG Qiyue and YANG Tian. This groundbreaking device is set to revolutionize the world of 3D printing by making it accessible and affordable for everyone.

Today, 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular, but most commercially available printers are bulky, expensive, and lack user-friendly designs. This limits the accessibility of 3D printing to ordinary people who want to explore their creativity. Recognizing this gap in the market, LANG Qiyue and YANG Tian set out to create a compact, easy-to-operate, and affordable 3D printer that would empower individuals to bring their ideas to life.

The PocketMaker stands out from the crowd with its unique features and strengths. Despite its palm-sized dimensions, measuring only 10*14*15cm, this printer can produce objects with a maximum size of 8*8*8cm. It achieves this through the use of four special customized micro stepper motors and a set of self-lubricating plastic slide rails, which replace heavy metal slide rails, reducing both the volume and cost of the printer. Additionally, the PocketMaker boasts a patented ultra-small replaceable print head, ensuring hassle-free printing experiences for users. With a price tag of just USD99, the PocketMaker is an affordable creative tool that can be enjoyed by everyone.

The PocketMaker utilizes polylactic acid (PLA) as its printing consumable. PLA is derived from renewable plant resources, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The main shell of the PocketMaker is made of PLA, ensuring that the printer is not only durable but also biodegradable under specific conditions. This commitment to sustainability sets the PocketMaker apart from its competitors.

Technical specifications of the PocketMaker include a product weight of 650g, a print volume of 8*8*8cm, and a print accuracy of 0.2mm. The printer uses 1.75mm filament, providing users with a wide range of options for their creations.

One of the standout features of the PocketMaker is its patented ultra-small replaceable print head. This innovative design eliminates the common problem of print head blockage. By incorporating a replaceable print head typically found in industrial 3D printers, the PocketMaker ensures smooth and uninterrupted printing experiences. The print head can be easily replaced in just three seconds, thanks to its ingenious buckle design.

The development of the PocketMaker has been a two-year project, driven by a desire to make 3D printing accessible to all. Through extensive market surveys, LANG Qiyue and YANG Tian identified the need for a small-sized, easy-to-operate, and affordable 3D printer. Their goal was to simplify the process of creation and inspire individuals to unleash their creativity.

LANG Qiyue, YANG Tian, Bruce Tao, PANG Wei, and SUN Ran are the talented individuals behind the PocketMaker. Their research and dedication have resulted in a device that addresses the concerns of potential users. The PocketMaker offers an affordable solution to the high costs and complex software associated with 3D printing.

The PocketMaker has already received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2019, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Digital and Electronic Device Design category. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that showcase resourcefulness, technical skills, and contributions to improving the quality of life.

The PocketMaker is set to revolutionize the world of 3D printing, making it more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly. With its compact size, innovative features, and affordable price point, the PocketMaker is poised to empower individuals to unleash their creativity and bring their ideas to life.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Lang Qiyue and Yang Tian
Image Credits: Lang Qiyue and Yang Tian
Project Team Members: LANG Qiyue YANG Tian Bruce Tao PANG Wei SUN Ran
Project Name: PocketMaker
Project Client: Lang Qiyue and Yang Tian


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