Nov 7, 2017 | By Tess
Rein van der Mast, the Dutch designer perhaps better known for his brand name Pjotr, has unveiled his latest 3D printed luxury writing instrument. Named Spica Virginis, the new and extra opulent pen is made from solid 18K gold.
Van der Mast came onto the scene in 2013, when he decided it was time to reinvent the classic fountain pen using new technologies. Since then, he has showcased the wonders of 3D printing and design with his first 3D printed fountain pen, a titanium version of the Spica Virginis 3D printed pen, and, more recently, an intricately designed pen 3D printed using an Ultimaker printer.
Now, with the release of his latest, ultra luxurious writing product, the Netherlands-based designer is showing no signs of slowing down.
The 3D printed pen bears the same wheat-inspired structure as the original titanium Spica Virginis. The designer says the pen’s name was derived from the brightest star in the Virgo constellation—Virgo often being represented holding a bundle of grain.
By now offering the 3D printed pen in both yellow gold and white gold, the wheat aesthetic is taken a step further, as the 18K yellow gold color captures the look and feeling of grain caught in the sun.
The white gold pen, for its part, is made from a special type of gold which was specifically developed for a selective laser melting process. “It is very white, and more important, it is very hard, eliminating the need for a rhodium coating,” said Van der Mast of the innovative material.
He also adds that this hard white gold material has been suitable for manufacturing his patented pen nibs (the part of the pen that touches the paper and deposits ink), which are the first 3D printed nibs on the market.
Upon trying the solid gold 3D printed stylograph, pen reviewer Dries Blues gave a positive review, noting the pen’s good “bounce” and ink flow. "The medium-broad nib writes like a dream," he stated.
Of course, if you want to get your own hands on the luxurious 3D printed Spica Virginis pen, be prepared to reach deep into your pockets. The solid 18K yellow gold and white gold pens are listed for the price of €14,320 ($16,567) each. Yup. Quite a lot more than a 24 pack of BIC pens.
(Images: SOLide / Pjotr)
Van der Mast has also released a slightly less opulent version of the gold pen, which is made from titanium but plated in 24K gold. “For people who prefer the lightness of titanium, which is less than 1/3 of the density of gold, we offer our titanium version plated with a thick layer of 24K gold with a tiny amount of cobalt for better wear resistance,” specified the designer.
This hybrid version of the 3D printed pen is retailing for the slightly cheaper cost of €4,960 ($5,738). The original titanium-only version is still cheapest at €2,490 ($2,880).
If purchased, the impressive 3D printed solid gold pen will come packaged in a 3D printed aluminum case which can be coated in Nylon if requested.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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