# Soap-Printing Pens Shine's Kid-Safe 'Awamoko' 3D Printing Pens Use Foam Instead of Plastic By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-06-29 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printing-pens References: [3dprint](https://3dprint.com/140098/3d-printing-pen-soap-suds/3dpfoampen_animal_forms/) & [shine-jp](http://www.shine-jp.com/contents/awamoko/index.php) The rise of additive manufacturing has inspired the creation of several [3D printing pens for kids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soap-pen), including this ultra-safe one from Japanese toy maker Shine. Unlike many pens that use melted plastic filament, the 'Awamoko 3D Foam Pen' uses [foam as a medium for sculpting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bath-body-works-shapeable-soap). The soap that's used in the pen is the same kind that can be found in public restrooms, which means that this [bathtime toy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bath-toy-collection) is not only safe and gentle on skin, but it can also be easily cleaned up as well. To use the toy, a single button on the device can be pressed to begin releasing foam for sculpting. Rather than using a heated liquid plastic that needs time to cure, the Awamoko 3D Foam Pen makes the most of a cost-effective medium that parents won't have issues refilling. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Kid-safe 3D Printing Pens:** The use of foam as a medium for 3D printing pens can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for kid-safe toy manufacturers. - **Soap-based 3D Printing:** The use of soap as a medium for 3D printing can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for sustainable and eco-friendly product manufacturers. - **Cost-effective 3D Printing Mediums:** The use of cost-effective mediums, like foam instead of plastic filament, can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for budget-friendly 3D printing pen manufacturers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can explore the market for ultra-safe 3D printing pens for children that uses foam as a medium instead of plastic filaments. - **Beauty and Personal Care:** Companies in the beauty and personal care industry can use the concept of soap-based 3D printing for creating sustainable and eco-friendly products. - **Printing and Graphics:** Manufacturers in the printing and graphics industry can tap into the market for cost-effective 3D printing mediums like foam. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Edible Sugar Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chefdoodler.md) - [Kid-Friendly 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kidoodle-minibox-a1.md) - [Kid-Friendly Foam Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foam-toothpaste.md) - [Ergonomic 3D-Printed Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-pen.md) - [Paw-Print Soap Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinoosh.md) - [Beginner-Friendly 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xmaker-smart-3d-printer.md) - [Mess-Free Eco Craft Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/create-n-colour.md) - [Customizable Pen Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pen-creator-studio.md) - [Kids Foam Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jaysuing.md)