The Dutch designer and technologist Rein van der Mast, 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. The Netherlands-based actually started 3D printing titanium fountain pens and nibs in 2013. 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. Today he started 3D printing both in 18K solid yellow and white gold.
Spica Virginis
Van der Mast: “This type of white gold is developed for 3D printing, selective laser melting in particular. It is very white, and more important, it is very hard, eliminating the need for a rhodium coating.” He emphasizes that this is particularly useful for nibs. Van der Mast is the only one in the world 3D printing nibs and holds a patent application on it.
“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.”
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.
Spica Virginis
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.
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.
Spica Virginis
