Did you know that 3D modeling is now available to everyone? Indeed, the 3D pen, also known as "3D felt", offers a cheaper alternative to the 3D printer. What can you do with a 3D pen? Which one to choose? How does it work? Let's take a look at all these questions in this guide to the best 3D pens of the moment!
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Our selection
"This 3D pen for beginners will delight young and old. In addition to the pen, you will have 12 filaments of different colors and printable…"
"Here is a complete modeling kit for children. It includes a 3D pen and its support, 20 filaments of different colors, a pair of scissors,…"
"Its fine cut already suggests great precision. Used alone or as a complement to a 3D printer, the Drakfly professional 3D pen is aimed at…"
"Control the extrusion of molten filaments with the 8 speed levels offered by this Geeetech 3D pen. Plus, you can say goodbye to clogging with…"
This 3D pen for beginners will delight young and old. In addition to the pen, you will have 12 filaments of different colors and printable models to make your first creations.
31,99 £ on AmazonThis is a starter kit for beginners: the design of this 3D pen and the related accessories are designed to make your first steps a success. Moreover, this 3D pen is suitable for children and adults who want to discover the joys of 3D modeling. That's why the kit includes models to be printed on a paper where you will have to draw in 2D to take off and assemble the parts afterwards.
The pen comes with 12 spools of PLA filament, a material that is safe for health and can be used by children. Nevertheless, the 3D pen is compatible with ABS. Moreover, depending on the filament used, you can adjust the extrusion temperature from the small LCD screen and the control buttons. The print speed can also be set to 3 levels: low, medium and high. Note that this 3D pen is not waterproof and must be unplugged when not in use.
Here is a complete modeling kit for children. It includes a 3D pen and its support, 20 filaments of different colors, a pair of scissors, insulating fingertips and a photo album to inspire the little ones.
24,79 £ on AmazonMake your child happy by offering him this 3D pen sold with all the accessories: 2 heat-insulated finger pads to protect his fingers from possible burns, scissors to cut the parts to be assembled later, a support for the 3D pen and its charger, a photo album full of drawings in case of lack of inspiration, and 20 filaments of different colors for realistic and high quality prints.
You should know that this 3D pen kit comes with PLA filaments that measure a total of 60 meters. This material made from corn starch is completely safe for health and is biodegradable. However, you can also use ABS if you wish. In addition to the temperature and print speed settings, this LED screen 3D pen has a built-in anti-clogging mode where you simply press the back button and the filament inside the tube retracts.
Its fine cut already suggests great precision. Used alone or as a complement to a 3D printer, the Drakfly professional 3D pen is aimed at people with some experience in 3D printing.
63,20 £ on AmazonA ceramic heating nozzle, powered by a high quality motor, is housed inside this 3D pen to melt the filaments you insert. Thanks to the thinness of this 3D pen and the continuous control of the extrusion speed, you will be able to bring a better precision when printing. The kit already includes 6 PLA filaments of different colors. If you need more, you should know that this 3D pen is compatible with PLA and ABS filaments of 1.75 mm in diameter.
Depending on the material used, choose the extrusion temperature between 190 and 220 °C. Reloading and heating time is considerably reduced (one to two minutes) to allow you to work quickly. In addition, it should be noted that this 3D pen can be charged from a powerbank or computer using a USB cable already included in the package. As a safety measure, this 3D pen automatically goes into sleep mode after 2 minutes of inactivity.
Control the extrusion of molten filaments with the 8 speed levels offered by this Geeetech 3D pen. Plus, you can say goodbye to clogging with the built-in clogging mechanism.
32,79 £ on AmazonAny specific needs?
The best cheap 3D pen for kids
The best high-end professional 3D pen
A 3D pen with 8 printing speeds
Your guide :
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| THE BEST | CHEAP | HIGH END | FAST | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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8/10 |
9/10 |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Giantarm 3D printing pen
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Acdolf intelligent 3D pen
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Drakfly professional 3D pen
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Stylo 3D Geeetech
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This 3D pen for beginners will delight young and old. In addition to the pen, you will have 12 filaments of different colors and printable models to make your first creations.
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Here is a complete modeling kit for children. It includes a 3D pen and its support, 20 filaments of different colors, a pair of scissors, insulating fingertips and a photo album to inspire the little ones.
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Its fine cut already suggests great precision. Used alone or as a complement to a 3D printer, the Drakfly professional 3D pen is aimed at people with some experience in 3D printing.
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Control the extrusion of molten filaments with the 8 speed levels offered by this Geeetech 3D pen. Plus, you can say goodbye to clogging with the built-in clogging mechanism.
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Technology
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FDM
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FDM
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FDM
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FDM
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Filaments (type/length/diameter)
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PLA / 36.5 m / 1.75 mm
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PLA / 60 m / 1.75 mm
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PLA / 18 m / 1.75 mm
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PLA / 18 m / 1.75 mm
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Colors
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12 colors
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20 colors
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3 colors
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3 colors
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Extrusion temperature
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180 - 220 °C
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160 - 235 °C
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190 - 220 °C
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Automatic (PLA or ABS mode)
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Print speed
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3 levels
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Intuitive speed slider
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Continuous speed control
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8 levels
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The 3D pens use 2 types of technologies:
If you choose a 3D pen with FDM technology, which remains the most common on the market, you will save filaments at the time of purchase. If you want to make colorful creations, you'll have to opt for a 3D pen that comes with filaments of several colors. However, if you're not happy with these, you can easily find some. If this is the case, take into account the diameter of the filaments compatible with your 3D pen. Generally, this ranges from 1.75 mm to 3 mm.
All 3D pens respond to the same principle: melt the filaments or model the resin with UV rays to give the desired shapes. However, some models distinguish themselves from the others by offering additional features, such as the possibility to adjust the temperature according to the type of filaments used, to adjust the brightness to obtain models with different textures, etc.
While we tend to say that design does not matter much in the choice of a 3D pen, be aware that it will define upstream the handling of this tool, and the quality of the modeling downstream. A 3D pen with a fine curve will allow you to bring more precision to your creation. In addition, it will not tire you, even if you use it for several hours.
In principle, all 3D pens already come with a manual that will help you quickly assimilate the different features. If you're looking for a 3D pen for kids, you might as well start with a basic model where you just insert the filaments and proceed with the extrusion. If you're a connoisseur, there's nothing to stop you from venturing into models with different temperature levels and extrusion speeds.
Featuring the happiness of art lovers and drawing enthusiasts whether they are adults or children, the 3D pen is an ingenious tool that allows anyone to materialize their creation. Beyond a simple drawing, 3D modeling gives life to your works by making them tangible and real. Thus, you can sculpt and model shapes, objects or drawings. You can also add a personal touch to your already existing objects with a 3D pen.
The way a 3D pen works mixes that of a conventional pen and a 3D printer. Indeed, it uses filaments as ink and produces real and colored objects according to your desires. To do this, either the 3D pen melts plastic that will harden as soon as it is extruded, or it will have the use of UV light to solidify resin.
What we like about 3D pens is that it doesn't discriminate against anyone. One can be a child or an adult, one can be a professional or a beginner, one can have the same talents as a painter or be a simple amateur, one will know how to handle a 3D pen.
Behind the sign FDM is a modeling technology using molten material. It is the most common type of 3D pen on the market. Its operation is simple: you insert filaments into the pen, the heating system of the latter melts them so that a very malleable material comes out of the tip. The fluid will cool and freeze instantly to take the shape you have drawn.
FDM technology 3D pens usually come with filaments that can be PLA or ABS. PLA, which is a thermoplastic material, melts at 50°C and above, but requires a temperature of 180-230°C for extrusion. ABS, on the other hand, is suitable for extrusion as early as 200°C and begins to melt at 80°C.
SLA technology, having originated in the 1980s, refers to an ancient modeling technique called stereolithography. In simple terms, this process involves using laser containing UV light to shape and set liquid resin during a light-curing process.
If SLA technology 3D pens are becoming scarce, it's because this technique is more commonly used in the professional world where 3D printers are taking over. Nevertheless, many experienced designers use this type of 3D pen to perfect their work.
If you choose a 3D pen that uses filaments to be melted in its heating system, you can choose between two materials: PLA and ABS.
Most 3D pens for children come with PLA filament because it is an environmentally friendly and safe material. Indeed, PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from corn starch. This filament melts from 50 ° C and it has a significant printing speed.
In terms of rendering, 3D pens with PLA filaments create objects with a glossy finish. You can go further by applying varnish or lacquer to your creations. Note, however, that you will not be able to smooth your work as the friction will heat the PLA and it will melt immediately. Besides the heat, this type of filament is very sensitive to water.
ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is the most common form of plastic used in everyday life, and of course it comes in coils ranging from 1.75 to 3 mm in diameter to fit into 3D pens. Because it can only be melted at high temperatures, ABS begins to soften at 80°C.
The main disadvantage of 3D pens with ABS filaments is that they are not environmentally friendly. However, when it comes to strength, they are far superior to models using PLA. Indeed, ABS is water and heat resistant: it can be sanded for a smooth finish. And it must be said that in terms of price, ABS is much more attractive.
When choosing between ABS or PLA filaments, you'll need to decide whether you want an eco-friendly material that's a bit pricey or one that's more affordable but has harmful fumes. You'll also have to decide whether you'll settle for a glossy, but rough finish or a smooth matte result.
The possibility to materialize your creations is already a good enough reason to buy a 3D pen. Here are some more!
You don't need to be Michelangelo to sculpt objects and materialize drawings with a 3D pen. That's one of the reasons why this instrument can be used by toddlers. All you need is a dose of creativity, a touch of skill and a desire to bring your designs to life to successfully handle a 3D pen.
One thing you need to know about 3D pens is that they're easy to use. After purchase, you simply plug them into a power source and turn on the heating system. Then, you insert the filament in the right place, wait a few seconds and you can already create the shapes you want. If you have a 3D pen with SLA technology, you will just have to turn on the pen's UV LED light and draw on the liquid resin.
The only limit of a 3D pen is your creativity and imagination. In this sense, you can draw in 2D on a sheet of paper to remove the parts and assemble them later; or you can model directly the shape you want. Many users also choose to draw on volume on an object to create a work that looks like it. The 3D pen is much more practical than you might think: you can even draw the broken end of a mug or complete the broken part of a vase.
We have to admit that 3D pens have an entertaining side, and it is certainly not the children who will say the opposite. But it is also a real professional tool. If you are talented, you can even market the creations you make from a 3D pen; they will make nice decorative objects.
There are several tools available for 3D modeling, but the 3D pen is the cheapest choice. While you have to spend thousands of dollars for a 3D printer, a pen costs only a few dozen dollars at most.
In our opinion, the best brands of 3D pens in 2022 are :
Giantarm designs 3D pens, filaments and platforms for printing and 3D printers. Giantarm 3D pens on Amazon receive many positive reviews; this shows that the brand is reliable and trustworthy.
Drakfly offers many silicone tools and equipment, but also professional 3D pens that appeal to many. Sure, the brand's products are more expensive than others, but the quality is well worth the asking price.
It is a Chinese company working in open source electronics. The brand specializes in 3D printing and thus offers 3D pens for adults and children whose quality-price ratio is worth the detour.
Although little known to the public, the brand ShallWe invests in the world of electronics and 3D printing. Its 3D pens are aimed more at beginners than professionals.
If you are looking for the cheapest 3D pens on the market, turn to Acdolf. We like the fact that its products come in a complete kit so you can start creating right away.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
How to easily create an object with a 3D pen?
You have 2 choices: either you draw the different elements of the object in 2D on a paper support to remove them and assemble them later; or you take an object of the same shape as the one you want to create and you draw on volume taking care not to join the 2 ends in order to remove the model. You can link everything easily afterwards.
How to assemble several pieces of a design with a 3D pen?
If you have chosen to model the different elements of your work separately, assemble them with a 3D pen. The principle is the same as with a soldering iron: you apply a layer of material to the place where the 2 elements meet and they will be linked as soon as they cool.
How to make color models with a 3D pen?
The 3D pens are supplied with filaments of different colors. To change the color, simply insert a filament of a different tone into the pen. Be aware that it is easy to find filament spools, but remember to respect the diameter compatible with your pen. In general, this measurement is included between 1.75 and 3 mm.
How to choose a 3D pen for kids?
Given the fragility of children, we highly recommend 3D pens with FDM technology and using PLA threads. Indeed, it is a biodegradable polymer designed from corn starch: it is ecological and without health risks. In addition, this type of 3D pens gives a glossy finish that your child will really appreciate.
How to unclog a clogged 3D pen?
If your 3D pen is clogged, you have 2 solutions. Either you use the cleaning filament (it is similar to the others except that it is transparent), you insert it in the pen like the others. Or you can do it the old-fashioned way by inserting a metal rod into the pen and pushing the filament that is blocking the way to the heating nozzle so that it melts.
The operation of a 3D pen is at the crossroads of a conventional pen and a 3D printer. By melting plastic filaments (ABS or PLA) in its built-in heating system, the 3D pen materializes the shapes and designs you want. The filaments cool and set to bring your creations to life.
Among the many tips for using a 3D pen well, we recommend drawing the parts that make up your design on a piece of paper to remove and assemble them later. You can also draw over an object you want to reproduce, as long as it's not made of plastic, as the melted material may stick to it.
With a 3D pen, you can materialize any object you want. Instead of a 2D drawing, you gain a material and palpable work in three dimensions. In fact, the only limit to a 3D pen is your imagination and creativity. You can even exploit this tool for professional purposes; this is among the good reasons to fall for this instrument.
The 3D pens already come with a charger cable that you can connect to a powerbank or an adapter. Then, you will have to press an on/off button for the pen to start heating up. You insert the plastic filament in the designated area, wait a few seconds and you can start working. The 3D pens we've tested all enjoy such easy operation.
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