The Best 3D Pens
Have you ever dreamt of transforming your detailed illustrations into beautiful, three-dimensional works of art? Luckily, new technological developments have resulted in a product that can make your dreams a reality. The 3D pen reproduces the technology of 3D printers on a smaller, handheld scale. By heating plastic filaments, 3D pens allow you to create whatever intricate, multicolor physical illustrations you can think of. Here, we present our favorite options.
What to Look For
We wanted to recommend only the best of the best, so we scoured the market with three questions in mind: Is it safe and easy to use? Does it build 3D lines without dripping or making hairlike strands? Is the price fair for the quality? Our favorite came from MYNT3D. Their Super 3D Pen is an accessible piece of gear for both beginners and experts alike. It also rarely clogs, so you can keep creating until the filament runs dry. But for young kids, you should also consider 3Doodler’s Start Essentials series. These pens are easy to grip and safe enough for kids as young as six years old. For more of our in-depth reviews, read on.
MYNT3D Super 3D Pen
Bring your ideas to life
3D printing technology has made things possible today that the artists of the past could only dream of. 3D pens like this one from MYNT3D can turn the lifelike illustrations of your dreams into reality. MYNT3D is one of the most well-respected names in 3D pens, and there’s no better example of why than the Super 3D pen. It features an ultrasonic-sealed nozzle that prevents clogging and a speed slider that regulates how fast the filament is released.
Pros:
- It comes with three filaments in three different colors.
- The sealed nozzle prevents clogging, which is a common occurrence. This is an especially helpful feature if you’re new to using 3D pens.
- If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable 3D pen, you should definitely consider this beauty.
Cons:
- The housing of the pen could feel sturdier, but it’s a minor inconvenience.
MYNT3D Professional 3D Pen with LED Display
Let your imagination run wild
If you’re looking for a 3D pen that gives you pinpoint precision in terms of temperature and flow speed, look no further than MYNT3D’s Professional 3D pen. The LED reliably displays the filament’s temperature up to the degree and allows you to fine-tune the heating element to create the exact consistency you’re looking for. The pen also features an adjustable speed function that lets you choose how fast or slow you want the filament to come out of the nozzle. Not to mention, MYNT3D also includes three colors of top-notch ABS filaments. The asking price is somewhat steep, but you’re definitely getting your money’s worth with this pick.
Pros:
- The LED display reads the filament’s temperature accurately, and this level of precision can help you create exactly what you want.
- The pen’s adjustable speed function offers a level of control that other pens lack. This is ideal for those with more 3D pen experience.
Cons:
- The ABS filament may have trouble melting during the first use, but this typically resolves itself quickly.
MYNT3D Basic 3D Pen
Encourage creativity
Because 3D printing technology is so new, it may feel intimidating to some. If you’re curious about 3D pens but don’t want to get stuck with a pen that’s too complicated to use, the Basic 3D Pen from MYNT3D is right up your alley. The Basic 3D pen is the epitome of well-executed bare essentials. There are only a handful of functions on this device: power on, slow mode, medium mode, and fast mode. The speed settings here allow you to customize how quickly you want the melted ABS filament to come out of the nozzle. This 3D pen is well known for being exceptionally user-friendly and fun, and for the price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better one.
Pros:
- If you’re searching for a kid-friendly 3D pen, look no further. Because it’s so intuitive and easy to use, this is great for youngsters new to this craft.
- The pen rarely clogs, which is another feature that makes it great for hours of uninterrupted fun.
Cons:
- It doesn’t offer as much room for customization as more advanced models.
3Doodler 3D Pen
Practice makes perfect
A 3D pen sounds like every kid’s dream gift, but many of these products are either too complicated or unwieldy for kids to fully enjoy. That’s why this beauty from 3Doodler is such a saving grace for parents. With the 3Doodler, you can rest assured that you’re buying a pen that your kid will be able to use safely and understand completely. Many 3D pens have nozzles that are hot to the touch, but the 3Doodler is insulated properly to prevent any substantial external heating on the nozzle.
Pros:
- We love that this isn’t a pen that kids alone will enjoy — adults can get a kick out of it too. As such, it’s a great way to bond with your young ones.
- While there are plenty of great 3D pens out there, not all of them come with filament, which can be expensive. This one includes 48 strands of ABS filament so that you or your kid can get started right away.
Cons:
- You won’t have as much freedom to customize this pen, so it’s better to think of it as an intro-tier purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these 3D pens good for touch-ups on things I’ve 3D printed?
People do use 3D pens for touch-ups, but you have to make sure that the filament in the pen matches what was in the printer. Most of the items we featured include a batch of ABS strands in two or three basic colors. You’ll have to make a separate purchase of the correct kind of filament to properly touch up your printed design.
Can I make designs with as much precision as I can on a 3D printer?
Unless you’re extraordinarily artistic, you’re going to have a very hard time being as precise with a 3D pen as you can be with a 3D printer. 3D printers make the pinpoint motions that only computers are capable of, whereas 3D pens are entirely freehand. Still, you can make some very artful things with 3D pens if you take the time to acclimate yourself to the product. 3D pens are particularly useful for things like home decorations and jewelry.
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