The Best 3D Pens
The future is now. We've got smartphones, electric cars, and, now, pens that write in 3D. An engineer's dream-come-true, these fascinating tools emit a line of fast-drying plastic so you can bring your imagination to life. Also called a "printing pen," the 3D pen is a staple among budding architects, tinkerers, and artists. We decided to weed out the winners from the duds to help those in the market find the perfect pick. Read on to discover the right 3D pen for you and your creative impulses.
MYNT3D Professional Printing 3D Pen
Print Like A Pro
If you’re ready for the big leagues, go with this pick from MYNT3D. Although it’s a bit pricier than most other options, this beauty offers you complete control over your creations. For example, the temperature controls adjust in single degrees, so you can strike the perfect plastic balance. Plus, the flow speed is step-less, letting you find your optimal rate. Best of all, the AC adapter is USB-powered, meaning you can pair the pen with a portable charger and create on the go.
Pros
- Top-notch construction and design, this pen is slim, lightweight, and built to last
- Works with any filaments with a melting point between 140 and 230 degrees Celcius and a diameter of 1.75mm
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Has a bit of a learning curve
SCRIB3D Advanced 3D Printing Pen
The Perfect Gift
Another fantastic option, this one from SCRIB3D comes with everything you need to get started on your creative journey. Complete with PLA filaments of three different colors, a stencil book, and a project guide, this sleek pen makes some of the competitors look like toys. The ergonomic grip is ideal for drawing precise and accurate lines, so it’s perfect for lengthy printing sessions. Plus, this option sports an LCD screen that monitors heat settings. Best of all, the SCRIB3D Advanced 3D pen comes at a bargain price point, so we say grab one while you can.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Comes with PLA filament in 3 different colors
- The ergonomic shape is slightly grippy and feels great in the hand
- Although it has advanced user controls and features, it’s still super easy to use
- Heats up quickly
- Rarely clogs
Cons
- The starter pack of filaments is pretty light, so you’ll run out fairly quickly
MYNT3D Junior2 3D Pen for Kids
Bring Their Imagination To Life
Let’s face it: kids are more creative than adults. That’s why we recommend gifting your youngster the Junior2 from MYNT3D. Designed with their safety in mind, this pen doesn’t heat up crazy high; instead, it uses plastic that melts at a lower temperature than the standard options. It’s even battery-powered to eliminate the need for plugs and outlets. Charge it up via USB, pop one of the three included filament colors into the top, and let your little one go to town.
Pros
- Comes with stencils for getting them started
- Numerous safety features to protect young creatives, like a low-temperature nozzle
- Thick-grip design is easy to manipulate
Cons
- Only uses PCL filaments, which are uncommon and a bit pricier
- You’ll still need to make sure they wait for the plastic to solidify before touching it
3Doodler Create 3D Printing Pen Set
Elegant And Smooth
For the best in premium design, go with 3Doodler. This option is another great professional-style pen with cutting-edge features and unmatched versatility. Compatible with FLEXY, ABS, and PLA plastics, this pen features a nozzle that can be upgraded or swapped out down the line. It’s also surprisingly quiet and smooth, allowing you to get into the zone quickly and create to your heart’s content.
Pros
- A big name in the world of 3D pens, 3Doodler is a reliable company with responsive customer service and a 360-day, no-risk replacement policy
- Amazingly lightweight, sleek, and maneuverable
- A strong reliable pen that’s built to last
- Comes with a couple of extras, like 50 filaments in 8 different colors and a quick start guide
Cons
- Kind of pricey
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different kinds of plastic filaments?
You can find which filaments are compatible with your pen of choice by checking either the product listing or the user manual.
There are two types of thermoplastics commonly used with 3D pens: PLA and ABS plastics. PLA plastic (or Polylactic Acid) is plant-based, biodegradable, non-toxic, and virtually odor-less. ABS plastics are not biodegradable and are considered toxic at extreme temperatures. However, your pen won’t be able to reach such high temperatures, so ABS is still considered non-toxic at standard melting temperature. ABS is preferred for its strength, impact-resistance, and slight flexibility.
Alternatively, some pens use PCL plastic. This plastic has a lower melting point and is used on kid-friendly 3D pens that sport low maximum temperatures.
Are 3D pens safe to use?
Yes, 3D pens are considered safe to use, though some precautions are necessary. Because these pens have a heating element that melts the plastic, users must avoid touching the tip of the pen. Also, the plastic is hot, so never touch the melted plastic until it has dried and hardened.
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