3D Pen Reviews

Looking for independent 3D pen reviews? This article has you covered.

With over 70 3D pens in the market, deciding which one to buy for art use, hobbies or your kids can be difficult. 3D pens are the in-thing. Both children and adults enjoy doodling and creating different three-dimensional objects.

There are 2 main technologies that 3D pens use: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and UV light

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

FDM is the most common technology used to make 3D drawing pens. With this technology, the 3D pen heats a plastic-filament and then extrudes it as molten plastic. The process is similar to how most desktop 3D printers work.

UV Light Pens

This technology is less common and is only found in unique 3Ds. Here, the 3D pen uses a special liquid ink known as resin, which hardens on exposure to UV light. The nozzle tips of the 3D pens that use this technology have LED nodes. When the liquid is extruded through the tip, it is immediately cured by the LED nodes.

UV pens are gaining popularity, especially as writing tools for children, because they are safe. Their nozzles don’t heat up and, therefore, don’t pose a burning hazard.

Although there are many 3D pens in the market, most of the models are just copycats of each other. The pens are mainly different in price and brand. There are, however, a few premium products that stand out from the rest. These 3D pens cost a little bit more.

Choosing the Right 3D Pen

Selecting the perfect 3D pen requires considering your budget, desired features, and creative goals. Here’s a breakdown to guide you:

Budget

• Entry-level pens. Ideal for beginners, these offer basic functionalities at a budget-friendly price point.
• Mid-range pens. Provide more features like adjustable temperatures and speeds, making them suitable for exploring various creative avenues.
• High-end pens. Cater to experienced users with advanced features, wider filament compatibility, and greater control for intricate designs.

Key Features to Consider

• Temperature Control. Adjustable temperature allows you to work with different filament types (e.g., PLA requires lower temperatures than ABS).
• Speed Control. Fine-tune the material flow rate for precise lines or quicker filling of larger areas.
• Filament Compatibility. Choose a pen compatible with your desired materials, such as PLA, ABS, or even wood filaments for unique creations.
• Ease of Use. Look for user-friendly features like ergonomic design, intuitive controls, and clear instructions for a smooth learning experience.

Experience Level

• Beginners. Opt for pens with simpler controls and clear instructions. Consider features like automatic filament feed and auto-sleep for added ease of use.
• Intermediate Users. Explore pens with adjustable settings to experiment with different techniques and materials.
• Advanced Users. Look for high-performance pens offering precise control, wider temperature ranges, and compatibility with various filament types.

3D Pen Reviews – Comparison Table

Choosing the right 3D pen can be overwhelming with various models boasting unique features. This table provides a quick comparison to simplify your decision:

Key Differences

• Age/Safety.The 3Doodler Start+ utilizes low-heat filament, making it suitable for younger audiences (with adult supervision) compared to other FDM pens with high nozzle temperatures.
• Temperature Control Range. Wider temperature ranges (like MYNT3D Professional) allow using various filaments, while pens with a narrower range (like 3Doodler Start+) are ideal for basic PLA filaments.
• Speed Settings. Adjustable speed control (offered by most pens) enables users to create fine lines for details or quickly fill larger areas.
• Ease of Use. Features like automatic filament feed and auto-sleep (offered in beginner-friendly pens) simplify the learning process.
• Advanced Features. Professional pens like LIX offer a compact, lightweight design for better control during intricate work.

In this 3D pens review article, we’ll look at the top models in the market.

Best 3D Pens for Artists

The new generation artists are drawing in the air with high functioning and reliable 3D pens. The best 3D pens for artists enable them to engage in long printing projects without getting tired. The pens also offer the artists control of the projects.

To find the best 3D pens for professionals, you should consider the design, technical aspect, user-friendliness, and price.

#1. 3Doodler PRO

The 3Doodler PRO by Wobble Works is an improved version of the original 3Doodler. This new 3D pen is made with more versatile materials and features an improved nozzle.

The Doodler Pro can use all types of conventional 3D printing filaments, including metal filaments, polycarbonate, nylon and even wood, in addition to the full range of 3Doodler filament materials.

The nozzle sizes available for the 3Doodler Pro are 0.5mm, 1mm and 1.5mm. There are also different nozzle opening shapes like ribbon, square and triangle.

The pen has integrated dials at its rear end that can be used to adjust the extrusion and temperature speeds. An LCD screen on the pen will help you in monitoring the speed and temperatures while an adjustable in-built fan helps to keep the pen cool.

The Doodler Pro 3D pen is designed for expert artists. The pen is flexible, luxurious and produces excellent 3D creations.

Features

• FDM technology (uses a wide range of filament materials, including metals, nylon, wood and even PLA)
• Has a professional design
• The in-built fan is adjustable
• LCD screen can be used to monitor speed and temperature
• Speed control dial
• Temperature adjustment dial
• Can be used wirelessly or plugged into a power source
• Portable and easy to use

This is one of the best 3D pens on the market.

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#2: LIX Pen

This Lix 3D pen is a high-end model that holds the title of the smallest circular 3D pen in the world, at 0.55 inch diameter and 6.54 inch length. The pen has previously won the Design Intelligence Award and is marketed as a professional tool that offers you comfort and pushes your creativity to a new level.

The Lix 3D pen body is made of anodized aluminum, which makes it look cool. On the body, there are two speed control buttons.

The Lix 3D pen kit has one 3D pen, one bag of random PLA filament and another of random ABS filament and an external adapter.

A Kickstarter campaign that was backed by 8,030 people who raised £731.690 made the development of this pen possible.

Features

• LED indicators for temperature and speed
• Portable
• A professional design for artistic use
• FDM technology (PLA and ABS)
• Temperature adjustment dial
• Hot nozzle that makes it unsuitable for use by children

Read the full review of the Lix 3D pen.

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#3. SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen

The SCRIB3D PI 3D Printing Pen has an LCD screen that you can use to monitor the nozzle temperature. There are also two buttons on the body, next to the LCD screen, for adjusting the temperature in 1-degree increments.

The SCRIB3D 3D pen also has filament unloading and extrusion buttons and a switch on the side for controlling the speed of extrusion. The safety feature automatically switches the pen into standby mode after five minutes of non-use. There is also a filament-jam detection system that prevents the nozzle from clogging.

This unique professional 3D pen can be powered by either a battery or a USB cable. This makes this 3D pen highly portable.

Features

• A button for adjusting the temperature in 1 degree increments
• FDM technology (ABS and PLA filament)
• Filament-jamming detection system
• Safety feature that automatically shuts down the pen after 5 minutes of idleness
• Extrusion and reverse buttons
• LCD screen for monitoring nozzle temperature
• Powered either using a battery or through a wall adapter
• Hot nozzle (is therefore, not suitable for children)
• Portable and easy to use
• Quiet operation
• Speed control switch

CHECK PRICE ON WALMART

#4: PIKA3D Pro 3D Printing Pen

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The PIKA3D Pro 3D Printing Pen lives up to its name. The 3D drawing pen uses FDM technology to extrude ABS, PLA and wood filaments. This pen is lightweight and has both the look and feel of an artistic model. The 3D pen is designed has an auto-standby mode that takes effect after one minute of idleness.

The nozzle of the PIKA3D Pro has an airflow design that will make it easy for you to be in control of your project. This pen has a pair of buttons on one side for controlling the filament extrusion speed. There is also an unload button on top of the feed button that you can use to switch between filaments or clean up after use.

Two buttons for controlling the nozzle temperatures are located further down the pen. To The LCD screen on the body of the pen will help you see any temperature adjustments you make.

Features

• FDM technology (ABS, PLA and wood filaments)
• LCD screen for monitoring nozzle temperatures
• Nozzle temperature control buttons
• Speed control buttons
• Feed and Unload button
• Compact and lightweight
• Easy to use
• Professional design tailored for artists

CHECK PRICE ON WALMART

#5. MYNT3D Basic 3D Printing Pen

The MYNT 3D pen uses FDM technology and has two buttons on the side that unload or extrude the filament when pressed. The unload button can also be double-clicked instead of being held continuously to feed the filament. This makes doing big projects relatively easy.

The MYNT3D Professional 3D printing pen has a removable nozzle that is easy to clean or switch in case of a clog. The pen also has an OLED display that will show both the temperature of the nozzle and the material being used. You can adjust the temperature in 1-degree increments to between 130-240 degrees Celsius. The pen also has a side slider that you can use to adjust the extrusion speed to your preference.

Features

• Adjustable temperatures (in 1-degree increments) between 130-240 degrees Celsius
• FDM technology(Both ABS and PLA filaments)
• OLED screen that displays the temperature of the nozzle and material used
• Removable nozzle for easy maintenance
• Lightweight (40grammes)
• Speed control slider
• Filament feed and unload buttons
• A smart feed button for a continuous stream
• Easy to handle and use

Read the full Mynt3d Pen Review.

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#6. 7TECH 3D Printing Pen

The 7TECH is an affordable 3D pen for expert artists. Like most 3D pens, you can choose between ABS and PLA filaments, control the speed of extrusion and set the nozzle temperatures. The 7Tech 3D pen also has a filament-jamming detection that helps to prevent clogs. The gadget works quietly and will go into sleep mode if idle for five minutes.

You can monitor every data about the pen from the LCD screen on the body.

Features

• Speed control slider
• FDM technology (ABS and PLA filament)
• LCD material that displays the nozzle temperature, extrusion speed and the filament material being used
• Hot nozzle that makes it dangerous for use by children
• Automatic filament jamming detection
• Unclogging mechanism
• Automatic standby mode after 5 minutes of inactivity
• Easy to use and extremely quiet

Read the full 7Tech 3D pen review.

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Best 3D Pens for Hobbyists

Most 3D art enthusiasts (hobbyists) are newbies in 3D printing and therefore need simple 3D pens that will encourage their creativity. We analyzed the pens on the market based on design, features and user-friendliness and came up with a list of the best 3D pens for hobbyists and 3D art enthusiasts.

3Doodler Create+

The 3Doodler Create+ is a product of the pioneer 3D pen manufacturers; Wobble Works. This 3D pen is an improved version of the 3Doodler Pen. The drawing gadget is lightweight and appealing in its aluminum body. It also has simple but intuitive controls. This pen can only be adjusted to two temperatures and two speeds.

There are many accessories available for the 3Doodler Create 3D pen. These include a Doodle Pad that can be used as a Doodling surface, a changeable nozzle set, a project book, a foot pedal for relieving fingers and a Jet pack (portable battery pack). 3Doodler also offers EDU Create+ bundle that can be used for educational purposes.

Features

• FDM technology (ABS and PLA filament)
• Appealing look
• Multiple accessories
• Reputable manufacturer
• Compact build quality
• Hot nozzle
• Easy to handle and use

CHECK PRICE AT 3DOODLER

Best 3D Pen for Kids

3Doodler Start+ Essentials Kit

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Equipping young minds with creative tools can spark a lifelong passion for innovation and exploration. The 3Doodler Start+ Essentials Kit stands out as an exceptional 3D pen specifically designed for children:

Unlike traditional FDM pens with high nozzle temperatures, the Start+ utilizes low-heat PLA filament, making it safer for younger users. The ergonomic design and easy-to-use controls allow children to focus on their creations without complex settings. The kit also comes with stencils and activity guides, inspiring kids to bring their artistic visions to life in 3D.

Features

• Low-heat PLA filament. Safe for children to use with adult supervision (age 6+ recommended).
• Ergonomic design. Comfortable for small hands to hold and maneuver.
• Two speed settings. Allows for adjusting the material flow rate for finer details or faster filling.
• Rechargeable battery. Provides portability and convenience.
• Includes stencils and activity guides. Fuels creative exploration and learning.

Why the 3Doodler Start+ Stands Out

• Prioritizes Safety. Low-heat operation minimizes the risk of burns, making it suitable for younger users.
• Focuses on Fun and Learning. The included accessories and guides encourage creative exploration and skill development.
• Easy to Use. Straightforward design allows children to grasp the concept and use the pen with minimal guidance.

Note:

Adult supervision is still crucial when children are using any 3D pen.

By incorporating the 3Doodler Start+ Essentials Kit into a child’s creative toolkit, you can nurture their imagination, introduce them to the exciting world of 3D design, and spark a passion for innovation that can blossom into lifelong skills.

Limitations of 3D Pens

While 3D pens offer exciting creative possibilities, it’s important to acknowledge their limitations:

• Mastering the Craft. Creating intricate 3D objects with a pen takes time and practice. Expect a learning curve as you develop hand-eye coordination and refine your technique.
• Filament Costs. The cost of filament can add up, especially for frequent use or complex projects. Consider the project scale and filament type (e.g., specialty filaments might be pricier) when budgeting for your creative endeavors.
• Ventilation is Key. Certain filaments, like ABS, may release mild fumes when heated by the pen. To ensure a safe environment, always use your 3D pen in a well-ventilated area.
• Freehand vs. Digital Design. Unlike 3D printers that create objects based on precise digital models, 3D pens offer a freehand creative experience. This allows for more organic and spontaneous design but limits the ability to replicate intricate details or produce complex geometries.

Understanding these limitations will help you set realistic expectations and make informed choices when using 3D pens.

Safety Precautions and Age-Appropriate Options

Warning:

Most 3D pens utilize FDM technology and reach high nozzle temperatures (up to 240°C) during operation. This presents a significant burn hazard.

Adult Supervision: Due to the hot nozzle, adult supervision is mandatory whenever children are using 3D pens.

Age Recommendation

• Generally, children below 8 years old should not use 3D pens with hot nozzles due to the high risk of burns.
• For children around 8 and above, adult supervision is essential while they learn to handle the pen safely.
• Consider UV-light pens as a safer alternative for younger children. These pens operate at cooler temperatures and pose a lower burn risk.

General Safety Tips

• Always avoid touching the nozzle while the pen is in operation.
• Only use filaments recommended by the pen manufacturer.
• Maintain a designated workspace for using the 3D pen, preferably on a heat-resistant surface.
• Never leave a 3D pen unattended while plugged in or while the nozzle is hot.

Following the above safety precautions will help minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safe environment for everyone using 3D pens.

What to Use 3D Pens For

3D pens transcend the boundaries of traditional art, allowing you to:

• Prototyping. Bring your design ideas to life by creating quick, physical models to test and refine concepts.
• Jewelry Making. Craft unique and personalized pendants, rings, or earrings, letting your imagination shine.
• Art Creation. Draw 3D structures, sculptures, or even write in the air, transforming your artistic vision into tangible forms.
• Decorative Accents. Add a touch of whimsy by embellishing objects like phone cases, picture frames, or clothing with personalized 3D designs.

Conclusion

3D pens open a world of creative possibilities. Imagine drawing in 3D, building models, or crafting jewelry – all with a special pen! This guide helps you choose the right 3D pen, whether you’re a beginner or a budding artist.

Remember, creating with a 3D pen takes practice. But with some learning and exploration, you’ll be turning your ideas into amazing 3D creations.