What are the best 3d pens for kids? Where can you find 3d pens? Nothing compares to the thrill of seeing your ideas take shape right before your eyes as an artist. If you want to unleash your creativity, you should invest in the best 3D pens and start making three-dimensional prints.
However, with so many brands to select from, and some of them being rather pricey, the process of buying oneself one of these magical pens may get extremely confusing.
The fact that the best 3D printing pens are a relatively new invention also doesn’t help – there isn’t a lot of information available. After testing a number of them, here are the top 10 best solutions for quickly constructing an unlimited variety of forms and structures.
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7 Best 3D Pens Reviews In 2022
We’ve compiled a handy list of the top 7 best 3d pens for kids on the market below. Each 3D pen listed has a brief evaluation as well as some key features and benefits to assist you with a better understanding of what you’re buying and making a smarter purchasing decision.
1. Leo Evo 3D Doodler Pen – Best Value of Money
The Leo Evo 3D Doodler Pen is advertised as being suitable for both professionals and children. This basically means that while it has a lot of advanced capabilities that professionals and adults would appreciate, such as speed and temperature adjustment, it also has a lot of kid-friendly features, such as doodle templates and a range of colorful filaments that come with it.
I was intrigued by the idea of catering to two very different audiences at the same time, so I was eager to put this concept to the test.
The pen does not appear to be something you would acquire for an adult based on the packaging but don’t judge a book by its cover, or in this case, a pen by its box. When you take the contents of the package out, you’ll find the pen, some filaments, and some templates that will make your user experience, or at least your child’s, a lot easier.
When it comes to the user experience of an adult or a professional, it differs from that of youngsters. Variable pace and temperature are not as beneficial to children. Given that the pen covers all of the essentials, there is nothing more you could ask for in the given price range, as this could indicate poor quality or an incomplete pen. You even get a screen that displays all of the information, so you should be aware that the price tag includes a lot of value.
To be honest, if I was reviewing a 3D pen that was much more expensive, the overall review would have been a lot more nitpicky; but, the pen and the capabilities it offers you are aligning nicely with the price tag so it’s a wonderful bargain overall.
Because of the doodling kits that come with it, the Leo Evo 3D Doodler pen is suitable for a budget-conscious user, wonderful for children, and a decent value for money. Apart from that, everything else is as straightforward as it gets.
Pros:
- Gives you all the basics at an attractive, and competitive price tag.
- Has enough features to keep experts, and children using the pen.
- The LCD screen is always a welcomed addition.
Cons:
- It is hard to differentiate it from another 3D pen or vice-versa.
2. MYNT3D Professional Printing 3D Pen – Best Ergonomics
Next, we have the MYNT3D Professional Printing 3D Pen, which, based on my personal experience with it, I find really fulfilling and simple to use. Lightweight 3D pens are designed to offer optimal ergonomics and an easy-to-use experience. You don’t want a 3D pen that’s too hefty to hold and can’t be used properly. Because of its lightweight and robust construction, as well as the design of the pen itself, this pen is difficult to beat in terms of ergonomics.
While most users may dismiss the pen’s small OLED screen as a novelty, I believe it is a useful innovation that should be included in future 3D pens. You can also modify the speed and temperature of the melting process with the pen, ensuring that you have complete control over how the plastic melts.
The nozzle can be readily removed to ensure that it can be cleaned after a complete use; nozzle removal is a problem that plagues many 3D pens; fortunately, this is not the case with the MYNT3D pen, as the nozzle can be detached for those wishing to clean the pen itself.
I should also clarify that the 3D pen works with both PLA and ABS plastic filaments, which are available in a range of colors and even textured materials if you want to go all out. In terms of user experience, there is a learning curve, but with enough practice, you’ll be an expert in no time.
The one criticism I have is that the instruction manual that comes with the pen is at best ambiguous, making it difficult for people who rely on it to use the pen. To deal with this, you may find detailed tutorials on the internet that you can use at your leisure. Apart from that, it’s difficult to find anything wrong with the MYNT 3D Professional Printing 3D Pen. It’s the greatest 3D pen for professionals because it has excellent ergonomics and a handy OLED display, not to mention that the nozzle can be removed for complete cleaning to prevent any additional mishaps.
Pros:
- Provides great user experience.
- OLED screen is a great addition.
- The ergonomics are amazing.
- Supports both PLA and ABS filaments.
- The nozzle can be removed for cleaning.
Cons:
- The instruction manual could have used a bit more depth.
3. 3Doodler 3d Printing Pen – Comes with 50 Stands of Plastic
The 3Doodler 3D printing pen comes next. The elegant pen comes with 50 plastic filaments, the most we’ve seen in a 3D printing pen. In addition, the pen’s overall appearance and feel are excellent. Furthermore, the color (black) of the pen we received for evaluation made it look like something out of a Tom Clancy thriller. Before we get started, it’s important to note that this pen is unrelated to another product with the same name.
This pen may be one of the most attractive and the best 3D printing pens on the market. The finest feature of this pen is that it comes with 50 filaments that are simple to replace and do not clog. During the testing phase, it was discovered that the pen works flawlessly on practically all surfaces. The pen is also simple to use, especially for experienced artists who are used to withdrawing and using such tools. There is a minor learning curve for novices.
To be honest, we didn’t notice any disadvantages to this product. There were some flaws, but pointing them out would be nitpicking because they were present in practically all of the 3D pens we tested.
Pros:
- Sleek and innovative design.
- The build quality is one of the finest.
- 50 provided filaments is a nice bonus.
- The 3D pen is really easy to setup.
Cons:
- Offers a learning curve for newcomers.
- The pen is somewhat heavy as compared to others in our lineup.
4. TRLife 3D Doodler Pen – Best 3D Pen For Practicing
The TRLife 3D Doodler Pen is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a 3D pen to practice doodling with. This is the fourth pen edition, according to the marketing materials, and it has a number of improvements, including a mechanism that ensures no filament is jammed inside the pen itself. Because of the pen’s translucent body, you can see the mechanism in action.
How does it stack up? Actually, that’s a good thing; you’re paying half the price of a premium 3D pen, so it’s only fair that you know what you’re paying for and what you’re receiving in return.
TRLife’s inclusion of drawing templates for beginners, as well as a translucent sheet to assist you to create and practise, was a wonderful touch. I adore it when businesses do this because it simply indicates they are adding value to the product, which is something that not many businesses do in the first place. Is this the best 3D pen currently available? Not quite, but that doesn’t negate the positive aspects, such as the abundance of accessories and the one-button operation that assists the children.
However, there are a few drawbacks that I discovered when using this pen. For starters, the 3D pen only accepts PLA filament, and while the thickness is standard, it does not support other plastic types. Furthermore, the entire point of the pen is to provide ease of access, and although I get this, I am not a fan of the elimination of additional buttons; you just get one button for all the controls, and that is insufficient.
In conclusion, the TRLife 3D Doodler Pen is an excellent 3D pen for the price, but don’t expect too much from it because it has a few flaws that may turn you off in the first place, such as limited functionality and the fact that it only supports PLA plastic. It’s the greatest 3D pen for simplicity, however, for dedicated users or aficionados, the simplicity might cause a lot of problems.
Pros:
- The see-through body is cool.
- The pen comes with enough accessories to keep you entertained.
- The one-button operation is good for people who want ease of access.
Cons:
- Only PLA plastic is supported.
- There are no additional buttons for added flexibility.
- No advanced or outstanding features.
- Limited functionality.
5. BeTIM 3D Doodler – Best for long projects
BeTIM markets their doodler mostly to children and teenagers, but I was relieved to discover that it wasn’t bright blue or dazzling pink like some children’s pens. BeTIM’s 3D doodler is undoubtedly light enough to not strain kids’ wrists, but its black-and-white look is ideal for both adults and children, with an advertised weight of only 1.6 oz. It also felt good in my left hand, which is important because being a left-handed person in a right-handed society may be difficult. Best of all, I found BeTIM’s doodler to be as easy to use as other of the more costly pens on our list – though it lacks some of the more expensive brands’ features. With this combination of simplicity and functionality, it’s easy to see why BeTIM markets its doodler to children, teenagers, and adults.
Highlights of the Product
Both PLA and PCL polymers are compatible with BeTIM’s doodler. Because the plastics have distinct properties – PLA cools to hard plastic, whereas PCL is softer and more flexible – they have diverse applications, and it was good to have that diversity in one pen.
BeTIM includes 150 feet of PLA and 150 feet of PCL filament with their doodler. This stands in stark contrast to some of the other pens on our list, which come with only a few, much smaller filaments. BeTIM’s doodler also employs spool-style filaments, which are longer than rod-style filaments.
I was able to work on longer projects without having to pause and reload as a result of this (with some other pens I looked at, their fine print warned that loading their pen with spool-style filaments would void the warranty). This may not sound like a big thing, but when you’re free-handing a large or complicated design, not having to stop every few minutes to replace the filament is a huge help.
BeTIM also includes two finger protectors and a mat with their pen. The mat’s purpose is to keep the workspace safe. While this is a good feature, I noticed that any plastic that fell onto my table either didn’t stay at all or lifted immediately up without damaging the finish (if you’re buying this for someone younger than 28, the mat might last longer).
The finger guards keep the user from accidentally touching the pen’s ceramic tip, which can get quite hot. The plastic cools nearly instantaneously (and can even be manipulated by hand), but the pen’s tip becomes too hot to handle (a lesson I’m glad to say I’ve only had to learn once… so far). This is a wonderful addition for a pen sold in part to youngsters, who might lose track of where their fingers are, choke on the pen, and burn themselves on the nib.
The doodler’s stencils appear to be perfect for beginners (I felt most of them were a little basic, but I wasn’t really a novice when I picked up this pen). Looking over these, it appears that they’d be ideal for introducing new users to the various ways of drawing three-dimensional objects. While 2D and 3D drawings have many similarities, adding the third dimension necessitates – or allows for, depending on your point of view – significant adjustments.
What I liked:
Not only does this pen employ spool-style filaments, but its replacement ‘ink’ is also reasonably priced (240 feet for $11). These of the other brands on our list use proprietary filaments, and using an off-brand refill will violate the warranty on some pens. And proprietary refills are always more expensive when a pen uses them.
BeTIM’s doodler is advertised as being “super lightweight,” and they aren’t joking. It’s only a smidgeon heavier than a standard pen. While I was an old hand at 3D drawing by the time I worked with this pen, I can see how the low weight would aid a newbie in making the leap from 2D to 3D drawing.
Another amazing aspect of this pen is that it starts up in approximately half a minute, which is far faster than the majority of its competitors. 3D pens work by melting plastic, thus they must be plugged in and given enough time to heat up enough to melt the plastic. It was nice to have such a short wait.
What I did not like:
BeTIM’s doodler clogged up more frequently than some of the more expensive brands. This could have been caused by a safety function that resets the pen after 8 minutes, causing the temperature of the ink to plummet. It’s not enough to make me endorse the pen (especially at its price point), but it’s worth noting that there are more expensive pens available, and that reliability is part of what you pay for.
Pros:
- Price
- Lightweight design
- Changing colors with this pen is easy and quick
- Refill filament size and cost
- Fast (30 second) boot up
Cons:
- Clogs up more easily than its more expensive competitors
- Temperature can drop below the target
6. 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Printing Pen
The 3Doodler 3D Printing Pen is the next item on our list. This pen was designed to be user-friendly and simple to use. Having said that, the firm assured us that the device will have a fantastic silent mode of operation. In addition, the pen has various features that make it one of the best 3D printing pens we’ve encountered.
The sophisticated functions of the 3Doodler 3D printing pen are nice additions. It, for example, has one of the greatest thermal controls we’ve seen. Additionally, the 3D printing pen will alert you if the filament becomes trapped.
You also don’t have to be concerned if you despise the super-fast or super-slow extrusion of many 3D pens. The pen allows you to customize the speed of extrusion to your liking.
With this pen, we only discovered two flaws. The pen can get quite hot when fully active due to the lack of supplied filaments. Another thing to keep in mind is that the temperature within the pen can quickly rise to dangerous levels. When the temperature rises to dangerous levels, it might harm your skin if you come into contact with it.
With these excellent wireless chargers, you can ditch the cords.
As a result, we realized that the filament provided was insufficient. Companies, on the other hand, throw things in for royalties. Overall, the 3Doodler 3D Printing Pen is one of the best 3D printing pens we’ve tried, and it’s also one of the best 3d pens for kids on this list.
Pros:
- Easy to use for newcomers and veteran artists.
- The pen is lightweight and rather slim. A welcome addition.
- The 3Doodler 3D printing pen comes with an advanced unclogging system that prevents the filament from clogging after cooling down.
- There is an aluminum spatula included that protects your fingers from the hot nozzle.
- The 1 year warranty is an additional bonus.
Cons:
- The operating temperature can get unbearable.
- This pen is not easy to use. (Not for a Newbie or Kid)
- The supplied filaments are not enough.
7. SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen
If you’re buying a 3D pen for a child, you’ll want to be sure it’s safe to use and doesn’t have a steep learning curve.
Most of the 3D pens I’ve evaluated so far have failed to do so; but, the SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen piqued my interest because it is marketed as a child-safe 3D pen. Is it truly risk-free for kids? I wanted to put it to the test and see what would happen.
The design and manufacture of the pen immediately indicate that it is intended for youngsters; the pen is lightweight. In addition, the box includes 12 PLA filaments in a variety of colors, each measuring 10 feet in length. In addition, SCRIB3D P1 3D Pen contains a filament removal tool, a penholder, and a wall charger that charges your pen through a micro USB.
So far, everything appears to be in order, but what about the performance? As expected, the performance is exactly what you’d expect from a 3D pen for kids. More advanced functions are missing from the pen, such as the ability to remove the nozzle or a mechanism that keeps the plastic from jamming when cold. These are features that we’ve come to expect from many 3D printers on the market, but that’s understandable, especially given the pen’s price.
Advanced users, on the other hand, will not enjoy utilizing the SCRIB3D P1 3D Pen in terms of the right user experience. However, the way the pen is advertised and priced makes it plain that it is not designed for advanced users. However, it is disappointing to note that, despite being billed as a pen for children, safety features such as ink jam prevention and the pen stopping operation when it reaches a certain temperature are missing.
It’s a terrific 3D pen for youngsters, but it’s missing something owing to the cheap building material that’s required in modern 3D pens, which have their own requirements.
Pros:
- Great value for money.
- Comes with 12 PLA filaments that are a nice addition.
- It is easy and simple to use for kids.
Cons:
- The pen has a cheaper construction as compared to others.
3d Pen Buying Guide
Let’s take a closer look at this new technology now that we’ve seen this list of the best 3D pens of 2022.
What Is a 3D Pen?
A 3D pen resembles a bigger version of a regular pen or pencil, but instead of using lead or ink, it uses plastic to work.
You undoubtedly have a lot of questions about how tough it is to use and whether it is really a good thing. Using the 3D pen is quite similar to using a standard pen or pencil. You hold it, in the same way, every time, and you may use it in a variety of ways.
How Does a 3d Printing Pen Work?
Instead of ink, a 3D pen mostly uses plastic. The plastic filament is inserted, and once within the pen, it is heated by the heating technology. The heat is strong enough to melt the plastic and convert it to a liquid. After that, you may start writing on whatever you want with the pen. The advantage of 3D pens is that they may be used on nearly any surface.
If you’re taken aback, know that identical technology has been seen before. The glue gun, for example, works on a similar premise to the 3D pen. 3D pens are available in a variety of colors that will bring out the artist in you.
If you’re wondering what you can make with a 3D pen, the options are virtually endless. Drawings made using a pen and pencil are usually two-dimensional. The 3D pen, on the other hand, may give extra depth to your sketches or artwork, making them more lifelike. Despite the fact that 3D pens are still relatively new on the market, there are a lot of them. There are hundreds of options, and if you are new to this subject, you may find it difficult to choose the best 3D pen for your needs.
Functions of the 3D Pen
Before purchasing a 3D pen, you should familiarise yourself with its functions and applications. Each brand has its own method of operation. There are a lot of variables when it comes to filament and design. The world’s first 3Doodler model may not be replicated in the latest 3D pen devices. 3Doodler, for example, uses plastic filament to make drawing in the air simple. Real-time production of 3D objects at a rapid rate was a distinct possibility. 3D pens, on the other hand, do not have a long history.
The very first project of its kind was supported through a crowd-funding campaign. Basically, in this 3D pen technology, you wouldn’t have had too many variables to learn. Scribbler is another gem of a product inspired by the success of 3Doodler. Scribbler was still able to provide a 6-month warranty and a return policy despite having manufactured in China. This can be the most difficult market to navigate if you don’t know what you’re looking for in a 3D pen.
As we speak, 3D technology is making significant progress. Nonetheless, there isn’t a great deal to learn. When comparing plastic and cool ink pens, the evolution of this technology is simple to understand.
3D plastic pen vs. Cool Ink pen
In the early stages of the 3D printing pen market, 3Doodler and Scribbler accounted for the majority of items. They all employed plastic to create 3D objects in the air. Cool ink pens were developed in a step-by-step manner. Drawing in 3D was as easy with these pens as it was with plastic pens. It also has the added benefit of eliminating heated parts. It was a safer option for all age groups, especially children because it did not contain any heated components. Cool ink pen models debuted in September 2015 and have since fought for market share.
Users of a few cool ink pens, such as the 3D Creation Maker, we’re unable to draw in the air. The artwork is drawn on a horizontal surface and then solidified. It didn’t, however, match the sensation of sketching in the air. CreoPop, for example, came up with a solution in November of last year. They employ ultraviolet light to enable painting in the air. The evolution of the best 3D printing pens can be summarised as plastic pens vs. cool ink pens.
Additional Features
The primary use of 3D pens is to create 3D art or objects. The functions and design would make loading filaments, converting filaments, and drawing easier. Some additional features may also be beneficial. A good example of a valuable extra function is standby mode. Large LCD screens can also help a product stand out from the competition. A filament jamming detecting mechanism is even included in some devices. Thermal management, functioning LEDs, and other features are available on smart 3d pens for kids.
- Control type: More control can improve the quality of a 3D pen. In plastic 3D pens, for example, the temperature can be adjusted. In a few items, you can additionally regulate the drawing pace. The adjustable feed can aid in regulating flow and drawing speed. Continuous speed regulation improves your drawing comfort and efficiency. Temperature control can also help you fine-tune your designs. Intelligent controls are required for the new century product to achieve widespread appeal.
- Design: Ergonomic design is a requirement for today’s 3D pens. In the current market, slimmer 3D pens are preferred. The best items are ultra-compact and rechargeable, even via a USB port on a laptop. The way controls feel in your hand is largely determined by their design. The design should make it simple to access the monitor, and your view should transition smoothly from the filament to ink or plastic dropping. The 3D pen’s quality would be improved by a lightweight and ergonomic design.
- Filament kind: The type of filament you use has an impact on the way you draw. It dictates how you will hold the pen and the grip you will use. Filament includes the plastic component that allows for drawing. There are currently more than a dozen distinct filament kinds on the market. The easier it is to replace something, the better it is to use. Easy-to-replace filament type saves you money in the long run by allowing you to use your 3D pen for a longer period of time. Filaments are divided into four categories: standard, flexible, composite, and specialty.
- In this nascent technology, the brand name is really important. The world’s first 3D printing pen was created by 3Doodler. Scribbler comes with a six-month warranty. Their manufacturing approach, however, is based in China. Some brands are demonstrating their ingenuity. Compare brands and models based on the quality and features they offer. False marketing is a typical occurrence in this product area. It’s up to you to research the brand and understand what to expect.
- Check Reviews: When it comes to reputation and marketing, word of mouth does not work for 3D pens. Every 3D printing pen artist would be a first-generation user if it worked. You must believe online reviews and marketing claims. Check out consumer reviews on various buying sites. As a result, be wary of manufactured evaluations and recognize them when something appears to be too wonderful to be true. It’s the most straightforward approach to assess your product’s quality and value. Before judging whether or not a product will work, you need first-hand information. Many 3D printing pen models have made claims but failed to deliver. YouTube video evaluations might provide more information. This way, you can observe how these pens function for you.
Conclusion – Best 3D Pens Reviews
Finally, while this market is still developing, there are numerous 3D pen options available. Hopefully, our list will aid customers in selecting the best 3D printing pen available.
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