The Best 3D Printing Pen

Buying Guide

3D printing is on the rise, with the market expected to double in size every three years. As the technology becomes more accessible to hobbyists and businesses alike, 3D printers have grown in popularity, even making their way into homes.

But if you’ve ever seen a 3D printer in action, you know it can take up considerable desk space. You might not even have anywhere to store it. That’s where a 3D printing pen can help.

More than a space saver, a 3D printing pen can also give you a beginner’s introduction to the fun of making products using the technology. You might even choose to keep it on hand for smaller products where you don’t want to fire up your larger printer.

A 3D pen is slightly larger than a normal pen. You’ll choose plastic filaments, available in a wide range of colors, that you insert into the pen. The pen then heats up the plastic and outputs it through a tip, similar to the way ink comes through the tip of a pen. Only with this pen, you don’t need a writing surface.

This is where the true artistry comes in. With a 3D printing pen, you’re making the shapes. The plastic cools fairly quickly after output, so you’ll need to be prepared to waste some filament as you’re learning. But for artists, these pens can be a fun way to create objects you wouldn’t otherwise be able to make.

There are some things to look for in a 3D printing pen. You’ll want a pen that’s comfortable to hold, especially if you have plans to work for long stretches of time on your projects. Look at the design of each pen with ergonomics in mind and pay close attention to the weight.

Ink flow is also important. You’ll be working with heated plastic, so you’ll want a pen with a tip that promotes easy flow. With some pens, the nozzle can easily get clogged, while others build in technology that makes this less likely. Either way, make sure you can remove the nozzle to clean it, and also check for replacement nozzles in case you need one in the future.

• If you’re new to 3D printing pens, you might need a little help with your creations. Some pens come with manuals to walk you through creating with your new pen. You can find these step-by-step instructions online, though, if yours doesn’t come with one.
• You likely won’t want the same ink flow while you’re working. Most 3D pens have a slider that lets you adjust the speed of the ink flow. This helps you slow down to refine detail and speed up when you’re making broader strokes.
• Before you buy a pen, look at the types of plastic it supports. You likely will want it to accept both ABS and PLA plastic, and you’ll want to be able to find a variety of colors. Most pens come with a small amount of plastic to get you started. Since replacement plastic is so easy to buy, don’t let the amount and color variety of this initial set influence your decision.
• 3D printer pens are typically powered by an A/C adaptor that comes with it. This means you’ll need to be close to a power outlet while you’re using it. You can find 3D pens with USB connectors that let you operate them off a power bank if you want the freedom to use your pen without a power outlet.
• Some pens let you adjust the internal temperature. This influences the consistency of the plastic as it’s melted, giving you even more control over the projects you complete.