If you want to live out your creativity or who has become bored with normal painting or drawing on paper, you have recently been given the opportunity to even paint in 3D. 3D pens are similar to hot glue guns or 3D printers in that they heat the plastic and eject it from the front. Once the plastic has cooled, a plastic sculpture is created. Since there are as many models as there are manufacturers in the market, we have examined a variety of products for you and summarized the 3D printing pens Review of the year 2018 for you in our top list. This will allow you to get more detailed information about each product before you simply buy a model.
How does a 3D printing pen work?
On the outside, a 3D pen looks like a normal pen, just a bit thicker and with a few buttons. Logically, such a pen is a bit heavier than the classic variant. A big difference from the conventional pen is the material used. A 3D pen uses plastic instead of ink. The pen must be filled with plastic filaments, which are heated inside the pen and then come out of the liquid tip. In principle, a 3D pen works like a hot glue gun.
The three-dimensional printing pens usually need a short lead time to heat the plastic. The molten plastic solidifies within a very short time, which leads to completely new possibilities for artists. Drawings or sculptures drawn with a 3D pen are much more realistic to the viewer.
A great strength of these special pens is that they can be used on virtually any surface. This feature clearly distinguishes 3D Pens from ordinary crayons.
The market for 3D printers is still very young and many vendors are fussing around with similar products. For those who are not very familiar with this technology, choosing the right pen can be difficult. To keep the overview, we have put together a list of the currently 3D printing pens Review:
1. Tecboss 3D printing pens Review
The Tecboss 3 D Printer Pen makes the freehand 3D painting more comfortable with adjustable speed and feed. With its lightweight, the pen is also good for longer work in the hand. The display shows the temperature and the extrusion speed at any time.
Information about the Tecboss 3D printer pen
The 3D printer pen is suitable for beginners and advanced. It is approved for the processing of filaments of 1.75 mm PLA / ABS. PLA can be processed at a temperature between 160-180 ° C.
For ABS you need a temperature between 180-210 C °. Both temperature ranges reached the pen without trouble. In the LED display, set the material used and the temperature range by pressing the corresponding buttons. There are eight-speed levels and a wire feeding button. The handling is self-explanatory. The Tecboss 3D printer pen is suitable for children over 8 years under supervision and for creative adults.
Working with the Tecboss 3D printer pen
All keys are well distributed around the display. You will find two buttons to set the speed and two buttons to control the temperature. The temperature range for the material to be processed is set to the right and left of the display. The printer pen adapts to the material to be processed with two working modes for ABS and PLA. The 3D painting starts when the correct temperature is shown in the display. If the speed with which the heated filament flows out of the printer pen is too fast, then you can regulate this with the plus and minus pushbuttons without interrupting the work. Two rubberized surfaces near the tip facilitate handling.
Technical features
- Power consumption: 100 – 240 V 2A
- Temperature range between 180 and 210 degrees
- easy-to-read LED screen
- Power: DC 12V / 2A 24W
- Total length: 18 cm
- Size of the display: 2.7 cm
- Diameter: 3.0 cm
Delivery
- Tecboss 3D printer pen
- power adapter
- Pen holder for cooling
- Filament PLA and ABS
- User Guide
Pros Cons
- Suitable for PLA and ABS filament
- Pen holder for turning off the hot pen
- High quality design and workmanship
- Suitable for children and adults
- Wired (No battery)
- Small delivery (only 2 filaments)
2. Lix pen 3D printing pen Review
The Lix Pen is a small pen that can be used to create high-quality 3D printed matter. The product not only convinces with its quality but also makes a lot of visual sense. Furthermore, the Lix Pen with a good price-performance ratio shine, so you can certainly think about a purchase.
The Lix Pen is, according to many specialist magazines and 3D pen test series, according to the best device of its kind. The pen came in October 2014 in the market and can convince with some improvements, compared to the competition. For example, it has the slimmest design and is thus better in the hand. So more versatile use variants are possible. The project was financed by a so-called crowd-funding campaign. Manufacturers did not begin collecting money for the development of the 3D pen Lix Pen until April 2014. Within just two days, British manufacturers were able to collect an incredible 300,000 pounds for financing the project. That was more than ten times the amount of money they actually needed. Already the production could start.
Delivery
The pen comes in classic and elegant packaging. This product is safely stored and can take no damage during shipping. Inside the packaging are now all the essentials that you need for use. So first the 3D pen is delivered to itself. Furthermore, a USB charging cable, an adapter for the socket and a manual are included. In order to be able to start work immediately, the delivery comes with two rolls of
ABS filament. These are available in red and black.
Technical Specifications
- Weight including packaging: 440 grams
- Color: black or silver Length: 16.4 centimeters
- Diameter: 1.4 centimeters
- Recommended temperature: 240 degrees
- Filament: ABS and PLA
- Special features: ready to use in just one minute
The 3D printer pen Lix Pen in the test
Especially the appearance of the pen can convince compared to other models. So this looks narrow and appealing and thus becomes a real eye-catcher. The workmanship is impressive and the pen can boast of its robust nature. A high-quality metal housing in conjunction with a good LED display completes the entire package. The pen is controlled with two buttons and the current processing can be reproduced on the basis of the LED illumination.
The nozzles in the front area also make a solid impression, so that a targeted drawing is possible. The power supply is easy via the enclosed cable. This is plugged in at the end of the pen. The cable has a length of 125 centimetres, which makes the device easy to handle. The filament can also be plugged in at the end of the pen. The speed at which the filament is to be processed can be conveniently set by pressing a button. Thus, one can adapt the Lix Pen perfectly to the present work.
If you use a filament with a length of about 20 centimetres, you can create a drawing of 50 centimetres. Through the appropriate nozzle, the filament is applied selectively, whereby even finer work can be performed. Of course, the high-quality aluminium housing also has its price. So you get the 3D printer pen for about 150 Euro. We believe that the price is justified because the Lix Pen can convince not only with the quality but also with the result clearly.ProsCons
- Very high quality
- Sophisticated technology
- Very precise
- Compact and handy
- Expensive, because it is a premium model
- Not necessarily suitable for beginners
3. Plusinno 3D Printing Pen (Scribbler) – 3D pressure pen for kids
The Plusinno 3D Printer Pen is one of the big among the small 3D pens. With it, it’s easy to make 3D artworks by hand. An LCD display that allows control of the temperature of the filled 1.75 mm PLA or ABS filament makes it easy for you to design your desired design. Added to this are the side keys, which once served to regulate the extrusion speed of the printing material or to reverse the extrusion.
The 3D pen heats the PLA or the ABS from 160 ° C to 230 ° C. the nozzle diameter is 0.7mm, which allows accurate drawings. Overall, the pan has a height of 18 cm, a width of 4.6 cm and a depth of 3 cm. These dimensions are good in the hand and are not an obstacle to make good drawings.
The disadvantage is that it can happen that the nozzle gets clogged if you let in too much filament. This is not possible for the device, so it gets clogged. However, simply cleaning from the inside can solve this problem.
Advantages are clearly the easy handling, warm up the pen and start drawing With it, without much adjustment. In addition, there is the possibility to use PLA and ABS as well as the noteworthy scope of delivery, which is very extensive. In the same price range, there is hardly a comparable object.
Delivery
- 1x the Scribbler 3D Pen V2
- 3x 1.75mm PLA filament, which consists of 3 random colors and are each 3 meters long
- 10x 1.75mm PLA, each 10 meters long
- 1x security station, in which the pen can be placed without the risk of leaking
- 1x network connector
- 10x paper models that can be practiced as well as a manual
Pros Cons
- Easy handling
- Suitable for children and adults
- Large scope of delivery
- Suitable for PLA and ABS filament
- Nozzle clogs if extrusion is too fast
- Completely made of plastic
4. 3Doodler Create
Already the predecessor model, the new 3 Doodler Create has e.g. in the 3D printing pens Review, the magazine “PCMAG” received the best ratings. The successor now promises to build on these good reviews.
Commissioning the 3Doodler Create is a breeze. First, you have to warm up the pen. An LED display on the back of the pen tells you when the right temperature is reached. Now you start with your work, where it makes sense to initially try on lightweight figures and shapes to get to know the different functions and behavior of the ABS filament. The use of the 3D pressure pin is done with the help of 3 keys. One of the buttons is used for temperature regulation and the other two buttons control the filament. After the filament comes into the air, it cools down very quickly. Thus, you can also build threads directly to the top, without them collapse ugly.
How is the 3Doodler Create “fed”?
Once the pen is empty, open the pen by pressing the appropriate button. Now insert the strip of the filament, using not only ABS, but also PLA and FLEXY, and turn it slowly clockwise into the device. This will “grab” soon after so that the strip sits securely and firmly. Now it only takes a few minutes for the fresh strip to liquefy, so you can continue working. Practical is that the 3 Doodler Create plastic rods in different colors are already included.
Extensive accessories
Impressive is the extensive accessories, which is included in the delivery. In addition to the main product, the 3Doodler Create and the technical accessories, such as power supply and manual you also get the so-called Nozzle Set – A collection of different replaceable glands, The JetPack – A portable travel battery, for the 3D pressure pen and the DoodlePad – A base with pre-selected guides. In addition, 25 filaments are included, so the pen can be taken immediately and without the purchase of additional accessories in operation.ProsCons
- Fast and easy commissioning
- Also suitable for children
- Extensive and generous accessories
- Use requires some familiarization
- Somewhat unwieldy
5. NexGadget 3D Pen
The next 3D Pen on our list is the NexGadget Intelligent 3D Pen, manufactured and sold by Nexgadget. The recommended retail price is about 60 euros, but the buyer gets a lot of features and quality, which is now briefly described.
Function
The pen is available in the colour blue, in addition, there are so-called filaments. A filament is, so to speak, a colour with which the user then later works. Similar to a hot glue gun, the paint is attached to the pen, and by heating the filaments, it becomes liquid. When they then react by painting with atmospheric oxygen, the colour solidifies. In this way, all possible scenarios in the three-dimension can be implemented.
Connection
Of course, the pen needs the power to work. For this, a 2 V connection has been integrated which allows a maximum current of 5 A to pass through. With the right connector, it is thus possible to operate the product on a conventional power bank.
Delivery
In addition to the main product, the 3D pen, there are other important things included in the delivery, in order to take the pen into operation. on the one hand, there are 2 filaments, the connection options and a short manual in which everything is explained again exactly.
Particularities
Roughly, there are three special features that make the product a real insider tip. On the one hand the price, then the functionality and finally the design.
Price
For a price is about 60 euros, the buyer gets here to a real bargain a top product, especially considering that the pen on portals such as Amazon is even cheaper to buy.
Functionality
The functionality is undoubtedly the most serious argument because here it is decided between good and bad. The 3D printing pens Review is also very easy to use for users who have never had it in their hands and there are no difficulties at all here. Also, the objects can be produced very quickly and without much practice.
Design
During the development, the manufacturers paid particular attention to ensuring that the pen is as ergonomic and light as possible. The result is the so-called “one-button design”, which allows the whole pen to be operated with just one button. This makes it very handy on the one hand, on the other hand, the simple operation is also supported.
ProsCons
- Good workmanship
- Low price
- Ergonomic designs
- Easy to handle
- Only 3 filaments (random colors) included
- Not easy to clean
6. Amzdeal 3D Pen
This 3D pressure pen is particularly user-friendly thanks to its “one-button design” and is easy to operate. The power supply runs via a 5A 2V connection so that the 3D pen can also be charged via a power bank.
Thus, on the way, small pieces of art can be created with the 3D pen. In addition, the pen is ergonomically shaped and thus fits very well in the hand. When not in use, the 3D pen shuts itself off after one minute
Advantages and disadvantages of the Amzdeal 3D Pen
Particularly advantageous in this product, of course, is the low price. As a result, those interested can already get a taste of 3D printing for very little money. In addition, the Amzdeal 3D pen is particularly easy to use, making it ideal for beginners. The ergonomic design of the pen is also an advantage, as it is wonderful in each hand and ensures comfortable working.
All in all, this model is an affordable and beginner-friendly 3D pen. However, it should be mentioned here that this device is not a toy – children should use it only under supervision. Because the pen is very hot during use and can cause severe burns in the worst case. Therefore, caution is advised when using the 3D Pen
What is included in the delivery?
In addition to the usual scope of delivery of this product, two more filaments are included. So two different colours, each sufficient for about 3m. In addition, of course, a user manual and a power adapter with a USB cable included.
Delivery
- 3D pen
- 2 filaments
- Manual
- AC adapter with USB cable
Pros Cons
- Cheap price
- Easy to handle
- Is ergonomic design very good in the hand
- hot quickly
- Small delivery (only 2 filaments)
7. Polaroid Play 3D Stift
At CES 2017, Polaroid will introduce five new products which are expected to be launched in the near future. Three new 3D printers for the PC and two new 3D pens. The introduction of the products has initially started in the mother country of the company, the USA. Since March 2017, the “Polaroid Play 3D Pen” is also available in Europe. Reason enough to take a closer look at this 3D printer pen.
The company Polaroid has established itself in the 20th century as a company for cameras, camera accessories and above all instant cameras. Today, the company name “Polaroid” is synonymous with instant pictures of any kind. After the traditional camera industry suffers from the advent of digital photography and smartphones, Polaroid has decided to reposition itself in the field of image software and 3D printing.
The Polaroid Play was created in collaboration with the British company ‘EBP’ and is the first product from the Polaroid 3D printing series available in Europe. As the name suggests, the pen is different than e.g. The Lix Pen is not designed for professional use, but should be a “toy” for creative consumers and children. The target group is also reflected in the price because a non-binding price recommendation of only € 49 was issued for the pen.
Special Features And Functions
The big highlight of the Polaroid Play 3D pen is the app “Polaroid Play Trace”. The app allows you to turn any image into a template to bring it to life with the 3D pen. In addition, there are already numerous templates in the app, such as a template for a Ferris wheel (see picture) to build after.
The operation of the app is simple:
- Picture or template in the app shop
- Especially children and beginners have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the operation of the pen. Of course, you can also draw free hand.
- The pen is only available in black and blue. Soon, however, other colors will be available.
- The product itself has the following technical features: a charging socket, a color input, a power button, a button to control the speed, a button for final drawing and a holder for the pen.
In addition to the 3D pen, the package also includes a 1.5 meter USB cable, four different coloured filaments, a user manual and a template.
At the same time, the company also launched 20 different filament colours, especially for Polaroid Play. These must be purchased separately and can then be added to the pen. For these colours, there are advantage packages that contain multiple colours and are usually cheaper. However, the pen can also be operated with a universal PLA filament.
Since the advent of 3D pens, the market has been dominated mainly by startup companies and lesser-known Asian manufacturers. With the Polaroid Play, an international company is now starting in the market of 3D pens.
If you consider that behind the Polaroid Play is a large and established company and the scope of delivery including app generously invested, especially the low price of less than 50 € is remarkable.
By purchasing such a pen you have endless possibilities and can let your creativity run wild. For someone who likes to draw a purchase is definitely worth it!
We would be happy to read the comments on your experiences and impressions of Polaroid Play.ProsCons
- Easy handling
- Suitable for children and adults
- Polaroid Play Trace App
- Relatively difficult
- No temperature display
Guidance, ideas, and inspiration on the Internet
Whether jewellery, decorative objects, fantasy sculptures, or templates for famous buildings – on the Internet there is lively exchange among hobby 3D artists instead. If you’re looking for a new project, or need some guidance on more complicated designs – The community can be found on different platforms and is always ready to help.
These are our favorite platforms for guidance, ideas, and inspiration around the 3D Printer Pen.
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