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Best 3d printer pen uk


3D Printer Pen - UK Top Picks [2022]

A 3D printer pen is frequently thought of as a toy or device for kids who wish to learn about 3D printing. However, these pens are getting more popular and advanced, with more functions and compatible materials.

We’ve created a list of the top 10 pens for various printing fans, dividing the options into four main categories – children pens, artists pens, professional pens, and hobbyist pens.

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UK's Top-Rated 3D Printing Pens

Detailed Reviews

How to Choose the Ideal 3D Pen for You?

– BUYER’S GUIDE –

 

What is a 3D Printing Pen and How Does it Work?

A 3D pen resembles a bigger version of a regular pen or pencil. However, it uses plastic instead of lead or ink to function. Using the 3D pen is similar to writing with a standard pen or pencil. You hold it the same way, and you can use it in various ways.

You insert the plastic filaments, and once within the pen, it starts to melt by the heating technology inside the pen. The heat is strong enough to melt the plastic and convert it into a liquid state. After that, you can start drawing whatever you want with a pen. The advantage of 3D pens is that you can use them on nearly any surface.

Drawings you make using a pen and pencil are two-dimensional. With the 3D pen, on the other hand, you can create objects that have more depth and look more lifelike. Even though 3D pens are still relatively new on the market, there are many choices, and many of them are pretty affordable.

Functions of the 3D Printer Pen

There are a lot of factors when it comes to filament and design. The world’s first 3Doodler model doesn’t have the same design as the newest 3D pen models. 3Doodler, for example, uses plastic filaments to make drawing in the air simple. In the early stages of the 3D printing pen market, 3Doodler and Scribbler accounted for most items. They all use plastic to create 3D objects in the air.

The diameter of a plastic filament is the fundamental variation between different 3D pens on the market. For example, 3mm filaments are used in 3Doodler pens. On the other hand, in 3D pens like Aerb, 1.75mm plastic filaments are used. Because more 1.75mm filament types are available on the market, the latter method appears to be more popular.

Many 3D printing pens are designed to fit well for skilled pen artists and engineers, and you can fine-tune them for different tasks, such as 3D sculpting or spatial learning. The device has a clog-proof and sturdy nozzle, as well as an adjustable feed that allows you to control speed and flow effortlessly. In addition, the temperature of the 3D printer pen filament melting ranges from 130 to 240 degrees celsius.

Additional Features

The primary use of 3D pens is to create 3D pen art or objects. The functions and design make loading filaments, converting filaments, and drawing easier. Some additional features can also be beneficial. An excellent example of a valuable extra function is standby mode. Large LCD screens can also help a product stand out from the competition.

Moreover, thermal management, functioning LEDs, and other features are available on smart 3D pens.

  • Control method: With additional control, the quality of a 3D pen can improve. In plastic 3D pens, for example, you can adjust the temperature. In a few models, you can additionally regulate the drawing speed. The adjustable feed can aid in regulating flow and drawing speed. Continuous speed regulation improves your drawing comfort and efficiency.
  • Design: Ergonomic design is becoming a need for 3D pens on the market. In the current market, slimmer 3D pens are popular. The best items are ultra-compact and rechargeable, even via a USB port on a laptop. The way controls feel in your hand is primarily dictated by their design. The design should make it simple to access the screen, and your view should transition smoothly from filament to plastic dropping.
  • 3D pen filament type: The type of filament you use influences your drawing style. It dictates how you will hold the pen and the grip you’ll use. Filament includes the plastic component that enables drawing. There are currently more than a dozen diverse filament kinds on the market. Easy-to-replace filament types save you money in the long run by allowing you to use your 3D pen for a more extended period. Filaments are divided into four categories: standard, flexible, composite, and speciality.
  • 3D pen price: The cost of a quality 3D pen can range from as little as £10 to as much as £120. The cost is determined by the brand, features, ergonomics, and other considerations. A 3D pen will cost you roughly £35 on average. Branded 3D pens are usually more expensive than basic 3D pens. Adding innovative features to a pen can also significantly increase its cost.
  • 3D pen reviews: You should believe online reviews and marketing claims. Check out 3D pen reviews from customers on various shopping sites. Furthermore, be careful of faked reviews and recognise them when something appears to be too good to be true. It’s the most simple approach to assess your product’s quality and value. Before determining whether or not a product will work for you, you need first-hand information. For example, YouTube video reviews can provide additional information. This way, you can understand how these pens function.

If you are not ready yet to start printing with 3D printers, you can begin with a nice 3D pen. And now that you may get yourself a nice 3D pen, well, what’s next? It’s time to get to work on some 3D pen templates. Here are some of the best 3D pen templates to spark your creative side:

  • Acoustic guitar
  • Glasses
  • Bird feeder
  • Dinosaur skeleton
  • Butterfly
  • Aeroplane

You can download even more awesome 3D pen templates from 3Doodler’s website

Best-Selling 3D Pens for Kids in the UK

If you are searching for a child-safe 3D pen that will keep your kid amused for hours without any potential danger of getting burned or hurt, here is the list of the best 3D pens for children of all ages:

  • 3Doodler Start Printing Pen
  • Parner 3D Pen with LCD Screen
  • Nulaxy 3D Pen
  • Uzone Creative 3D Printing Pen
  • 3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen

Wrap Up

Finding the best 3D printer pen is difficult, mainly because there are so many 3D pen manufacturers, but only a few provide quality pens. If you want to be sure that you made the right choice, it’s crucial to have an in-depth understanding of their features and performance.

Moreover, there are also low-cost 3D pens that perform well and 3D printing pens especially made for children. For example, 3D doodlers for children are safe and make a wonderful birthday or Christmas present.

FAQ

How to use a 3D pen?

Connecting your 3D pen to your power supply is the first step in using it. Next, temperature adjustability is essential since it allows you to modify the temperature to the type of plastic filament you’re using. The next step is to put the plastic filament inside the pen. Finally, choose a speed and start drawing.

What is a 3D Printer Pen?

A 3D pen, like all 3D printing devices, works by melting a plastic filament and driving it through an extruder tip. That is very similar to the function of a hot glue gun. Furthermore, the melted material is highly flexible. You can attach it to a surface or sculpt it into any shape you like.

What is the best 3D pen?

The best 3D pen for both adults and children is the 3Doodler Create+.

How long does a 3D pen last?

It depends. After the pen is fully charged, you can use it for 45 minutes to an hour and a half. You can, however, continue to doodle even if the gadget is still charging.

What is a 3D pen used for?

3D pens are useful for various things. You can shape the plastic filament into almost any form and use it on nearly any surface. You can use it to decorate everyday objects and add more delicate motifs to them.

Is a 3D pen safe?

The 3D pen is safe if you know how to handle it correctly. However, you need to take specific care and safety measures to control the material extruded from a 3D pen.

The best 3D pens in 2023: model and design in 3D

(Image credit: 3Doodler)

When it comes to choosing the best 3D pens there's more choice than ever before; whether you're selecting one of the best professional 3D pens, the cheapest 3D pens or a 3D pen for a child, the choice is impressive. These 3D pens can be used to create art, models and toys, and new 3D pens can even use metal and wood filaments as well as plastics.

3D pens work in similar way to a glue gun. You press a button and they push out a type of liquid plastic, such as ABS or PLA, which quickly cools in the air and turns solid. One way of making art with them is to 'draw' a model from scratch. Another is to add decoration to an existing model, or another object. Alternatively, you could draw a series of flat shapes, then join them together to create 3D ones. 

But which model should you buy? In this article, we've found you the best 3D pen for children, the best 3D pen for adults, the best 3D pen for beginners, and other great options. If you're after a crafting option with more power then consider the best Cricut machines or even the best laser cutters. Or see our best markers guide for more traditional pen options.

The best 3D pens: available now

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

1. MYNT3D Pro 3D Printing Pen

Best overall 3D pen

Filaments: ABS, PLA & more
Display: OLED
Control: Temp, speed

+ Smooth speed changes
+ Uses many filaments
- Overkill for kids

Lightweight and ergonomic, the MYNT3D Pro is easy to hold and use. You can adjust the speed and flow of the plastic filament for finer control. You can also make fine tweaks to its temperature, in one-degree increments. And there's even a OLED display to monitor this, too. Plus it's super-flexible. 

Unlike many other 3D pens, the MYNT3D Pro supports a range of filament types: not just ABS and PLA. The pen is USB powered, so you can do some 3D drawing while you're away from a wall socket. The only possible downside to this 3D pen is that it's quite expensive, and probably overkill for beginners and kids.

CB rating: 5/5 stars

2. 3Doodler Start+ Essentials

The best 3D pen for kids

Filaments: PLA, ABS, FLEXY
Display: OLED
Controls: Basic options

+ Designed for children
+ For STEM learning 
- Limited filaments 

The 3Doodler Start+ is designed for children of six years old and above, ensuring this wireless 3D pen has been subjected to the strictest safety testing. It features no hot parts, and the nozzle and plastic can be touched without risk of burns. Controls are kept to the minimum, too, making it very easy to use for children. 

As with all 3Doodler pens, you're restricted to the manufacturer's proprietary child-friendly filament. The basic pack comes with 48 strands, in eight different colours, each of which offers 60 inches' worth of filament. While it'll last you, buying new ones means only going to 3Doodler so you're in hoc to the brand's pricing.

CB rating: 4/5 stars

3. 3Doodler Create+

The best 3D pen for beginners

Filaments: PLA, ABS, FLEXY
Display: n/a
Controls: Speed / temp

+ Simple to use
+ FLEXY compatible
- Limited filaments 

Never used a 3D pen before? Then I recommend the 3Doodler Create+ as this neat gadget is easy to use but versitile enough to do most crafting. It has a beautifully ergonomic design that's easy to use, even for first-timers. More experienced hands will enjoy using this too, with dual speed and temperature controls giving you a nice degree of control. 

This pen supports FLEXY plastics as well as PLA and ABS, although be aware they must be 3Doodler ones, which tend to be on the pricey side. You get 50 filaments included with this package, in a variety of colours, as well as a guidebook. 

CB rating: 4/5 stars

(Image credit: 3Doodler)

4. 3Doodler PRO+

Best new 3D pen for professionals

Specifications

Filaments: ABS, Nylon, Wood, Plastic, Metals

Display: OLED, dial

Control: Temperature, speed, fan

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Uses metals and wood filaments 

+

Variable controls for precision

+

Advanced new tech

Reasons to avoid

-

One for adults only

The new 3Doodler Pro+ is like no other 3D pen around. This is a stylish and feature-laden pen that can not only 'draw' with ABS but also metal, wood and copper. This is one of the best professional 3d pens on the market right now.

The 3Doodler Pro+ features an impressive number of features, including a variable dial that enables you to control temperature, speed and the internal fan for more accuracy.

This 3D pen has been created with adults in mind, and is a great pen for artists and designers looking for a new way to create. The 3Doodler Pro+ comes with materials to get started too.

5. MYNT3D Super 3D Pen

A good value 3D pen

Filaments: ABS, PLA
Display: n/a
Controls: Speed / temp

+ Anti-clog nozzle
+ Speed slider
- Limited filaments 

Watching the pennies? Then check out the MYNT3D Super 3D Pen, which represents excellent value. It's similar to the Pro model, with the same gearbox and replaceable nozzle design but cheaper because you don't get the OLED display, or the temperature adjustment feature. Instead, a temperature screw lets you switch between the correct heat for ABS and PLA, but you're limited to those two materials. 

However, it's still a great 3D pen, which is easy to use in practice. Plus you get a stylus, three colours of ABS plastic and a 100-240V AC 50/60Hz adapter in the box. So overall, this 3D pen represents excellent value.

CB rating: 4/5 stars

6. MYNT3D Basic Pen

The best cheap 3D pen

Filaments: PLA, ABS
Display: n/a
Controls: Basic options

+ Simple and easy
+ Clog-free in use
- Can't use ABS filament 

If you're really short on funds, you’re looking for a 3D pen that’s not only cheap to buy, but cheap to run too. And the MYNT3D Basic Pen ticks both these boxes. 

Compatible with the same low-cost ABS and PLA plastics that 3D printers use,  it allows you to push out plastic at slow, medium or fast speeds. It also boasts a sealed nozzle and overbuilt gearbox for clog free use. Otherwise, this is a basic 3D pen, with no clever features. One thing to note, this 3D pen is powered via USB using a proprietary cable, so if you lose that, you’re in trouble. But the low price may make these compromises easy to accept if you're after a cheap 3D pen.

CB rating: 3/5 stars

7. MYNT3D Junior2 3D Pen for Kids

A great 3D pen for youngsters

Filaments: PCL
Display: n/a
Controls: Start / Stop

+ Made for kids
+ Cordless design
- Can't use ABS or PLA

Another child-friendly option, the MYNT3D Junior2 3D Pen is designed for ages six years old and above, with an easy-to-grasp design and low temperature nozzle to keep your kids safe. It’s shorter and thicker than most 3D pens, making it good for tiny hands. It works with PCL filament (which is biodegradable), and is not compatible with ABS or PLA.  

This pen features the same sealed nozzle design as more advanced MYNT3D pens to stop clogs. It’s battery powered and can be charged via Micro USB. Overall, it feels a bit cheap, but does the job it’s intended for.

CB rating: 3/5 stars

The best 3D pens: frequent questions

Do 3D pens really work?

Yes, 3D pens really work, if what you want to do is create a 3D model by hand. If you want to create a 3D model based on a pre-existing design, though, you need a 3D printer. 

A 3D pen uses the same type of heating element to melt filament that you get in a 3D printer. But while the latter is controlled by software, a 3D pen you control entirely yourself, much like using a glue gun, so you can get truly expressive. Once the filament leaves the filter, it cools rapidly, and hardens into whatever shape you have formed it into.

What is a 3D pen used for?

You can use a 3D pen to draw on any flat surface. But, as the name suggests, the real beauty of a 3D pen is that it allows you to draw in mid-air, using plastic filament, and create three-dimensional structures that then solidify. Alternatively, you can draw over an existing object to enhance it. 

Who uses 3D pens?

Anyone can use a 3D pen, but they're commonly used by hobbyists, artists, makers, fashion designers and home furnishing designers in creative projects. They're also used by engineers and DIYers to solve practical problems, by teachers in education, and by kids for fun projects.

What 3D pen should I buy?

The best 3D pen available today is the MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro . It's light and ergonomically designed, making it easy to hold and use, whether you're a newbie or an experienced hand. An adjustable feed helps you stay in control, and you can increase the temperature in increments. It's USB powered and you can use a wide range of filaments.

What's the best 3D pen for children?

The best 3D pen for children is the 3Doodler Start+ Essentials (2021) , which is suitable for kids from six and up. The controls are simple, and everything's been subjected to the strictest safety testing.  There are no hot parts on the pen and its Eco-Plastic filament is non-toxic, BPA-free, and completely biodegradable in household compost. It typically takes about 45 days for the plastic to break down.

What's the best 3D pen for beginners?

In our view, the best 3D pen for beginners is the 3Doodler Create+ , because it's so easy to use. Just plug in the pen, insert your plastic, wait for it to heat up, then you can doodle in three dimensions. The extruded heated plastic hardens almost instantly, so you can draw 3D structures, freehand or on stencils. This 3D pen comes with different colours of plastics, which are all safe and non-toxic, and an activity guide book to get you started. 

Are 3D pens environmentally damaging?

If you want to avoid harming the environment with your 3D pen, then the plastic we recommend using is PLA, which is short for Poly Lactic Acid. A polyester derived from renewable biomass, typically from fermented plant starch such as corn, cassava, sugarcane or sugar beet pulp, this type of plastic is both biogradable and sustainable. To be specific, it typically takes around six to 12 months to break down, while for most plastics it takes hundreds of years.

The other type of plastic commonly used in 3D pens, ABS, is not so great for the environment. Short for Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ABS is petroleum-based and non-biodegradable. It's both bad for the environment and more toxic to humans than PLA.

What's the best cheap 3D pen in the US?

If you're tight on cash and in the US, you can get a very decent 3D pen for not much money, in the form of the MYNT3D Super 3D Pen . Despite being just $39.99 at time of writing, it's an excellent 3D pen, with a stepless speed slider that lets you regulate flow for optimal control of material while you're drawing. You also get a ultrasonic sealed nozzle which virtually nearly clog-proof.

What's the best cheap 3D pen in the UK?

If you're in the UK, your best bet for a cheap 3D pen right now is the Nikand 3D Pen . Suitable for both adults and kids, it costs just £39. 95 at time of writing, and is a nice pen that's easy to hold and use. It also comes with an OLED screen, support for PCL and PLA plastic filaments, and the ability to control speed of filament extrusion.

Read more:

  • Glowforge Pro review: the most powerful laser cutter yet
  • These are the best xTool Machines
  • The best laptops for 3D modelling

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Ian Dean is Digital Arts & Design Editor at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and leading video game title Official PlayStation Magazine. In his early career he wrote for music and film magazines including Uncut and SFX. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his love to bring the latest news on NFTs, video game art and tech, and more to Creative Bloq, and in his spare time he doodles in Corel Painter, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.

With contributions from

  • Tom May

Choice of plastic for the 3D pen. ABS or PLA?

Everyone who decides to buy a 3d pen or a 3d printer must have a choice: “How to draw with a 3D pen? What plastic to choose? ABS or PLA? And although modern 3D pens work with any of them, each plastic for 3d pens has its own characteristics.

Let's try to figure out the pros and cons of each of them.

1. Let's try to consider the physical properties of 3d plastics, which can affect different moments of creativity. nine0002

2. Judging by the results in the table, we can definitely say that PLA plastic is more suitable for drawing with 3D pens, but let's look at the origin of plastics and the features of their operation.

PLA Plastic

ABS
What is it made? Vegetable base (corn, corn starch, soy) Petroleum based
Prevalence Less common, but plant-based plastics have been actively developed in recent years, and are increasingly used by manufacturers. Most of the plastics you come across on a daily basis are ABS.
Smell No smell at all, or there is a slight sweet smell slightly similar to the smell of corn. Smell of burning plastic (we recommend working in a well ventilated area)
Hardness, strength Hard, but more brittle. May break when subjected to bending force. Rigid, impact resistant. It is also resistant to slight bending.
The melting temperature 180 - 240c 225 - 250c
Stability to the external environment is exposed to moisture and sunlight and overheating during operation. In this case, overheating occurs at lower temperatures. nine0024 Subject to moisture, sunlight, as well as to overheating during operation. At the same time, it is more resistant to chemicals.
Tack High tack allows you to paint on most surfaces including glass, ceramic and metal. Low tack but good enough for drawing on paper.
Appearance Many appearance options including translucent and glow in the dark. nine0024 Most often has a shiny glossy surface.
Environmental pollution PLA is a plastic that is of vegetable origin and is biodegradable in a hostile environment. Can be recycled like normal plastic.

Conclusions: None of the 3d plastics has an objective advantage. Wonderful things can be created from any of them. But with a slight margin, in our opinion, PLA still wins. If you're a beginner and don't have the skill to create complex, sky-high creations, then PLA is your best bet. Although it has some limitations, it has much more possibilities. Many of its options allow you to create almost anything. Depending on the idea, you can draw with translucent and transparent 3d plastic, or take glow-in-the-dark plastic for 3d pens. And one of the important arguments is, of course, the smell. Most often, we buy a 3d pen for children, and children's health is the most important thing for us. nine0003

We recommend PLA plastic. You can buy sets of plastic for 3d pens in our catalog.

. pen

New Year is on the doorstep! How to be original and what to give a child so that the gift does not get bored after two days? If your son or daughter is prone to creativity, likes to make things with their hands, then as a gift you can buy a 3D pen with delivery, and this will be a good decision. nine0003

After all, there are many considerations in favor of this, but at least:

3d pen is not expensive. Much cheaper than a Lego set, which will probably collect dust on a shelf after being assembled;

3d pen - develops imagination and spatial thinking, eye and accuracy.

3D pen - will entertain not only children, but also parents.

There are many more reasons to buy a 3d pen with immediate delivery, but we won't do it. The following is much more important: the 3d pen is the result of the development of the latest and promising 3d printing technologies, which will play an important role in the world in the future. And it is not superfluous to let the child understand how it works. Who knows, if you do it as a child, maybe this is the first step towards something more. nine0003

Production technologies do not stand still, and if a few years ago a pen was a small bulky “log” that was problematic and simply not convenient to work with, then the new 3D pens are a very elegant product.

The leader among the pens that are bought today is the Myriwell RP400A 3d pen.

Myriwell engineers have tried their best and now the design of this handle is very ergonomic. This pen fits perfectly even in a child's hand. If you are left-handed and buying equipment sometimes causes inconvenience, then the Myriwell RP400A 3d pen will not upset you for a minute. It is well thought out, the buttons are located taking into account the convenience of operation both with the right and left hand. nine0003

If you have no experience and it seems to you that buying a 3d pen is easy, but you heard that working with it is hard, then this is a myth. With the 3d pen Myriwell RP400A, both adults and children can easily figure it out. Just a few buttons: plastic infeed and out, heating temperature adjustment buttons, and plastic feed speed adjustment buttons.

Learn more