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A 3D printing pen works by melting thermoplastic filament and pushing it through a heated nozzle. To use one, match the pen’s material setting to the filament, wait until it is ready, feed the filament until it catches, and draw slowly on a flat surface before trying three-dimensional shapes. The exact controls and loading or clearing procedure vary by model, so use the instructions for your pen.
Before you start: prepare the pen and workspace
- Set up in a clear, well-ventilated area. The 3Doodler safety instructions say to operate the device in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep fingers away from the nozzle while the pen is heating or in use. It becomes hot enough to melt plastic.
- Keep the pen away from water and flammable materials, and follow the model’s manual for handling, nozzle changes, and maintenance.
- Check the pen’s approved filament type and diameter before loading. Filament that is incompatible with the model can cause feed problems or jams.
The Create+ manual includes a California Proposition 65 warning for styrene filaments such as ABS. Follow the product labeling and safety instructions for the filament you use.
How to use a 3D printing pen
- Connect power and choose the material. Select the setting that matches the filament: PLA for PLA, or ABS/FLX for ABS or FLEXY on a compatible Create+ pen. Confirm compatibility in your model’s manual before using a material.
- Wait for the pen to heat. The original 3Doodler guide says its pen takes approximately one minute to heat. On that model, blue indicates ABS and green indicates PLA. These indicators and timing may differ on other pens.
- Insert the filament. Press the drive or load control, place the strand into the rear opening, and push gently until the gears grip it. Wait a few seconds for plastic to emerge from the nozzle. Don’t force the strand.
- Start with a flat surface. Put the nozzle against paper, press the extrusion control briefly, and move the pen to make a line. Practice lines, circles, and a grid before trying raised or freehand structures.
- Adjust extrusion speed. Use a slower flow for corners and small details, and a faster flow for longer lines. Button placement and speed controls depend on the pen model.
- Change filament when needed. Stop extrusion and remove the strand using the procedure in your manual. Trim the end if needed, then load a compatible strand of the next color or material.
Which filament and temperature should you use?
Use the setting specified for your exact pen and filament. The following temperatures are from the original 3Doodler guide, not universal targets for every 3D pen.
| Filament | Setting and temperature | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | PLA setting; approximately 190–200°C in the original 3Doodler guide | A practical material for beginning with surface drawing. |
| ABS | ABS/FLX setting; approximately 230–240°C in the original 3Doodler guide | The drawing guide describes ABS as easier to control for drawing in the air. Use the correct high-temperature setting and ventilate the area. |
| FLEXY | ABS/FLX setting on a compatible Create+ pen; temperature not stated in the cited Create+ material guidance | Check the exact pen and refill specifications before use. |
| Flow-compatible 1.75 mm filament | Flow’s guide gives a 160–220°C range; the material setting must match the filament | This applies to compatible spooled filament for Flow, not every pen. |
Temperature figures and color indicators above are model-specific. Do not apply a setting from one pen to another unless its manufacturer lists that setting for your model and material.
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#1 Best Overall
SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen with Display - Includes 3D Pen, 3 Starter Colors of PLA Filament, Stencil Book + Project Guide, and Power Adapter
- [A GIFT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY] Create, Draw, Doodle, and Build in 3D with this affordable yet high grade 3D pen. The new SCRIB3D P1 3D Pen helps improve spatial thinking, creativity and artistic skills. Great for quality family time and as a practical tool for making handmade gifts or decorations, or for everyday fixes around the home. The P1 Pen features a stepless speed function designed for optimal speed control no matter the task - whether slower intricate projects or faster infill work.
- [READY-TO-USE KIT] Includes 3 colors (30 feet) of PLA plastic to keep you Doodling for ages, as well as a power adapter, step-by-step manual, and a free stencil guide. Just plug in, heat it up and enjoy the fun of creating three-dimensional masterpieces. PLA is a versatile, easy-to-use printing plastic that is great for both first time and advanced users.
- [BEGINNER FRIENDLY] Plug the adapter into the back of the pen and choose your filament. The red light will turn on indicating warm up, this will take about 2-3 mins. Double click the forward button to start and feed the filament through the back of the pen. Once the filament has reached the nozzle of the pen, click forward to stop. Press and hold the forward button or double click for a continous flow. Once you have completed your design, press and hold the reverse button to retract filament.
- [MULTI-FUNCTIONAL] The SCRIB3D P1 Pen is temperature adjustable to accommodate multiple types of filament: PLA (160-210℃, 320-410°F) or ABS (210-235℃, 410-455°F). Unlike other 3D printing pens, the P1 has an easy-to-use stepless speed slider, designed for optimal speed adjustment. Perfect for any task, from slow & intricate projects to faster infill work.
- [SAFE & RISK FREE PURCHASE] The P1's ceramic nozzle and premium motor ensure safety and high performance without clogging. Equipped with 2 minute auto sleep function after 3D doodling stops, anti clogging features, and intititve controls ensure a seamless Doodling experience. 1 year guarantee and responsive customer service. Buy with 100% confidence. If there are any quality issues or you need getting started tips, please feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help.
How to get cleaner lines and stronger shapes
Build control on a flat surface
Begin by keeping the nozzle close to the paper and moving at a steady pace as plastic comes out. Practice short lines and curves first. If the strand bunches up, stretches thin, or breaks, adjust your hand speed and extrusion speed rather than pressing harder.
Move from outlines to 3D forms
Once flat lines are consistent, draw simple shapes such as a square or triangle, then build upward by adding material to the edges. Air drawing is less forgiving because the plastic must hold its shape before it attaches to another line. The 3Doodler guide identifies ABS as easier for air drawing, but only use it with a pen that supports ABS and with adequate ventilation.
Rank #2
MYNT3D Super 3D Pen, 1.75mm ABS and PLA Compatible 3D Printing Pen
- Turn your ordinary drawings into 3D works of art
- Stepless speed slider lets you regulate flow for optimal control of material while you're drawing
- New: ultrasonic sealed nozzle is nearly clog-proof and provides market leading durability
- The Super 3D Printing Pen is great for kids, artists and engineers of all ages
- Kit includes 3 colors of PLA plastic filament A/C adapter and slim, ergonomic touch pen with 1 year limited warranty
Troubleshooting: why is the pen not feeding?
If no filament emerges or the strand stops moving, check the material setting first. An incorrect pairing can prevent proper flow and contribute to jams.
- The filament does not catch: Check that the drive control is engaged and push the strand gently until the gears grip it. Wait a few seconds after loading for extrusion to begin.
- The filament stalls: Confirm that the pen is set for the material loaded and that the filament is approved for the model. Don’t force it through the mechanism.
- Extrusion starts, then stops: A blockage may be present. Follow the model-specific clearing steps rather than pushing harder or improvising with the nozzle.
- You are changing materials: Remove the old strand as directed by the manual, trim the melted end if required, and load a compatible strand.
How to unclog a 3D printing pen
- Stop extrusion and check that the selected setting matches the filament in the pen.
- Try gently nudging a fresh, compatible strand into the feed path; do not force it.
- If the pen still will not feed, use the unblocking tool or clearing procedure specified for your exact model.
- For nozzle removal, cleaning, or replacement, follow the manufacturer’s directions. The nozzle may remain hot, so handle it only as instructed.
A jam-clearing method is not universal: pen designs differ, and an unsuitable tool or forced filament can damage the mechanism. The 3Doodler unclogging guide and the Flow troubleshooting guide describe model-specific support steps.
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Bestseller No. 3
Rank #4
SCRIB3D Advanced 3D Printing Pen with 20 Feet of Filament, Stencil Book, and Project Guide
- [GREAT FOR GIFT-GIVING] Create, Draw, Doodle, Sketch, and Build like a Pro in 3D with our new SCRIB3D Advanced Pen. It features variable speed control, a large LCD screen to help monitor heat and ensure you have the correct settings, as well as a range of other engineering enhancements to ensure a smooth and accurate Doodling experience. Our most advanced 3D Printing Pen - designed for making accurate and creative 3d models and structures. The only limit is your imagination.
- [DESIGNED WITH COMFORT] Sleek and ergonomic design with curvature intended to fit your hand for the most comfortable 3D drawing experience on the market. The Advanced pen's "soft touch" surface is designed for optimal Doodling comfort. Features LCD display with buttons for loading / unloading and adjusting the temperature and speed, as well as 8 different speed options so you can regulate speed & flow for optimal control of line thickness while creating.
- [READY-TO-USE KIT] Includes 5 colors (15 meters ~50 feet) of PLA plastic, power adapter, step-by-step manual, and a free stencil guide. Just plug it in, heat it up and enjoy the unlimited fun of creating a three-dimensional masterpiece like a Pro. PLA is a versatile, easy-to-use printing plastic that is great for both first time and advanced users.
- [BEGINNER FRIENDLY] Plug the adapter into the back of the pen and choose your filament. The red light will turn on indicating warm up, this will take about 2-3 mins. Double click the forward button to start the pen and feed the filament through the back of the pen. Once the filament has reached the nozzle of the pen, click forward to stop the pen. Press the forward button once to start: click once to stop. Once you have completed your design, hold the reverse button to retract filament.
- [SAFE & RISK FREE PURCHASE] Built in safety features, anti clogging features, and intititve controls ensure a seamless Doodling experience. 1 year guarantee and responsive customer service. Buy with 100% confidence. If there are any quality issues or you need getting started tips, please feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help.
Rank #3
MYNT3D Professional Printing 3D Pen with OLED Display
- Watch imagination come to life with the Professional 3D Pen
- Adjustable feed lets you regulate speed & flow for optimal control of material while you're drawing
- Temperature is adjustable in 1 degree increments from 140 to 230 C, for optimal fine-tuning
- Large, OLED display lets you monitor temperature of material to help you achieve a wide variety of effects
- Kit includes 3 colors of PLA plastic filament, A/C adapter and slim, ergonomic pen with 1 year limited warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
