The Top 3D Pens on the Market

3D pens are often seen as a gadget or a toy reserved for children who want to get into 3D printing. However, it is clear that they are becoming more and more popular and sophisticated, with more features and compatible materials. They make it possible to create all kinds of parts and let users express their imagination and creativity at a relatively affordable price. Using fused deposition modeling technology, they are a good alternative to desktop 3D printers for certain applications. Indeed, these pens are more convenient and less bulky, and does not require 3D modeling skills or the use of a slicer: the part is created directly from the 3D pen. However, let’s remember that it has its limits and that it will not be suitable for the design of ultra complex parts. We have made a selection of the best 3D pens for all different kinds of 3D printing enthusiasts.

MYNT3D Junior 2

The American company MYNT3D offers a diverse range of products, including 3D pens, materials, accessories, and spare parts. Among their offerings is the Junior 2, a specially designed pen for children. With an ergonomic design and a low-temperature nozzle to prevent burns, it ensures safety for young users. The 3D pen is compatible with standard 1.75 mm PCL filaments, operates on batteries, and features a USB port for charging. It comes with an instruction manual, a USB cable, and 3 rolls of filament, providing everything needed for creative fun and entertainment. Its compact size is perfect for smaller children’s hands, allowing them to explore their creativity for hours on end.

Photo credit: MYNT3D

3DoodlerStart

The 3DoodlerStart is as the name implies, ideal for anyone who is starting out with 3D printing, in our case, with 3D pens. Its particularity is the filament used, called “Ego Plastic”. It is biodegradable and requires a much lower extrusion temperature than traditional filaments such as PLA or ABS, meaning children can touch the filament safely. The pen is available with additional accessories. It has a rechargeable battery and is available without a kit for $49.99.

XYZprinting da Vinci 3D Pen

The da Vinci 3D Pen is a lightweight and portable tool that allows you to draw in 3D and repair existing PLA 3D prints. It uses biocompostable PLA filament, ensuring safe and eco-friendly printing. With a nozzle temperature of 190 °C and a diameter of 0.8 mm, it provides precise extrusion for detailed designs, making it ideal for aspiring engineers and hobbyists seeking creative expression and repair work. Notably, the pen’s remarkable feature lies in its capability to repair and join existing PLA 3D prints, making it a convenient tool for touch-ups and improvements. Safety is prioritized with the use of biocompostable and DEHP-free PLA filament, guaranteeing an environmentally-friendly and non-toxic printing experience. The pen supports filament with a diameter of 1.75 mm, which is widely accessible, simplifying the printing process.

Photo credit: XYZprinting

Scrib3D Advanced

Scrib3D provides two 3D pens perfect for unleashing your creativity, catering to both beginners and experienced users. The Scrib3D P1 offers essential functionality, while the more advanced Scrib3D Advanced boasts an LCD display and buttons for precise temperature control. It is also compatible with ABS and PLA filaments and offers eight speed settings. The Scrib3D P1 and Advanced are priced at $30 and $50, respectively, and include instructions, 3 PLA filaments, and a power adapter.

SkyWriter 3D Pen

SkyWriter V3 is a very light 3D pen, only 55 grams, which was developed with ergonomic design to fit your hand perfectly. Additionally, this 3D pen has been upgraded to include a soft touch finish, intelligent control and easy operation. Its no clog nozzle regulates the temperature automatically when extruding the filament. The manufacturer has also enabled the user to control the speed of extrusion with up to 8 speeds. Finally, you can use both ABS and PLA filaments with this 3D pen. The starting price is $179.

3Doodler Create+

3Doodler, the pioneering company behind the first-ever 3D pen, presents the Create+ model, tailored for both creative and educational 3D printing enthusiasts. Weighing a mere 50g and offering two extrusion options, it guarantees user-friendly operation. The pen’s versatility shines through its compatibility with PLA, ABS, Flexy, and Wood effect plastic, while boasting an upgraded control system that ensures faster, smoother, and more robust performance.

Photo credits: 3Doodler/yayomg

Polaroid Play+ 3D Pen

Capture your creativity in 3D with the Polaroid Play+ 3D Pen – a pen from the photography experts. Draw, design, and bring your ideas to life with ease using this lightweight, ergonomic, and user-friendly pen. Compatible with biodegradable PLA filament and equipped with a USB cable point, LED indicator lighting, and adjustable speed settings, precision has never been this easy! The pen also comes with a box of twenty vibrantly colored filaments, some of which glow under UV light. In addition to this user-friendly item, the company also boasts a 3D pen that generates edible candy! Explore the possibilities of 3D artistry, powered by the iconic Polaroid brand.

Filapen

Filapen, a young German start-up based in Kiel, specializes in crafting top-notch 3D pens. The Filapen is not limited to hobbyists; it’s also safe for children thanks to its low-temperature technology, allowing the PCL filament to melt at lower temperatures. PCL filament, a natural and biodegradable material, ensures a healthy and odor-free experience during use. The Filapen empowers users of all ages to unleash their creativity and bring unique designs to life. Available in blue or black, the pen comes in a set with ten filaments and a case, priced at €99.95 on the manufacturer’s website.

The Virtual Foundry 3D Printing Pen

The Virtual Foundry is best known for its efforts to democratize 3D printing with its patent process for more accessible printing with metal, glass or ceramic powder. But did you know they also offer a 3D pen? Named only 3D Printing Pen, it is available for $38.79 on the Virtual Foundry’s website. It is compatible with 1.75 mm filament and can be used to modify 3D printed parts, including through the addition of details or filling in gaps and holes, as well as making entire parts by hand. Though they do not specify the exact material that can be used, it seems to be compatible with the Virtual Foundry’s own Filamet™ material which includes copper, bronze, stainless steel, aluminum and more.

SUNLU 3D Printing Pen SL-300

The SUNLU 3D Printing Pen SL-300 is a digital 3D printer pen from manufacturer SUNLU which also sells its own 3D printers and materials. The pen itself is compatible with 1.75 mm ABS and PLS filament and is capable of heating to the necessary 180 – 210 °C for ABS or 160 – 180 °C for PLA. The pen is available in three colors, black, white or green and currently costs about $40.00. The speed is also adjustable, allowing for more control over the drawing process in order to create truly unique and artistic parts.

MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro

MYNT3D’s 3D Pen Pro offers adjustable speed and temperature settings, granting users the freedom to control the filament extrusion speed as per their preference. The pen’s large OLED display allows precise temperature adjustments, ranging from 130 to 230 °C. With three PLA filament colors included and a power supply, the 3D Pen Pro provides all the essential tools for a seamless creative experience.

Photo credits: MYNT3D

3Doodler Pro+

We’ve previously introduced you to 3Doodler, and their product line includes the more advanced 3D pen called 3Doodler Pro+. This professional-grade pen is suitable for architects, artists, designers, and engineers, offering compatibility with PLA, ABS, nylon, flexible material, and wood plastic. It’s an excellent tool for rapid prototyping and design testing, thanks to its efficient performance. The 3Doodler Pro+ boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable printing experience. Users have full control over their designs with digitally adjustable speed and temperature settings. The pen is available as a set, which includes six refill packs and a nozzle set, priced at $199.99 on the manufacturer’s website.

3D&Print Printing Pen Pro

The 3D&Print 3D Printing Pen Pro is an excellent choice for hobbyists looking to elevate their skills to a professional level. The manufacturer highlights its versatility, stating that the pen can create intricate jewelry, artwork, model buildings, and even handle toy repairs. The 3D Printing Pen Pro features an LCD screen for convenient control. Users can adjust both the temperature and flow rate, with six speed options available. Notably, this Pro version offers enhanced functionality compared to the standard model, including temperature adjustment through buttons or touch screen. The pen comes with three sets of PLA 3D filament in various colors, totaling 10 meters, along with an adapter and instruction manual. It’s compatible with PLA, ABS, and PETG filaments, all with a diameter of 1.75 mm.

Photo credits: 3D&Print

Do you know of other 3D pens that should be added to the list? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.