What is a 3D pen and how to choose one?

Nowadays, you hardly surprise anyone with a 3D pen, however, to this day, many consider them only a toy. This is not entirely true. We will try to give a description of this gadget, tell you what areas it is used in and help you choose the best model.

Two guys from America came up with the idea to create an additive drawing pen. It happened when their 3D printer broke down just when they needed to repair a minor defect in an already finished product. As a result, the first prototype of a modern 3D pen was assembled. To attract financial investments, this project was presented on the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform. Suddenly, he received a great response, and already in 2012, the serial production of new gadgets under the name 3Doodler began.

Visually, the 3D pen looks like the most common two-dimensional, but slightly larger. It allows you to paint layer by layer and create 3D objects directly in the air. It can be anything - mock-ups, reduced-size copies of real products, spare parts, and much more.

Of course, in terms of its performance, a 3D pen is significantly inferior to a 3D printer. Unlike the latter, she cannot create complex shapes. Nevertheless, the device has an impressive list of advantages.

• Smallness - modern gadgets weigh in the range of 40-50 g, so even children can hold them in their hand.
• Compactness - the ergonomic design allows you to take the handle with you on vacation. In addition, it makes it possible to create models even in the most difficult-to-reach areas.
• Variability of eating habits - the most modern devices are equipped with batteries, which makes it possible to work in areas where access to the mains is limited.
• Price - is a significant argument in favor of a 3D pen. With all the similarity of functionality to a 3D printer, the cost of a pen is much cheaper.

By using the additive pen, the child improves hand motor skills. Such activities contribute to the development of fantasy, spatial, imaginative and abstract thinking. The child receives the technical skill of independently creating voluminous toys. Such classes can be safely attributed to early career guidance.

There are two basic methods of 3D printing volumetric printing with a pen - cold and hot. As a result, the devices themselves are called cold or hot.

The mechanism of operation is based on the use of polymer raw materials, which melt during processing and transform into a thin thread. Under the influence of natural cooling, it solidifies and forms a pattern. The same plastic is used in 3D printers.

This is a simple device. However, it must be borne in mind that during the printing process, the working head heats up to a temperature of 200 degrees.

The body of 3D hot pens is made in the form of an ergonomic manipulator that fits easily in the palm of your hand. The color of the finished product can be varied by replacing plastic rods of one color with another. Other benefits of hot pens include:

• the ability to draw both in space and on a piece of paper - in this case, stencils are included in the set;
• well-thought-out ergonomics of operation;
• a wide range of consumables;
• democratic cost;
• colorfulness and durability of finished products.

Cold 3D pens use resins based on photopolymers in their work; a heating mechanism is not provided here. Such models are usually chosen for children. The material is being fed. and then it is withdrawn in the same shape and consistency. The hardening is carried out under the influence of ultraviolet light.

Among the advantages are:

• silent work;
• lack of hot elements;
• a wide range of consumables;
• the presence of a battery that provides autonomous operation.

The disadvantages include:

• high price (of course, in stores you can pick up gadgets with affordable prices, but their quality and performance are significantly inferior to hot options);
• larger, in comparison with hot gadgets, sizes, it is not always convenient to hold them in a child's hand;
• chemical smell during work;
• crafts have dull shades;
• exposure to ultraviolet light in large quantities can be hazardous to the user's eyes.

Consumables differ depending on the type of 3D device. So, only thread-like varieties of plastic are suitable for hot ones. For cold ones, special liquid resins are needed in cartridges, which harden under the influence of a UV emitter.

Several types of plastic are used to work with a hot 3D pen.

• ABS. This multi-colored plastic is made from refined petroleum products, so it gives off a noticeable chemical odor during use. Of the advantages, ease of extension can be distinguished, so even young children can use such threads.

• WATSON. This is a type of ABS plastic, it is distinguished by a translucent structure. If you add dye to it, you get the visual effects of candy. It is a plastic and soft material, from which the smallest details can be made. However, it retains its plasticity even after cooling, so more plastic is required to create stable models, and this significantly increases the cost of work.

• PLA. A more environmentally friendly type of plastic, made from plant products (corn starch, soy).It is non-toxic, non-sticky and commercially available. However, the material is quite dense and tough, so difficulties often arise in the work.

• PCL. The safest plastic for additive pens. It is distinguished by a low melting point, so even the youngest users can work with it. Usually, such a material is suitable for 3D pens with a built-in battery; the undoubted advantage of filaments is their environmental friendliness and biodegradability. However, this type of plastic is the most expensive.

Cold-type 3D models use polymer-based ink. In comparison with plastic, they differ in wider performance characteristics. They are distinguished by plasticity and multicolor. In retail outlets, you can buy models with magnetic properties, as well as polymers that can change their shades depending on external conditions.

We offer a small overview of the most popular 3D pen models. The rating is based on user reviews.

3Dali Plus Comics Dadget. If you want to buy the cheapest, but at the same time high-quality and productive set for volumetric painting, this model will be the best solution. Its advantage lies in the fact that it works with three types of plastic, so that everyone can choose the right option for themselves, taking into account the tasks and budget possibilities. The kit includes a set of consumables, so at first you won't have to buy them separately. Finger guards are provided for small children to prevent burns. There are stencils for painting, as well as a stand. The cost of such models is 1.5 thousand rubles, this option is ideal as a gift for children.

• 3D pen MyRiwell RP200B. This device, on the other hand, is one of the most expensive. It prints on PLA or PCL plastic, which are also expensive. These filaments have a lower melting point. The gadget is suitable for the youngest creators.

Battery powered. Its charge is enough for 2 hours of continuous battery life, so you can take the pen with you on trips. With prolonged non-use, an automatic shutdown occurs. Of the shortcomings, they note the absence of stencils in the kit. This is an obvious disadvantage in comparison with the first product.

• 3D pen cactus CS-3D. This 3D pen works with ABS and PLA filaments, the set includes 3 blocks of different colors, 40-50 cm long. The device operates on mains power. There is a stand to protect the work surface from contact with the hot device. The minimum melting point of the device is 70-75 degrees, so there is little risk of scalding for the user.

• 3D pen MyRiwell RP100A. One of the most popular pens, you can buy for children from 7-8 years old. Supports only ABS yarns, comes with three sets of different shades. Powered by a standard 220V power supply. There are three melting speed settings, so you can keep your drawing under control. However, the melting point in this case is quite high, therefore extreme care must be taken during work. Use by children is allowed only in the presence of adults.

• 3D pen 3Doodler. One of the most expensive pens, but it fully justifies its cost and has a high performance. The set includes two packs of environmentally friendly plastic of different shades.A training book and a set of hand-drawn stencils are attached for users. Please note that the model has a steel tip. When melted, it becomes very hot, so children should be extremely careful when creating voluminous crafts.

• Funtastique ONE 3D pen. The compact model is optimal for children aged 6-7 years, but adults will also like it. The manufacturer created it in such a way that both right-handed and left-handed people could use the pen. Supports two plastic options - ABS and PLA. The package includes 10 m of plastic, with which you can test the device. Of course, you will have to buy consumables later, but they are available in any specialty store. The design provides for six high-speed modes of material feeding. The handle is switched on from the mains, the transition to the operating temperature level takes no more than 2 minutes. If the device is not used for 90 seconds, it automatically turns off and goes into standby mode.

When choosing a handle, it should be borne in mind that, first of all, the device should be as convenient as possible. The most modern versions are miniature devices with a diameter of no more than 20-30 mm. This allows you to work for a long time without feeling tired. This is especially important for beginners. Cold pens are usually larger than hot pens, since the latter are designed with a built-in cartridge. The length of the models on sale varies from 17 to 19 cm.

It is important to choose the right weight of the product. In most cases, manufacturers produce models weighing from 35 to 65 g. For example, if a pen is bought for a child 5-6 years old, then it is better to give preference to light gadgets. They will allow him to perform all the manipulations without the slightest discomfort.

Be sure to pay attention to the power source. The pens can be operated from AC power, via USB, some devices have their own battery. The first option allows you to work continuously, but limits the working space to the size of the cord.

The most modern models provide a display that allows you to monitor the speed of feeding the plastic filaments and the level of the operating temperature. Displays can be of two types - OLED and LCD. The difference is that OLED is slightly brighter.

An important criterion is the feed rate of consumables. The more the design provides for speeds, the more variable the detailing of the crafts will be. The speed mode varies from 1 to 9, each model provides its own number of speeds within these limits.

3D pen nozzles can be metal or ceramic. The former are more durable, but they get very hot and are dangerous in case of contact with it.

When choosing an additive pen, you need to focus on the type of consumable that is suitable for printing the device you like. Sooner or later, the supply of plastic in the kit will run out, and you will have to purchase a new one. If you buy plastic or cartridges that are not suitable for a particular device, the gadget will break.

The cost of additive pens varies from 1 to 15 thousand rubles. At the same time, a cheap pen does not mean that it is of poor quality. Simply by a number of its operational capabilities, it will be inferior to more expensive devices, but at the same time it will fully cope with the creation of the simplest objects. Hot pens are cheaper, and consumables for them are also affordable.Cold ones are more expensive, but they are safe and have advanced functionality due to the abundance of acceptable work materials.

Keep in mind: When buying 3D pens, like any other popular gadget, you may come across a counterfeit product. Most often, products of the MyRiwell brand are counterfeited. Therefore, purchases should be made only in trusted stores or through the websites of official suppliers.

Any 3D pen provides working controls on the body. Therefore, before starting to print, you must read the user manual. The main button is the plastic thread feed button, in most models it is marked with an arrow down. Separate buttons are provided for temperature control - this is important, since each type of consumables has its own melting mode.

The device itself is not very difficult to use. The filament holes are usually located in the back of the instrument. After inserting them, it remains only to set the required temperature, wait for the heating time and activate the "Forward" button.

The areas of use for 3D pens are multifaceted and almost limitless. Some people perceive this gadget solely as an object of entertainment. However, it is not. With the help of a pen, you can create original shapes, patterns and other decor items. The Eiffel Tower, rug, glasses, paintings, planets - this is just a small part of everything that such a pen is capable of.

The gadget will serve well in everyday life. It is possible that one day it will help you repair chips on plastic or repair cracks. A 3D pen can help you strengthen loose knots or even create a prototype for R&D.

With a pen that draws with plastic threads, almost nothing is impossible. It allows you to simplify the prototyping process many times over. In addition, having such a gadget at your disposal, you can always create exclusive gifts for your family and friends with your own hands.