1. MYNT3D Professional 3D
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Perfect to use by kids as well as grown-ups due to its user-friendly design, the MYNT3D is our top pick as it delivers adjustability and reliability beyond expectations. It delivers a power output of 10 watts, while the input power is 5V/DC 2A. Due to the fact that it is USB powered, you can use your battery bank to charge it when you are on the go. Furthermore, there is an AC adapter included in the package.
Design
The ergonomic shape and ultra-slim design makes it easy to handle and control so that you may create anything that comes to mind without any mishaps. It measures 7 inches by 0.75 inches by 0.62 inches and weighs only 9.6 ounces, the light and compact design making it one of the most optimal tools for kids, as well as adults, fitting in the hand perfectly. It supports ABS, PLA, metal, and wood filaments, ensuring that you won’t be limited when it comes to the projects you take up with it.
Mention Worthy Features and Specs
- Speed and flow can be adjusted as needed to ensure optimum control over the material used.
- In the package are included 3 colors of ABS plastic filament.
- A 1-year warranty is provided for this product.
Performance
The step-less speed control it provides makes it optimal to use for any type of 3D project you want to create as, instead of providing you with pre-set options that you can select between, it gives you complete freedom of choice in terms of cranking the speed up or down. The temperature at which is melts the material ranges from 130 to 240 degrees Celsius, thus being more versatile in use than other tools as it even endorses the melting of metal and wood filaments. Furthermore, the temperature setting is adjustable in 1-degree increments to ensure ideal fine-tuning. On the large OLED display it features, you can monitor the temperature of the material so that you may achieve the desired effect with ease.
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CONS
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- Compact size and lightweight design allow you to work with it for hours on end without feeling fatigue
- Speed adjustability aspect allows you to create projects at your own pace
- Allows you to set the temperature as desired, in 1-degree increments
- Excellent customer service – customers are pleased with how helpful the company is when issues arise
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- A bit slow when it comes to reaching the set temperature
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Instead of cheeping out and going for a product released by a fly-by-night company, put your trust into this entry manufactured by the already famous and trusted brand MYNT3D. It feels comfortable in your hands and allows you to create anything that comes to your mind, and best of all, it works with a variety of filaments, so it does not limit you in any sense.
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Lightweight and easy to work with, the PR1002 is ideal for beginners as well as more experienced users. It allows you to choose the speed which feels most comfortable by putting 5 options at your disposal, while the temperature can be adjusted to your liking in 1-degree increments. This versatility in temperature opting allows variety in terms of PLA variants you can use with it.
Although its design is quite professional and there are hardly any flaws to it, it actually comes at a very affordable price. Thus, you will have a complete tool to create whatever design comes to mind without having to empty your pocket to obtain it. In order to preserve battery and make your life easier when working with it, it automatically shuts off after a set period of inactivity.
It heats up quite quickly, so you won’t waste time before you actually get to start working on your project, which is a major upside. Furthermore, you will have maximum control over it due to its comfortable and convenient design. Overall, it is a product we recommend you spend your money on as it provides everything you need to make anything you can think of.
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CONS
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- Its adjustability in terms of speed and temperature allow you to create complex designs
- It heats up quickly, so you won’t wait too much until you can use it
- It automatically shuts off after a certain period of inactivity
- Feels comfortable – you will have a pleasant time using it
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- Although it is light, it still weighs more than most products available at the moment
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Allowing you to fully customize the work process with it, the AIO Robotics makes for a perfect choice for children as well as adults who want to put their creativity to the test and personalize their homes with unique decorations. Best of all, it comes at an affordable price, so you won’t need to sacrifice much in order to purchase it.
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3Doodler Create 3D Smoky Blue
3. 3Doodler Create 3D Smoky Blue
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The sleek design should be more than enough for any connoisseur when it comes to figuring out whether or not it feels comfortable to work with it. Obviously, hand fatigue will not be an issue as you use it due to its lightweight design and compact shape, fitting harmoniously in your hand and giving you the needed freedom to produce any project you can think of.
Supported filaments include ABS, PLA, wood, and flexy, so you can basically create any type of item or decoration you want. Due to the fact that it is ROHS, CE, and FCC certified, there is no doubt that it is a safe to use and well-built device. One of its biggest highlights is the convenient continuous extrusion which allows a more rapid project development.
To better appreciate just how great it is, know that its manufacturing company, 3Doodler, is the first company to ever create a 3D pen. Thus, its experience in this field is hard to surpass and even parallel. Fairly priced and usable even for complex applications, this is one of the products we urge you buy.
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CONS
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- Sturdy yet comfortable design ensures convenience in use and durability
- Easy to operate – intuitive use ensures even a beginner will be able to create projects with it
- Automatic shut-off ensures power won’t be consumed when you are not using it and forget to turn it off yourself
- Great price to quality ratio – affordable and qualitative option
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- Some customers have had issues when replacing the filament
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If you are looking for a more budget-friendly product, then the 3Doodler might be the perfect pick for you. Allowing a customizable experience in terms of temperature and speed, you are not limited at all when it comes to what you can create with it. Furthermore, it feels quite comfortable to work with, so hand fatigue won’t be an issue.
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This is a great pick for kids as well as adults, the MVP-6 not being affected when it comes to the quality of the projects it helps produce by the experience of the user. What stands out about it the most is definitely the design, the lightweight profile making it a pleasure to work with it for hours on end, while the ergonomic shape allows you to feel comfortable in the meanwhile.
It is compatible with ABS and PLA materials, so you can basically produce any item you want as there are no real limitations with it. In addition, it allows you to choose between 3 different operational speeds, so you can create the projects at your own pace, relaxed. This is a great element to take into consideration as it greatly affects the quality of the resulting project.
It comes at a very affordable price, so you will not have to make a financial sacrifice in order to purchase it. Furthermore, it can be powered by a USB cable or plug adapter, so you have variety when it comes to its power source.
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CONS
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- Lightweight – slim profile encourages continuous use for hours, hand fatigue not occuring
- Fully customizable use – choose the speed and temperature you desire when using it
- OLED display provides useful status info
- Allows you to either charge it with a plug adapter or a USB cable
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- Short warranty – manufacturer does not back it for a long period against defects
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The ergonomic shape of the Manve will make it easy for you to reproduce whatever projects you have in mind with utter ease. It comes at a great price and it allows versatility in terms of charging, while performance-wise, we must note that it supports enough materials to ensure you will not be limited.
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Last we have this Tecboss entry, a tool that is perfect for use by kids just as well as by adults. What recommends it most for use by children is the friendly technique in which it operates, using heat instead of UV. Also, it is quite light, so it does not put any strain on the wrist of the person using it. We have to mention the fact that it is compact as well, as this is another design element which adds to its appeal in use.
One of its most important features is the fact that it puts no less than 8 speed settings at your disposal. Therefore, it allows full customization of the work process when creating projects with it. Furthermore, the fact that it allows you to choose the temperature you consider best suited endorses the use of various filaments, like ABS and PLA.
Another highlight worth mentioning is the OLED display which keeps you updated with the situation of its stats. Overall, it is an exceptional choice to go for despite the lower position we placed it on in this top. It comes at a great price and it delivers perfect results, so you cannot actually ask more of it.
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CONS
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- Great price to quality ratio
- Provides 8 speed settings to choose between
- It performed great during our testing trials
- Ergonomic shape and lightweight profile make it convenient to use
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- Only works with PLA and ABS
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Manufactured by a trusted brand and boasting an unparalleled design, the Tecboss will allow you to create whatever comes to your mind in a matter of minutes – depending on the complexity of the project, of course. It is reasonably priced and its overall performance is impressive, so we recommend you go for it regardless of your skill level.
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The easy to use profile of the 07A makes it ideal for people of all ages, children especially. To use it, you are only required to plug it in, wait for it to heat up, and extrude so that you may create anything that comes to your mind. The automatic shut-off and automatic sleep functions make it safe to use for children, all while ensuring a general maximum safety in use.
It is compatible with ABS and PLA so that you may enjoy versatility when it comes to materials used with it. In terms of power, it is rated with a consumption of 10 watts, while the temperature at which it operates ranges from 190 degrees Celsius to 220 degrees Celsius. There are 3 speed and printing temperature settings you can select between.
It comes with 120 feet of PLA filament, sparing you of having to make a new purchase in order to use it for a long time. It boasts a simplistic one button operation, and the LCD screen clearly displays important info like operating speed. Additionally, the manufacturing company offers a 1-year warranty for it and allows you to return it and receive a full refund during the first 30 days after purchasing it.
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CONS
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- You can check the operating speed on the clear LCD screen
- Operating temperature ranges from 190 to 220 degrees Celsius
- Compatible with ABS and PLA filaments
- Accompanied by a 1-year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee
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- Shape and size makes it a more fitting choice for children rather than adults
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Great for kids, the 07A allows full customization of its operation. Speed control is provided, having 3 selections you can choose between, while the operating temperature can be set from 190 to 220 degrees Celsius with the simple touch of a button.
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A 3D pen pretty much resembles a normal pen or pencil, the only difference being that it is a bit bulkier. Also, at its tip, there is a plastic nib which helps you, as the user, create whatever 3D structures you want. What has led to their success is the fact that they are just as easy to use as normal pens when writing, for example. The same cannot be said about 3D printers which occupy a lot of space and require more knowledge as they boast a more complex use.
With the printer, you need a 3D file to give form to the object or item you have in mind, while with the pen, you will feel like a sculptor as you get to create with your own hands anything you think of from start to bottom, without doing any intricate sketch beforehand. Basically, 3D pens allow users to create custom, unique projects at their free will, using whatever materials they want – as long as those filaments are supported by the pens, of course.
Furthermore, their price makes them more accessible when compared to 3D printers, another point where pens clearly reign. Generally, they cost under $100, so you won’t go broke if you buy one for home use, training your mind and working on your crafting skills with it. In addition, these pens are kid-friendly as well, as opposed to actual printers that are clearly not to be used by the small ones. Therefore, it can be fun for the whole family, not just for you.
Pen Printing Process Explained
Instead of using ink, like a normal pen would, the 3D pen mainly uses plastic or other types of materials – wood, for example. To use the printing pen, you have to insert the filament of your choice – let’s say plastic for the sake of the discussion. When the filament is inside the 3D pen, the technology used by it heats the material so intensely that it melts it, turning it into a liquid form. After the material has become liquid, you can use it to write anything you want in 3D or create any object you desire.
What you will surely love about the pen is the fact that it works on almost any type of surface, including your own skin – although we would not recommend you print a bracelet, for example, directly on yourself to avoid any injury. As you can see, the operation of the 3D pen is quite straightforward, so there is no complicated process to look into.
What astounds isn’t only its simplistic operation and design which allow even the most creativity lacking people to produce state-of-the-art projects, but the fact that possibilities are limitless with it. Adding a whole new dimension to the artwork and drawings you intend to create, 3D pens are not a necessity, but they are indeed a preferable companion for modern people as they make crafting go to a whole new level.
Although a 3D pen isn’t the most considerable investment you will ever make, it is still smart to look into a product which will resist in a good shape over time and that performs as expected, not being confronted with the unfortunate situation where you have made a purchase you regret. To aid you, we have listed in the following four elements you must look into when purchasing one, ensuring that as long as you follow these guidelines, you will buy a high-quality product.
- Customization aspects – Adjustable speed and temperature: As you have more control over it, the quality of the projects you create with it increases. What you must take into consideration is for it to allow you to customize the temperature setting – thus allowing you to work with a variety of materials – and the speed setting – thus enabling you to create perfect projects at your own pace, regardless of your experience in this domain. These intelligent controls bear the greatest impact over its quality and project quality, so make sure you look into the adjustability aspect to make the right decision.
- Compatible materials – Variety ensures flexibility in use: The more the merrier from this point of view, obviously. As it allows you to use a variety of materials when working with it, like wood, ABS, PLA, metal, and so on, there is basically no limit to what you can create with it. If you are the artistic type, you will appreciate this flexibility in use as it allows you to give life to any object or structure you could think of.
- Design – Weight and shape impact ease of use: Seeing how manual work is involved with it, you have to take its overall design into consideration as well. Otherwise, you might end up feeling wrist strain or discomfort after not more than an hour passes. Thus, we recommend you use a product that feels comfortable in your hand, boasting the right, compact size. Also, you should make sure that its body shape is ergonomic and that the printing tool does not weight much either – under 20 ounces is the ideal for the printing tool.
- Brand recognition – Trusted manufacturers deliver quality: You might not be tempted to look into this aspect when making the purchase, but it is quite important when it comes to 3D pens as these are relatively new crafting tools. Thus, there are not a lot of brands on the market yet, and only a few of them have gained recognition by this point thanks to the quality of the products they sell. The brands we recommend you purchase from are MYNT3D, AIO Robotics, and 3Doodler.
| Criteria |
Impact/Importance |
Best Product |
| Design – Shape, Size, and Weight |
It should be more than obvious by this point why we put an emphasis on the design – their shape, size, and weight shows how comfortable you will feel working with the crating tools. Clearly, it is best for the size to be of around 7 inches in length in order to allow full control over it, for its body shape to be ergonomic, and for it to be as light as possible. |
Manve MVP-6 |
| Supported Filaments |
The more filaments it supports the better as you can produce a variety of projects with it, not being limited at all. If you intend to create decorative objects to spread around the house or even take this hobby to a more professional level, this is an important aspect to judge it by. |
MYNT3D Professional 3D, 3Doodler Create 3D Smoky Blue |
| Test Scores |
As you can see in the comparison matrix above, we tested each and every product that appears in our top to make sure that you get an accurate description of their quality. When we ran these tests, we created straight lines, triangles, swirls, free drawings, and drawing by following patterns with them. |
MYNT3D Professional 3D |
| Warranty Length |
The warranty that backs it shows how much trust the manufacturer puts into the product and for how long it will be replaced or repaired free of charge in case defects in parts and workmanship appear. |
MYNT3D Professional 3D, AIO Robotics PR1002, 3Doodler Create 3D Smoky Blue |
Frequently Asked Questions
?How long should I wait before painting over my creation?
Considering the fact that the filament cools and hardens as soon as it leaves the pen, you can paint over your project when you finish it. Just make sure to check that you are using paint which can adhere to the surface of your creation – otherwise, it won’t stick.
?Is there any maintenance work required?
Regardless of what model you end up purchasing, there’s not a lot required in the way of maintenance work, which is good news for those who tend to be forgetful with these types of tasks anyway. Just check for clogs and unclog it when needed, and keep an eye out for feed issues. If they occur, take it to the manufacturer in case it is still under warranty to have it fixed for free.
?Can I draw on my skin with it?
While the materials used with it are not harmful in case of skin contact, it is smarter for you to avoid drawing on your skin. You are at the risk of burning yourself or at least being discomforted in case the nozzle is warm – or even hot – and touches this sensitive surface. Thus, instead of taking any risks, avoid printing directly onto your skin in case you want to create a bracelet, for example.
Whether you are a hobbyist crafter, an artist looking for a new technique to create 3D projects to astound gallery visitors, or just someone looking for a fun and ingenious way to relax, relieve stress, and get something out of the experience at the same time, you need a 3D pen. As you have already figured it out, we made sure for all the products that appear in our top to actually be of superior quality. Furthermore, they are all reasonably priced, so acquiring them won’t take too much money out of your pocket either.
The model that amazed us the most with its operation is the MYNT3D Professional 3D that does not limit the user in any way, allowing the creation of simplistic as well as complex projects. Allowing adjustability of speed as well as temperature, and compatible with a wide range of filaments, it is the product we recommend you spend your hard-earned money on. Other notable models that we strongly recommend you buy and use are the AIO Robotics PR1002 which boasts an ergonomic shape and scored almost perfect during our testing trials, as well as the Tecboss QP0028 which is extremely low priced and dependable, allowing variation in terms of power source. Overall, regardless of the choice you make, we fully back it as we have tested them ourselves and are pleased with their operation.
