How 3D Pens Work (and PCL vs. PLA)

A 3D pen is a handheld plastic extruder. You insert a thin filament, the pen melts it, and you “draw” a bead of molten plastic that hardens in seconds. It’s conceptually similar to FDM printing but you are the motion system.

Common filaments for pens

• PCL (polycaprolactone): Low-temperature (~60–70°C) and very kid-friendly; soft, slow setting, safer to handle for supervised children. Great for learning and crafts.
• PLA (polylactic acid): Prints around 180–200°C, sets faster and stiffer; best for adults/teens or anyone seeking crisper lines and functional doodads.
• ABS: Higher temp, more fumes, stronger but smellier; we recommend adult use with good ventilation.

Tip: For children under supervision, start with PCL. For precise structural lines, step up to PLA. For repairs or rugged parts, advanced users can try ABS. Basic polymer background: PLA and PCL.

3D Pen Buying Guide (2025)

Before you buy, decide who’ll use the pen, what materials you prefer, and how much control you want. Here’s what actually matters this year:

• Temperature controls: Essential for switching between PCL/PLA/ABS; look for easy presets.
• Speed control: Multiple speeds help with detail vs. fills.
• Ergonomics: Slim, light bodies reduce fatigue; textured grips help kids.
• Power & portability: USB-C is nice for power banks; some pens allow cordless use with small packs.
• Nozzles & anti-clogging: Replaceable, ultrasonically sealed nozzles are more durable; auto-reverse helps clear jams.
• Display: A small OLED/LCD makes temp changes less guessy.
• Starter kit value: Extra filaments, mats, stencils, and finger guards are worth real money for beginners.

The Best 3D Pens of 2025

We prioritized ease of use, safety options, reliability, and ecosystem (availability of filaments, stencils, and support). Prices fluctuate—check current pricing at the buttons.

1. SCRIB3D Advanced 3D Printing Pen

A dependable starter for teens and adults. Adjustable temperature supports PLA/ABS; eight speed modes help you dial detail vs. fill. Soft-touch body, clear LCD, and a handy starter kit keep the learning curve low.

Pros

• Temperature presets for common filaments
• 8 speed modes; anti-clog features
• Comfortable grip + LCD feedback

Cons

• Adult/teen oriented; not the lowest temp for small kids

Bottom line: Best all-around value if you want real control without complexity.

2. 3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen

The iconic brand behind consumer 3D pens. The Create+ focuses on a smooth feed with dual-drive and a polished project ecosystem: stencils, project books, and an app with guided builds—great for structured learning.

Pros

• Large ecosystem of stencils and projects
• Reliable feed, quick-setting lines
• Beginner onward; fun for gift builds

Cons

• Use official filaments for best results (costs more)

Bottom line: If you want curated projects and a popular community, start here.

3. MYNT3D Professional 3D Pen

A favorite for tinkerers: stepless speed wheel for ultra-fine control, broad temp range for many filaments, and USB power so you can run from a power bank. Great for prop repairs and freehand detail work.

Pros

• Stepless speed control; wide temp range
• USB power portability
• Accepts common 1.75mm filaments

Cons

• Audible motor whine at higher speeds

Bottom line: Best for advanced control and field fixes when you need portability.

4. MYNT3D Super 3D Pen

A budget pick that still feels capable. No OLED display, but the temp switch and speed slider cover basics; sealed nozzle design helps prevent clogs. Ideal as a gift or secondary pen.

Pros

• Affordable, clog-resistant nozzle
• Simple controls for quick starts
• Starter kit included

Cons

• Less precise temperature readout; avoid overheating

Bottom line: A solid entry pen if your budget is tight.

Creative Ideas & Templates

• Wearables: earrings, bracelets, cosplay emblems, zipper pulls.
• Repairs: plastic toys, cable clips, cracked organizers, PLA bracket reinforcements.
• STEM projects: bridge trusses, geometric solids, molecule models.
• Decor: vases, lampshades (use LED bulbs), photo frame ornaments.
• Small business: custom cake toppers, signage accents—then scale up with a printer (see profitable 3D printing ideas).

Most brands include stencils; you can also print grid mats and shape guides to speed learning. For larger or repeated parts, consider graduating to a compact printer from our under-$500 picks.

Safety, Ventilation & Maintenance

• Ventilation: Work in a ventilated area and avoid inhaling fumes; learn general indoor air quality basics from the EPA VOC guide.
• Heat: Nozzles can exceed 200°C (PLA/ABS). Use finger guards; supervise kids. Prefer PCL (≈65°C) for children.
• Surfaces: Use silicone mats or glass with blue tape. Keep away from fabrics unless intended.
• Clogs: Purge between filament changes; use reverse/unload; trim filament ends cleanly.
• Storage: Keep filaments dry (zip bags with desiccant). Moist filament pops and strings.

3D Pen vs. 3D Printer

Both are “additive,” but pens are freehand tools; printers are automated fabrication systems. Pens are spontaneous and portable; printers are precise and repeatable (great for enclosures, brackets, and functional parts). If you later want large models or tight tolerances, consider a printer. For context on stereolithography (resin printers), see Wikipedia.

A Short History of the 3D Pen

Early 2010s makers asked: “What if we could fix prints by hand?” That idea led to the first commercially successful consumer 3D pen—3Doodler—a handheld extruder for ABS/PLA that let artists “draw” structures in air. Since then, brands have improved ergonomics, added anti-clog designs, lowered temperatures with PCL pens for kids, and built project ecosystems (stencils, apps) that made doodling approachable for classrooms and hobbyists alike.

FAQ

What filament should kids use?

PCL at low temperature with adult supervision. For stiffer lines as they improve, move to PLA.

Are 3D pens safe?

Yes, with sensible precautions: use mats, keep fingers clear of hot nozzles, choose low-temp PCL for kids, and ventilate the area (see CPSC guidance and EPA tips on indoor air).

Can I use any 1.75mm filament?

Check the pen’s temperature range. Most accept standard 1.75mm PLA/ABS; some are tuned for proprietary PCL strands.

How do I get cleaner lines?

Lower speed, shorter extrusion bursts, and steady hand movement. Pre-draw guides and use stencils/mats. Practice beads first.

When should I buy a printer instead?

If you need duplicate parts, precise fits, or bigger builds, a compact printer is better value. Start here: Best 3D Printers Under $500.