What is a 3D Pen? - These are What You Can Make With 3D Pen

If you’re new to 3D pens, this is a great place to start. In the pages that follow we have put together a quick intro to the what, why and how of 3D pens.

3D Pen 101

A 3D pen is a pen that extrudes heated or warm plastic from the pen’s nozzle. You don’t need any software. There are no files to transfer, and no difficult tech to master. In the words of a teacher we work with, “whatever you imagine, you can draw. It goes from your brain, to your hand, right there.”

Surreal? Modern day sorcery? A hybrid of Harry Potter meets Harold and the Purple Crayon? It can seem that way at first, but believe us and our 2 million+ users, it’s real, it’s creative, and it’s a lot of fun.

With a 3D pen you can draw a raised graphic on a piece of paper or any flat surface. But what makes a 3D pen truly unique is its ability to “draw” in mid-air, allowing you to instantly form 3D structures right in front of you, which you can pick up and hold in your hand.

How Do 3D Pens Work

Most 3D pens work by feeding plastic through the pen, which then melts it before it comes out of a nozzle at the end of the pen (that’s what we call “extrusion”). The pen heats up to a different temperature depending on the material you put inside the pen.

So how on earth can I then draw in 3D? When it leaves the pen, the melted plastic is soft and malleable, but within a few seconds it solidifies, creating a solid, stable, pick-up-able structure.

1. Choosing the Right Filament: Filament selection plays a crucial role in 3D pen creations. PLA (polylactic acid) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) are common filament types. PLA is eco-friendly and suitable for detailed designs, while ABS is known for its durability and flexibility.

2. DIY Projects and Prototyping: The 3D pen is an excellent tool for do-it-yourself enthusiasts and prototypers. It allows users to create custom-designed objects, repair broken items, or experiment with concepts before committing to larger projects.

3. Artistic Expression: Artists find the 3D pen to be a captivating medium for artistic expression. From intricate sculptures to free-flowing abstract designs, the possibilities are limited only by one's imagination. Some artists even use 3D pens to create pieces for gallery exhibitions.

4. Creativity Unleashed: The 3D pen opens up a world of possibilities for artists, hobbyists, and even students. It provides a hands-on experience, allowing users to sculpt, doodle, and design with ease. The versatility of this tool makes it suitable for creating everything from intricate sculptures to functional prototypes.

5. Educational Applications: In the educational sphere, 3D pens are becoming increasingly popular for enhancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning. Students can visualize concepts in 3D, turning abstract ideas into tangible models. This hands-on approach fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.

Who Would Use A 3D Pen?

Our community is very varied and there’s no one size fits all, but we see 3D pens mainly being used by artists, makers, designers (fashion and home), educators, engineers, DIY fixers, hobbyists, and just about anyone who wants to have some creative fun. Check out a few examples below and be sure to click their name to see more of their work.