3D Pen Recommendations

[cloakfiend 995]

Hi, I was looking into getting a 3d pen but there seem to be so many available and unavailable with most looking identical with random brand names? can anyone suggest a reliable and decent one, Im looking at this kind of design at the moment. I'm not bothered about a cable or battery, just as long as its reliable and works.

 

so far what im looking at,

 

Partner 3d doodle pen:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Printing-Parner-Doodler-Drawing-Filament/dp/B07FJX2CZJ/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1548977377&sr=1-13-spons&keywords=partner+3d+pen&psc=1

 

Meterk intelligent 3D doodler pen:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Printing-Meterk-Intelligent-Doodler-Filament/dp/B07DBXL2NQ/ref=sr_1_16_sspa?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1548976992&sr=1-16-spons&keywords=Parner+3D+Doodler+Pen&psc=1

 

Aerb 3D printing pen:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aerb-Printing-Intelligent-Compatible-6-410-220/dp/B01N22KJNO/ref=sr_1_15_sspa?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1548976992&sr=1-15-spons&keywords=Parner+3D+Doodler+Pen&psc=1

 

Any advice would be appreciated. Or else I'm just gonna have to be the guinea pig.

 

Thanks.

Edited January 31, 2019 by cloakfiend

[geert_2 557]

I saw one in action a couple of years ago, but I don't remember the brand. It was something with "doodler" in the name, but the rest..? Not sure if it still exists. Anyway, I was not impressed with its performance: the art they produced with it, was primitive and clumsy at best. However, later on Youtube I saw others who got better results.

 

So maybe you could do a search on Youtube? Both for getting an impression of pen performance, and of the techniques they use?

 

[ahoeben 1,951]

Isn't the general 3d pen recommendation "don't do it" ?

[cloakfiend 995]

Dont worry its just for extra patchwork. Nothing essential just trying new things.

[geert_2 557]

On 2/1/2019 at 2:49 PM, ahoeben said:

Isn't the general 3d pen recommendation "don't do it" ?

 

I think yes and no.

 

People who hope that a 3D-pen will be a cheap but good 3D-printer, are going to be hugely disappointed. (Sometimes it was marketed as such.)

 

However I can see a niche market for it. For example if you want to create custom trees for HO-model train landscapes, then it gives you the freedom and organic irregularities you want. Realistic trees are very hard to model in CAD and print with a normal 3D-printer. Similar for some specialised decorations or juwelry.

 

I am not sure how it would work for adding hairs, eyebrowns, moustaches etc. to 3D-printed models? But I think it could work.

 

The question will be to find a reliable pen that works with an open filament system and with lots of different materials. One that is handy and pleasant to use. Handiness and versatility will be key points.

 

Edited March 8, 2019 by geert_2
clarified something

[kmanstudios 1,120]

I have 3D Pens. So, with experience in hand this is what I can say:

1. No, you will not get a 'good' print as defined by clean edges and such. But to me, this is a bit like stating the differences between using a paintbrush in a very traditional way and splattering paint. Neither one is better than the other, just what is the goal?
2. Perfect for welding parts together as long as it is ABS or PLA
3. Perfect for smoothing over or filling holes
4. Absolutely perfect for very organic things like the vines and roots in some of my prints (The bats and other diorama type of things)
5. Be careful which one you buy. The 3Doodler will only use 'straight' filament. Others will accept the cheap coiled filaments you can get anywhere
6. They all seem to operate off 1.75 mm filament except for the 3Doodler
7. Most of them will now come with a digital readout (Temp and material) as well as more than one control. One control for feeding and the other for speed which is very important

I tried 3 different brands and the 3Doodler was my least favorite.

 

This one is nice and I enjoy it: https://www.matterhackers.com/store/l/crafty-pen-3d-printing-pen/sk/M4CKMLXE

 

Take a look at the prints that are part of the slideshow. Those are what I would call 'good prints' so you get an idea of how rough it can be.

 

But for the reasons above, I would say that I have enjoyed my 3D pens (in general).

 

[cloakfiend 995]

Thanks @Kman i remember you using a 3d pen. Im going for a cheap gamble and then if it doesnt work out, ill just give it away as a gift and get a more expensive one. No way to the 3doodler considering the straight filament. Ill just get one which takes 1.75mm filament. I just bought some dirt cheap glow in the dark filament so im going down the dirt cheap route as it printed fine and holds the glow for hours with a short burst charge. A lot of pastel colours are also not that available so i will see how my cheap selection do ill have to do the same with the 1.75 filament. But itvhas more cols available. I couldnt even find glow in the dark red or blue in 2.85mm.

Edited February 4, 2019 by cloakfiend

[kmanstudios 1,120]

The pens you linked to look good. I would try to guestimate the comfort of the build from the pics.

 

3Doodler is a brand name and not to be confused when other pens use terms like '3D Doodler'. 3Doodler is the brand that only uses the straight filament.

 

As for filaments, well any 1.75, coiled or not, from any source will work.

[cloakfiend 995]

Ill dive in and let you know my experiences.i just find it weird that pretty much all rated ones on forums and websites are unavailable and updated yearly so its hard to follow any smaller brands.

 

But like you said its gonna be used for welding parts todether and stuff. You did real nice post work with yours i seem to remember! Veins and vines work.

[Smithy 1,144]

We will soon see Cloakfiend with a self-constructed spool holder, which he straps onto his body to supply the 3D pen with filament. 🙂 

 

When the time comes, please take pictures. 🙂 🙂 

[cloakfiend 995]

no but i made a handy something else holder, but not quite finished though.😋

[Ult1mat3X 0]

I think if you wanted to use a pen for making something serious you would need to be OCD or Autistic.

Edited May 27, 2019 by Ult1mat3X

[kmanstudios 1,120]

7 hours ago, Ult1mat3X said:

I think if you wanted to use a pen for making something serious you would need to be OCD or Autistic.

I am and I do use it for serious work 🙂 Just last week, I had to use it to weld some parts together where there was a gap and the pen was the only way to really get it filled and sealed.

[cloakfiend 995]

Well turns out that my girfriend bought me a 3d pen for my birthday. Still havent got round to using it but welding stuff together will most likely be the main use! Some random brand one, but will give it my best! They all seem kinda random brand names. Im sure may violate many patents.

[VictoriaFlow 0]

Check out channel "Make Anything" on Youtube, he occasionally reviews 3D printing pens and has few top picks. 

[dwilliams 0]

Nice 3D pens you have there, but there are better choices. Please take a look here https://www.allthat3d.com/3d-printing-pen/ to see the best 3D pens in the market. 

[cloakfiend 995]

In my opinion after much use I am very happy with my 3d pen which was a gift from my girlfriend for my birthday which was nice. I consider all 3d pens to be pretty much identical and of poor quality so i dont think it makes much difference which one you get as long as it works without breaking and uses both pla and abs. I think having a wireless one is pointless as I cant imagine it lasting a long time and i just bought a 3m long super thin usb cable to use with mine and i can print forever. The one it comes with remind me of the ipad 2 charging cable which was about 0.3m long. Lol. All the brand names seem like made up names and dont even exist when you google them so its gonna be hit and miss in my opinion. The only thing i hate about mine is when i press back it ejects the whole filament instead of retracting. But i can get used to that. I post a pic when i find it.