What could be more unusual than being able to paint right in the air? 3D pens allow you to do this, with their help you can create not only a two-dimensional image, but also a three-dimensional one. In addition, this tool is quite easy to use - you can draw with a 3D pen just like a pencil. Our rating of 3D pens will help you choose the best one.
Such a pen is "filled" not with ink, but with plastic, or rather with a plastic thread, which is passed through the hole and directed to the tip. There, the plastic is melted under the influence of temperature (240 ° C) and at the exit a soft thread is obtained, with which you can "draw" whatever you want. 3D pens have temperature control: for drawing small and small parts, you need to melt the plastic well, and for large elements, a lower temperature is needed. Plastic hardens quickly enough, has a large selection of colors, which opens up opportunities for creativity and imagination.
What is a 3D pen for? This fun tool that even kids can use has a very wide range of uses:
Undoubtedly, this tool significantly expands the horizons of creativity, besides, a 3D pen is easy to purchase in a store or on the Internet, at Aliexpress.
There are two types of 3D pens:
3D pens are usually considered to be one of four generations, with the first generation being the oldest and the fourth being the youngest. Models belonging to the first two generations are inexpensive, fairly simple and do not have a wide range of functions, but they are very popular, especially among beginners. The best option is the handles of the third, intermediate generation, which can no longer be called primitive, but with their functionality they have an inexpensive price.
It is worth paying attention to characteristics such as weight, temperature control, the number of plastic feed rates, equipment with a special display - the quality of the picture will depend on these indicators. The quality of the material of the handle and the diameter of the nozzle are also important. The tool should be convenient, lightweight and, of course, suitable for its price. When ordering a 3D pen in online stores, be sure to read customer reviews, check the package contents.
Here is an overview of the highest quality handles of popular models and manufacturers. Comparing the characteristics, prices, advantages and disadvantages of the presented models, you can choose the option you like and buy the desired 3D pen.
The sleek design of the third generation 3D pen is made of aluminum and has a special protective cap. The body does not heat up during operation, and the nozzle conducts melted plastic well. Its top panel is equipped with buttons responsible for such useful functions as control of the plastic feed rate and temperature control. In addition, it is designed for two types of plastics - ABS and PLA. Heating temperature for ABS is 170 ° C, for PLA 210 ° C. Its average price on Aliexpress is 1,434 rubles.
Video instructions for working with a pen:
This handle is well suited for creating complex objects with many small and large parts, as it has the function of feeding and bending the filament under its own weight. Equipped with a regulator of material feed rates, which can be switched during operation. Average price - 2720 rubles.
Video review of the handle:
The main advantage of this knob is that the speed of plastic feed is controlled by the force of pressing the control button. This function is very convenient and allows you to fine-tune the process of creating a pattern. In addition, this pen provides an opportunity to use different types of material, for example, a dressing with a pleasant aroma or for creating drawings on the body. The battery can be charged for an hour. Average price - 4330 rubles.
This lightweight, ergonomic handle has a sleek design and great functionality. It is equipped with buttons that allow you to control the plastic feed rate and the temperature of its heating, which is necessary to control the thickness of the supplied thread. This pen has an OLED display showing temperature, speed and the type of material used (ABS and PLA). Average price - 1980 rubles.
Pen instructions:
This 3D pen comes with 2 sets of ABS and PLA plastic, 25 refills each. The handle itself is lightweight as it weighs 50 grams and is easy to use. She can paint on wood or glass, and right in the air. Average price - 4625 rubles.
Photopolymer pen of the third generation, allows you to work with photopolymer ink, hardening from ultraviolet radiation. It is absolutely safe, as it does not have a heating element and is powered by a battery that allows you to paint for 2 hours continuously. It has a small weight - 65 grams. Another feature of this pen is that you can first tweak the finished model before UV irradiation. However, for all its merits, it is quite expensive, which makes it less affordable for purchase. Its average cost is 9,900 rubles.
Video review of the handle:
Second generation handle. Differs in compactness and lightness, its shape is convenient, ergonomic, the tool lies well in the hand. Thanks to its simple settings and design, it is great for beginners to master this type of creativity, moreover, it can work for quite a long time. The handle is equipped with an LCD display, and on its body there are buttons for controlling the heating temperature. This model allows you to easily change ABS and PLA plastic, or work with several types of material at the same time, which allows you to make the created object more colorful and accurate. The average cost on Aliexpress is 1,874 rubles.
An overview of a useful device - in the video:
This 3D pen cannot be classified as an inexpensive or budget model, but nevertheless it is popular and has won a lot of positive reviews. Made in a futuristic design, it weighs only 55 grams, while it has 8 speeds, and the heating temperature can be adjusted from 160 ° C to 210 ° C, which makes it possible to create complex and accurate drawings and objects. Equipped with LCD display and stand-holder. Since this pen has many functions, you should carefully read the instructions for use with the template for teaching drawing. Its average price on Aliexpress is 3357 rubles.
More information about the handle - in the video:
Another inexpensive 3D pen model from this popular company. The low price in this case did not affect the quality of the pen, which is suitable for those who are just starting their creativity in the field of three-dimensional modeling. The handle is equipped with two LED indicators showing when the heating element is on and when it is off. Its average price is 1980 rubles.
Video review of the handle:
Perhaps the simplest model available on Aliexpress, belonging to the first generation of 3D pens. It lacks a display, and the temperature range is not as wide compared to the most modern models. However, it is good for beginners, as it is simple and not overloaded with fine settings and a lot of all kinds of functions that professionals will also appreciate. In addition, it belongs to the budget option, and is available for those who just want to try to draw three-dimensional models. Its average price on Aliexpress is 554 rubles.
It can be called the safest handle, and this is its distinctive feature - this model allows you to work not only with standard types of ABS and PLA plastic, but also with such material as PCL (polycaprolactone).This material is convenient because it has a very low melting point - only 80 ° C, which allows you to apply the pattern directly to the skin, without the slightest hint of getting a burn. As the safest pen, this model is perfect for children. Its average price on Aliexpress is 537 rubles.
A wide selection of 3D pens, expensive or budgetary, with different functions, provides great opportunities to create in the field of three-dimensional modeling, expanding the boundaries of the drawing. Pens of the first and second generations will appeal to those who are just trying themselves in this new kind of creativity, who wants to buy a pen as a gift for children, or just for fun. Modern improved models of the third and fourth generation 3D pens will undoubtedly delight both amateurs and professionals of 3D drawing with their functions and subtleties.