The 3D pen looks just like a bulky regular pen but can “draw” mid-air and produce three-dimensional constructions. It works on either Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology or photopolymer inks.
In general, you can use a 3D pen for repairs, minor post-processing in 3D printing, or even for fun! Most models are safe for children to use.
Are you planning to buy your first 3D pen?
Don’t worry if you are unsure what to look for in a good 3D pen. In this post, I will look at the 8 things to consider when buying a 3D pen.
1. Compatibility
The first thing to consider from your 3D pen is its compatibility; it should be suitable to use on any surface.
The more versatile it is, the more fun you can have with your 3D pen and draw anywhere you want. It uses melted plastic to create the “drawings”.
We recommend looking at how responsive the pen is, as well as the writing quality. How does it feel in your hand? Don’t get pens with a low responsiveness.
2. Temperature
You should also know that 3D pens use heat to function, which makes temperature a crucial aspect of this technology.
The external temperature may affect the performance of your pen. This means that some 3D pens are better suited for use in high temperature.
It all comes back to how you’re planning to use it. Try to read customer reviews that explain how the pen works in a variety of environments. This will help you make the right decision.
Also read: Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer Review
3. Timing of Plastic Ejection from Pen
When using a 3D pen, a huge part of it is the timing of the plastic coming out of your pen. This will feel different with each model, and even the color or ink compositions if you change them.
Heat will affect them differently so you should know how fast or slow the plastic will come out.
Otherwise, the result could be a complete mess! The melted plastic can also get stuck and cause problems. Meanwhile, practicing may help.
4. Cooling Time
As it uses heat and melted plastic to operate, it makes sense that a 3D pen can’t operate for long hours. It needs time to cool down, so this is another factor to think about.
The best models will take less time for cooling. On the other hand, lower quality 3D pens may need longer to cool down, which means you must wait longer.
5. Clogging the System
It’s also important to consider the clogging system, as these pens tend to get stuck a lot.
Obviously, you can’t buy a new pen every time it clogs, which is why you should find 3D pens with the best quality possible.
This will let you get away with as infrequent plastic replacements as you can.
6. Warranty
Just with any products you buy, the warranty can be one of the most important features. A 3D pen is no exception!
With a good and long warranty, there is no need to worry about having to replace your pen after only a few months of use. Different brands have different policies, so don’t forget to study them first.
The best thing is always to choose a longer warranty period. In addition, excellent and helpful customer service is also important.
This means that you can be assured that you will be well supported whenever you have issues with the product.
7. Customer Reviews
This next tip is especially critical if you are purchasing from a lesser known brand. It’s not hard to go online and find customer reviews, whether on written or video form.
But it will undoubtedly help a lot! These reviews give you a firsthand account of the user experience, which is more objective than the official product descriptions.
8. Price
Finally, it may be helpful to plan a budget before you buy your first 3D pen. Splurging on the most expensive pen you can find is probably unwise.
At the same time, remember that quality matters in the long run too! It will save you more money if you don’t have to constantly replace broken pens.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, this is no different than buying any other electronic gadget or device. These are just some of the most important features to look at.
Remember to consider what you need a 3D pen for and research accordingly. What do you think about this cool technology?