Like any other product, 3D pens come in many variations. It sometimes feels confusing to settle on a particular one. Thinking of the different brands, different filament types, different sizes, different operating temperatures, different speeds, different thicknesses, the mind can really go wild.

To save you all the trouble, I suggest following the recommendations of experts who have already used the 3D pens and know their pros and cons. Reviews Rabbit put together quite a comprehensive buying guide for 3D pens.

What is the best 3D pen to buy?

A list will perfectly fit this question – and that depends on what you are using the 3D pen for. They say that one man’s meat is another man’s poison.

  • If you are an architect, go for the 3D Simo Kit
  • If you like multitasking, purchase the 3D Simo Multi Pro
  • If you are a kid, consider using the 3D Simo Basic 2
  • If you travel widely, the Lix pen is your go-to 3D pen
  • If you are a professional designer, go for the MYNT3D Pro printing pen
  • If you are looking to get started with 3D art without draining your pockets, think of the Dikale 07A
  • If you are a professional with a good foundation in 3D artistry, the 3Doodler Create+ best suits you.
  • If you are a creative adult with a desire to explore everything 3D, I recommend the AIO printing pen
  • If you are an absolute beginner, the CoLiDo 3D pen will start you off well
  • If art is your source of livelihood, order the Scribbler Duo asap.

Are 3D pens worth it?

Yes, they are more than worth it. When I first developed the urge to get into 3D printing, I read quite a lot of reviews on the best 3D printers in the market. My conclusion was that I needed more than 600 USD to obtain a reliable 3D printer. And that comes with added logistics of space and the like. Comparing that with the less than 100 USD needed for a high end 3D pen, it made me think twice. And on top of that, the 3D pen literally brings out the creativity in you – unlike the 3D printer which does much of the work for you. That is the reason I find 3D pens worth it.

Are 3D pens safe?

There are two major safety concerns regarding the use of 3D pens. The first one is the possibility of burning your fingers through touching the heated nozzle. The risk is especially higher with small kids whose heartbeat is simply exploring the unknown.

Another safety concern is the emission of fumes, especially with the ABS filaments. Experts have however rated these fumes as simply unpleasant, but not toxic. The filament can only produce toxic fumes when heated above a certain temperature range, which is not achievable with 3D pens.

How long do 3D pens last?

Look at your 3D pen as you would any other electronic device. The better you handle it, the longer it will last. One common problem with 3D pens is clogging of the nozzle. As such, pressing the advance button no longer drives the filament forward as should be. Good news is that this is a repairable defect.

To enhance the durability of your 3D pen, always allow it to cool down after using it continuously for about 20 minutes.