How to Use a 3D Pen: My Fun Guide

Getting Ready to Be a 3D Artist!

Ask a grown-up to help you plug in your 3D pen. The tip gets warm, so you have to be careful.

1. Pick your Color! My favorite part! You can pick a piece of plastic called “filament” in any color you want. I enjoy using bubble gum pink and clear colors for my creatures, and I also really like baby blue. If I’m making an animal, I use black for the nose and eyes.3D pens usually come with filament. If you run out, you can find some good deals on Amazon for 3D pen filament refills.
2. Load the pen! Your mom or dad can help you push the plastic string into the little hole at the back of the pen. It just slides right in.
3. I like to put my pen on PLA meaning polylatic acid.
4.  Heat it up: Now, push the button to heat up the pen. It takes a little while.
5. Once it gets warm, you will notice buttons like arrows. The arrow pointing down is the one you will press to start. The arrow pointing up helps take your plastic out. You can also adjust the speed of the pen to go slower or faster, depending on what you prefer. You should remember which button it is since it is the larger button on your pen. Your pen’s plastic should be free of bubbles. Most pens will also make a noise that sounds a bit like a whistle. Don’t worry if your pen makes a strange sound when the plastic is coming out; that is normal because the plastic is hot.

Time to Draw in the Air!

This is the really fun part!

• Hold your 3D pen just like you would hold your drawing pencil. Make sure it feels nice and comfy.
• When the light shows it’s ready, gently press the button that lets the plastic come out. Don’t push it too hard or too fast. Watch the plastic come out like a little noodle!
• Start on a 3D mat. It’s smart to start drawing flat on a special mat that you can order on Amazon, or even on a piece of paper, just to get used to it. Try drawing a simple shape, like a circle or a square.
• Once you feel good drawing flat, try to lift the pen a little as you draw.  You can make lines that stand up.

Ideas to Try!

Some great things to 3D print are coasters. Coasters are super simple to create. You can also make name tags to attach to items. I made a name tag for my dog’s toy basket.

I also love 3D printing butterflies and flowers because they are easy for beginners who use a pen for 3D printing. You can also create dogs, cats, or anything else! That’s the fun part about 3D printing; you can be really creative.

You could even 3D print picture frames with a photo of you and your best friend or make a special gift for your family. I have also created ear cuffs using 3D printing.

Just think of something fun, and try to make it.

These parts are super important.

1. The very tip of the pen gets HOT. Like, really, really hot. NEVER, ever touch it with your fingers! Only touch the plastic after it has come out and cooled.
2.  Always use your 3D pen with a parent nearby, especially when you’re just starting. They can help with plugging it in, loading plastic, and making sure you’re safe.
3.  It’s best to use your 3D pen near a window, so you don’t breathe in the plastic fumes.
4.  Sometimes your first tries won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. It takes lots of practice. Keep trying, and you’ll get so much better!

That’s how I use my 3D pen. It’s super fun and you can make almost anything. I hope you get to try one too. You’ll be making amazing stuff in no time. Have fun!