The best 3D-printing pens are safe, ergonomic, easy and fun to use. So, if your child is interested in creating objects in 3D, but you’re not quite ready to jump into a beginner level 3D printer due to the cost and complexity, there are still plenty of great options on the market.
In this post, we’ll take you through 5 of our favorite 3D printing pens that are suitable and designed for children. We’ll also cover the key aspects you should look for in our quick buyer’s guide towards the end.
Let’s get started.
Best 3D Pens for Kids
- MYNT3D Junior2 3D Pen for Kids– Best Introductory Pen
- 3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen– Best Premium Choice
- 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen– Best Heatless
- MYNT3D Super 3D Pen– Most Versatile
- SCRIB3D Advanced 3D Printing Pen– Best for Older Children
5 of the Best 3D Pens for Kids
Here are five of the best 3D pens available for kids. These pens allow your kids to create in 3D but do it safely at the same time.
MYNT3D Junior2 3D Pen for Kids – Best Beginner Level Pen for Kids
![MYNT3D Junior2 3D Pen for Kids [2020 Model] Child Safe Low Temperature Printing Pen (NOT Compatible with ABS/PLA)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5101DwHxMiL._SL500_.jpg "MYNT3D Junior2 3D Pen for Kids [2020 Model] Child Safe Low Temperature Printing Pen (NOT Compatible with ABS/PLA)")
Price: $
Filament Type(s): PCL
We adore children for their small hands and tiny features, but sometimes those characteristics make gripping a bit harder. If you need a 3D printing pen that your child can hold firmly, check out the MYNT3D Junior2 3D pen for kids. It’s a bit chunky, but when it comes to gripping power, your kids will be all over it.
The ergonomic design of this 3D pen for kids doesn’t stop at the rather large body. The entire pen itself is oversized, which allows little hands a tactile advantage. The slim waist gives tiny fingers something to grip, while the broad base and tip add stability for those learning how to balance.
This particular 3D printing pen features a low-temperature nozzle that’s sealed. This prevents gooping and clogging during important printing procedures. It’s battery powered but charges with a micro USB. When nap time comes around, this pen will charge until the next creative session comes around.
The 3Dsimo Basic2 uses 1.75 millimeter PCL filament. It’s important to know that this pen isn’t compatible with PLA or ABS.
However, the pen does come with a user manual, three rolls of PCL to get you started, starter stencils, and the USB charging cable.
After the first charge, your kids will be printing in no time.
3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing Pen – Best Premium Option
Price: $$
Filament Type(s): PLA, ABS, and Flexy Plastic
Spending a bit more when it comes to 3D printing pens doesn’t mean you’ll be breaking the bank. Especially when there’s so much more to be had with this particular 3D printing pen. Those extra few dollars will go a long way in enriching your child’s experience.
Accompanied by a stencil book and getting started guide, this best premium 3D pen for kids connects with an app. Use this app to follow the stencil section and interactive instructions to make the most of your experience. You can also find inspiration to help your child create their own designs.
The dual drive within this 3D printing pen allows for greater speed control and optimized temperature control. Setting the speed of the filament feed helps to make the most of the cooling process. This is true for controlling the temperature as well.
3Doodler includes 15 free colors of plastic with this particular pen. This pen is compatible with PLA, ABS, and Flexy Plastic, so you won’t have to worry about searching for exclusive filaments. There are 70 color possibilities available, so you can decorate, fix, and hack almost anything.
3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D Pen – Best Heatless
Price: $
Filament Type(s): PCL
It’s possible to print in 3D without heat with the 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D pen. Meant for children six years of age and older, this pen is a great addition to your child’s creative toolbox if you’re looking to create without the danger of heat.
This 3D pen for kids uses no hot parts in extruding filament. The refined extrusion gears prevent any clogging. The pen begins to work as soon as you insert the filament. This particular pen uses 2.5 millimeter PCL plastic filament.
To work the 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D pen, simply click once to start the flow of filament. Then, click once more to stop it. After you’re finished doodling, double click the pen to reverse the filament, allowing you to remove it to safe for next time. Plus, it charges in less than 30 minutes.
The 3Doodler Start+ Essentials 3D pen comes with a DoodlePad, DoodleMat, 48 strands of filament in various colors, an activity guide, and of course a micro USB charger. There are also free stencils and templates online to help your child start creating.
MYNT3D Super 3D Pen – Best Versatile
Price: $
Filament Type(s): ABS, PLA
Want the best 3D pen for kids that’s just as creative as your child? The MYNT3D Super 3D Pen handles playtime indoors and out, plus it offers the availability to change between PLA and ABS plastic. These are just a few reasons why we chose it as our versatile pick for the best 3D pens for kids.
Another reason this pen is so versatile is that it integrates a temperature adjustment screw to allow you to switch between PLA and ABS filaments. Many crafters find PLA the easiest to print, but ABS filaments can be very sturdy as well. The pen accepts either filament in 1.75 millimeter sizes.
MYNT3D integrated a stepless speed slider so you can achieve the perfect extrusion speed. Simply adjust the slider to your desired speed and continue creating. A faster speed will work best for building up layers while a slow speed generally supports more intricate work.
Finally, the ultrasonic sealed nozzle provides durability and worry-free use when it comes to clogging. Nothing’s worse than having to deal with a glob of filament on the end of your child’s 3D pen, especially when they’re in the middle of creating. The MYNT3D helps you avoid that problem altogether.
SCRIB3D Advanced 3D Printing Pen – Best for Older Children
Price: $
Filament Type(s): PLA, ABS
One of the first things you’ll notice about this particular 3D pen is the LCD screen. This allows you to monitor both the temperature and settings. It also helps in unloading and loading filament. A red light means the pen is warming up while an automatic sleep timer turns it off after five minutes of inactivity.
Besides the LCD screen, this 3D printing pen can print both ABS and PLA at eight different speeds. The ergonomic design and soft touch surfaces make drawing a pleasant experience. Plus, there’s a stencil book and project guide to help your child on their journey to create 3D printed memories.
To work this 3D printing pen, simply double click the forward button to start feeding filament. Once you see filament on the tip of the pen, click again to stop the flow. Click the button once more to begin drawing and once after that to stop. The reverse button is there when you’re finished with your design; the filament retracts by holding down this button until it’s free.
Guide to Buying 3D Pens for Kids
You research products before you buy them for yourself, but you probably take especially good care to review anything you buy for your children. As you review the choices we’ve picked above, keep the following characteristics in mind. These features may help you narrow down your choices to investing in the best 3D pens for kids.
Safety
We all want to keep our kids safe, especially when it comes to tools that involve temperature. Some of the 3D pens we’ve listed do heat up in order to partially melt the plastic filament they extrude. At the same time, there are pens that won’t heat up as well. If heat is a worry of yours when it comes to 3D pens, be sure to look for those without a heating element.
Overall Ease of Use
When you’re looking for a 3D pen for your child, consider options that start up quickly and don’t require much in the way of a learning curve. The faster they can start creating, the happier they’ll be. Easy-to-use 3D pens are typically self-explanatory when it comes to function. Minimal buttons that are clear about what they do work best. Have a look at these easy 3D printing pen ideas for some more inspiration.
Ergonomic Design
As adults, we’ve known for years how to hold something in our hands. But while it might be second nature to us, it’s not as easy for children. As you shop for the best 3D pen for kids, consider the little hands that will be putting it to work.
An ergonomic 3D pen has curves and squishy components to feel good in the hand. The design should promote being held for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours at a time. The best 3D pens should accommodate a tiny grip for smaller hands.
Fun, Durable, and Lightweight Materials
For many children, a 3D pen could mean the difference between struggling with crayons to draw what they see in their mind and creating a three-dimensional object. The best 3D pens for kids incorporate a fun design with vivid colors to promote creativity before the pen even turns on.
As it is with anything that goes near a child, the best 3D pens for kids also sport durable components. These pens should also be lightweight so that a smaller hand (and tinier muscles) can support the pen while using it without tiring out too soon.
Long Battery Life
The best 3D pens for kids entertain the creative mind for anywhere from two to four hours. Your child may not use the pen for that long at a time, but it’s always good to have it that way just in case.
Along with a long battery life, the best 3D pens for kids should also charge relatively quickly. In the case that your child does want to use the 3D pen the entire day, a short charge time can happen during lunch or snack break. Then, it’s time to get back to creating.
Smooth Function
Knowing that the 3D pen works by feeding plastic at a specific rate, you’ll want to consider 3D pens that feed smoothly and have an anti-clogging nozzle of some sort. A smooth feed rate ensures your child’s designs come out well in the best possible circumstances. Having to deal with a clogged nozzle that ruins a child’s artwork is not exactly the makings of a good day, so keep these features in mind as you search for the best 3D pens for kids.
Compatibility
The best 3D pens for kids don’t restrict themselves to a certain type of plastic filament. There are certain brands that require their pens to use a particular type of filament. However, having the ability to change between filaments can make using a 3D pen a more fulfilling experience.
Before you purchase a 3D pen for your child, consider what filaments you prefer. Also consider where you can purchase these filaments. Common filaments are available online from a variety of vendors, in a myriad of colors as well.
Our Verdict
To recap, if you’re looking for an inexpensive pen with basic features so your child can start creating 3D objects, our first pick (the MYNT Junior) is a good pick. If you want to something with more features, resin compatibility and battery life, the Create+ from 3Doodler is a better choice. Finally, for more advanced users or older children, check out the Scrib3D.
Hopefully you’ve found this article on the best 3D pens for kids useful in your search for a way to bring creativity to your child’s life. These 3D printing pens make great Christmas and birthday gifts.
What will you and your children create with a 3D printing pen?
