Tips for using the 3D pen

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Tips for using the 3D pen

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

Tips for using the 3D pen

With these handy tips, you can immediately get started with your 3D pen. From finding stencils to storing the 3D pen; it's all covered!

Index

	Getting started with the 3D pen: the first use
	Practice with the 3D pen
	3D pen stencils search
	How do I find the right print temperature for the 3D pen?
	Remove or change 3D pen filament
	After use: store the 3D pen
	If it doesn't work: troubleshooting

Getting started with the 3D pen: the first use

In the box:

3D pen
Power adapter
Test-filament in 2 colours
Holder to place the pen in

Before you start, it is important to ensure a good workplace. The 3D pen gets very hot and you can't just put it down anywhere. Make sure that the holder stands firmly on the table and that you have a surface on which melted plastic can drip (not on the table itself!). For example, a sheet of paper is suitable for practice or alternatively a cutting board for more pleasant and professional experience.
Connect the power adapter to the top of the 3D pen. The 3D pen starts to warm up. When the warm-up is complete, push one end of one of the filament rolls into the opening at the top of the 3D pen and press the filament feed button. You will notice it automatically when the pen pulls the filament in. Now the warm, soft plastic will come out of the tip within a minute and you can start drawing. We recommend using a medium speed when feeding filament, so that this is done in a controlled manner.

Tips:

Make sure that the first piece of plastic adheres well to the surface by holding the pen still for a while.
Make sure the pen tip is never blocked. So keep the tip a little bit away from the surface (otherwise the tip may clog).
There are 2 print modes. Press the button once for continuous mode; the pen will now continue until you press the button again. Press the button twice for the short print mode, you have to keep the button pressed the second time. As soon as you release the button, the pen will stop.

Practice with the 3D pen

As a first project, we recommend starting with a flat drawing. After all, it takes some getting used to the way of drawing with a 3D pen. This way you can immediately try out different speeds.
It can be useful to put a simple drawing on paper with a pencil. A beautiful, decorated letter is also a nice first project. You can then trace this with the 3D pen. Keep the tip of the 3D pen close to the paper, but do not place the tip completely against it. The melted plastic must always be able to run freely from the tip. Was the first drawing successful and have you mastered the operation of the pen? Try putting different flat parts together, creating a 3D object. Then practice drawing in the air.

3D pen stencils search

You can of course think of what you draw yourself, but there are also ready-made 3D pen stencils available. This makes it easy to create something impressive. You can search for templates and then easily trace it to create something fun, for example the Eiffel Tower or a windmill. Tip: use tracing paper to trace the template. It is easier to peel the hardened plastic off the tracing paper than from regular paper.

View all 3D pen stencils here

How do I find the right print temperature for the 3D pen?

The 3D pen PRO has 2 temperature settings. These are shown in the pen display as PLA and ABS. These abbreviations refer to two different materials. The temperature of PLA is lower than the temperature of ABS.

For standard colours 3D pen filling, use the PLA temperature (= lower)
For transparent colours 3D pen filling use the ABS temperature (= higher)

This is how you recognize a print temperature that is too low (switch to ABS temperature):

The plastic has not completely melted
The plastic is very sticky
The filament gets stuck in the pen and does not come out of the pen nib

This is how you recognize a print temperature that is too high (switch to the PLA temperature):

Can't draw lines
Your project is collapsing
The 3D pen makes a crackling sound

A lower temperature means that the filament comes out of the pen less molten. If the melted plastic is too soft (or even completely liquid), then drawing becomes difficult. In this case, switch to the PLA position for a lower temperature.

Remove or change 3D pen filament

After a while, you'll want to switch the colour you're drawing with. You have to take out the filament that is in the 3D pen and then put the new colour in it. How do you do that?

Make sure the 3D pen is warmed up properly (this will prevent broken filament).
Press and hold the filament output button (back arrow) for 3 seconds.
The motor in the pen starts to rattle and pushes the filament back.
Gently pull on the end of the filament until you can easily pull it out.
Press the run button again to stop the motor.
Cut the used filament straight so that the thinner end is completely off.
You can now insert the new filament with the filament feed button, starting with a straight cut.

Note: Do not completely use up a piece of filament, but make sure that at least a small piece sticks out of the back of the 3D pen. This way you can always easily remove the filament.

After use: store the 3D pen

Always remove the filament from the 3D pen before storing the pen, even if you want to continue with the same colour next time. It is not good for the 3D pen if the filament cools and hardens while it is in the pen. After removing the filament, cut the end straight at the point where the filament returns to its normal thickness. Let the 3D pen cool completely before putting it back in the box.

If it doesn't work: troubleshooting

It is not possible to draw lines in the air

Firstly, ensure good adhesion to the substrate (cutting mat, paper, or better: tracing paper). When the filament is well attached to the substrate, you can slowly move the pen upwards. Does the filament collapse? Then follow the solutions below.

Solution 1: Lower the print temperature
When the temperature is set too high, the filament comes out of the 3D pen too liquidy. As a result, the filament solidifies less quickly and therefore collapses faster. Adjust the temperature with the arrows next to the LCD display.
Solution 2: Set to a different material
Are you using the ABS setting and is the temperature already set to its lowest (arrow down no longer has any effect)? Then you can restart the pen and switch to PLA. With the choice of material 'PLA' you can opt for lower temperatures.
Solution 3: Slower movements
It is important to move the 3D pen with slow movements, so that the filament has time to cool down and harden. Especially when you go into the air from the paper (for example a line straight up), it is important not to go too fast. After stopping, hold the pen still for a moment before pulling it away.

Finally: Practice makes perfect! The first project may not be exactly what you envisioned, but by continuing to try you will get a better sense of which movement produces the best results.

View the manual of the 3D pen PRO here

Do you have another question?

Have you not been able to find the answer to your question in the overview above? At 123-3D.co.uk we are busy with 3D printing every day and we like to follow every development. We are happy to share the knowledge and experience that we have built up over the years with you in our 3D printing help centre!
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Tips for using the 3D pen

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

Tips for using the 3D pen

Getting started with the 3D pen: the first use

Practice with the 3D pen

3D pen stencils search

How do I find the right print temperature for the 3D pen?

Remove or change 3D pen filament

After use: store the 3D pen

If it doesn't work: troubleshooting

Do you have another question?

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My 123-3D.co.uk

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Tips for using the 3D pen

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

Tips for using the 3D pen

Getting started with the 3D pen: the first use

Practice with the 3D pen

3D pen stencils search

How do I find the right print temperature for the 3D pen?

Remove or change 3D pen filament

After use: store the 3D pen

If it doesn't work: troubleshooting

Do you have another question?