The three-dimensional pen is an amazing tool that turns drawing into magic, allowing you to create physical objects directly from the air. Many owners of this gadget face a creative stupor when the initial delight from the first lines ends, and the question arises: what can be done from a 3D pen easily and quickly, so as not to spoil the plastic and enjoy the result? The answer lies in the correct selection of start-up projects that do not require complex drawings, but give tangible results.
Unlike the professional 3D modelsManual drawing with plastic requires an understanding of the physics of material solidification and simple geometric shapes. It is important for beginners to focus on objects that can be created on the principle of a “designer” or by trimming ready-made templates. This allows you to hone the skill of controlling the speed of plastic supply and hand movement, without worrying about complex engineering calculations.
In this article, we will break down specific ideas that are ideal for the first steps in the world of additive drawing. You will learn what materials are better to choose, how to prepare the workplace and what crafts will be your first success, not a disappointment in the form of a curved blot.
Preparing for creativity: choosing plastic and setting
Before you start creating masterpieces, you need to deal with the “inks”. Mostly for 3D pen There are two types of plastic: ABS and PLA. For beginners, especially if there are children in the house, PLA plastic It is an uncontested choice. It is biodegradable, has no sharp odor when melted and freezes at lower temperatures, which reduces the risk of burns.
It is important to adjust the heating temperature correctly. If you use ABS plasticThe handle should be heated to 210-230 degrees, while for PLA It's 190-210 degrees. Incorrect setting will lead to the fact that the plastic will either flow spontaneously, or, conversely, get stuck in the plastic. nozzle instrument.
- 🎨 PLA plastic: It is ideal for decor, toys and jewelry, has a matte texture and a wide palette.
- 🛡️ ABS plastic: It is more durable and flexible, suitable for functional things, but requires good ventilation.
- 🌈 Gradient filaments: Plastic, which changes color in the process of drawing, perfectly hides irregularities of lines.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a 3D pen on unattended. The nozzle is heated to high temperatures, and accidental touch can cause burns or ignition of flammable items on the table.
It is also necessary to prepare the surface for painting. To create flat elements, it is best to use special Teflon-coated mats or ordinary parchment for baking. Plastic does not stick to them, which makes it easy to remove the finished part after cooling.
Simple jewelry and accessories with their own hands
The easiest thing to do with a 3D pen is to make a variety of jewelry. Bracelets, rings and pendants are created by drawing on a pre-prepared pattern or directly on the finger (using a thermal protection finger). This is a great way to experiment with color-combinations and texture.
To create a ring, draw a contour of the desired size on paper, put parchment on top and carefully circle the contour with plastic. After the first layer solidifies, you can add patterns, "silting" new lines to the base. The main thing is to give each layer a little time for the crystallizationSo that the structure doesn't float.
The earrings are particularly popular. They look complex, but technically consist of simple, repetitive elements. Use it. web-sweepingWhen a plastic thread is pulled between two fulcrum points, creating light and airy structures that do not weigh the product.
- 💍 Rings: are created by winding around a cylindrical base or by a pattern.
- 📿 Beads: You can make it hollow inside by drawing two hemispheres and holding them together, or you can make it whole by wrapping plastic on a foil ball.
- 🕶️ Frames: For sunglasses or pinsne – require an accurate calculation of the dimensions.
Don’t be afraid to combine materials. In the finished plastic decoration, you can melt beads, rhinestones or small metal parts. This will give the product a unique look and hide possible flaws in drawing lines.
Functional trifles for home and office
If you think about what can be made from a 3D pen easily and useful for everyday life, pay attention to small organizers and holders. Plastic can be given any shape, which allows you to create things that are ideally suited to specific tasks that cannot be solved by purchased analogues.
Like a headphone stand. Draw a curved leg and a round base, connect them with vertical stiffness ribs. This design will be lightweight, but strong enough to hold the weight of the headset. Use it to enhance strength. reinforcement corners and joints.
☑️ Checklist
Another useful idea is the repair of chips on plastic interior items. If your favorite toy broke off a part or a crack appeared on the plastic chair, a 3D pen will be a salvation. Pick up the plastic tone and gently fill the damaged area, creating new connections between the edges of the crack.
| Type of product | Recommended plastic | Difficulty | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spinner | PLA | Low. | 10-15 minutes |
| Phone stand | ABS | Medium | 30-40 minutes. |
| Repair of the cabinet handle | ABS (in colour) | Tall. | 20 minutes |
| Decorative vase | PLA (multicolored) | Medium | 60 minutes. |
Therefore, when creating them, it is worth making walls thicker than in decorative products, and avoiding too long spans of plastic without supports.
Creativity with children: simple figures and toys
For children, the 3D pen is a portal to the fantasy world, where painted characters come to life. The easiest way to start is to create flat figures, which can then be used as refrigerator magnets or elements for board games. Children can draw a hero, cut out the outline, and then circle it with a pen, creating a three-dimensional outline.
A great idea is to create a “live” mask for fingers. Draw the animal's face on paper, then create a cylinder that will be put on your finger, and attach a muzzle to it. It's developing. fine-motor And the child's spatial thinking.
Safety of children's games with 3D pen
While PLA plastic is considered safe, do not let children under 8 years of age work with the device unattended. Make sure that the child does not try to check the temperature of the nozzle with a finger and do not draw on the skin (even there is a special safe plastic, it is better to avoid direct contact with hot extrusion).
Children also love to create jewelry for their toys. You can make a horse saddle, a helmet for a robot, or wings for a dragon. This teaches the child not only to draw, but also to think engineering: how to fix the part so that it does not fall off at the first game.
- 🦄 Fantasy creatures: Unicorns, dragons, aliens – any form is welcome.
- 🍕 Toy food: Donuts, pizza, fruit - great for story-role-playing games.
- 🚗 Typewriter parts: Wheels, headlights, spoilers that can be attached to existing toys.
Encourage experimentation. If your child doesn’t get a straight line, suggest turning it into a wool or tree bark texture. There are no errors in 3D drawing, there are only new possibilities for decor.
Interior Decoration and Holiday Jewelry
3D pen allows you to create a unique decor, which is not found in stores. Garlands, Christmas toys, elements for the design of the photo zone - all this can be done with your own hands. Especially spectacular look openwork balls created by winding a plastic thread of an ordinary balloon.
The technique is simple: inflate the ball of the right size, lubricate it with oil (so that the plastic does not stick) or wrap it with a film, and chaotically wrap it with a thread. After solidification, the ball is blown away and carefully removed. It turns out a light, floating sphere that can be painted or left as it is.
To make a perfect replica of a small figure, use the 3D scanning method through the app on your smartphone, print the model (if you have a 3D printer) or simply use the figure as the basis for the trimming, having previously protected it with a layer of Vaseline.
For the festive table, you can create personalized cards for guests or decorative rings for napkins. Using metallizedYou can achieve the effect of expensive silver or gold, which will make the service truly festive.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid using 3D pen products to come into contact with hot meals or drinks. Plastic can deform when heated, and is not a food material in its pure form due to the porous structure where bacteria can accumulate.
On the eve of Halloween or New Year, you can create whole compositions: spiders, snowflakes, stars. Snowflakes are especially convenient for beginners as they are flat and symmetrical, allowing you to train your hand by drawing repetitive patterns.
Drawing technique and work with errors
Mastering a 3D pen takes time. The main difficulty is the coordination of the speed of movement of the hand and the speed of plastic supply. If you move your hand too quickly, the thread will be thin and intermittent; if too slowly, ugly ones will form. flooding.
There are two main ways of drawing: drawing in the air and drawing on the surface. To start, train on a horizontal surface, drawing simple geometric shapes: squares, circles, triangles. Then try to combine them into simple three-dimensional shapes, such as a cube.
The secret of success is constant movement. Do not hold the handle motionless over one point unless you want to create a thickening. Plastic should be laid down in a smooth, continuous thread.
What should I do if there is a mistake? While the plastic is hot, it can be gently tweezed and removed. If the error is detected after cooling, you can try to carefully cut off the excess blade or heat the error site with a hairdryer and smooth. Don’t be upset about the “snot” – the experience comes with the amount of plastic spent.
Use stencils. The Internet is full of ready-made schemes for 3D pens. Print them, put them in a file or cover with parchment and just drive the pen along the lines. This is the best way to understand how three-dimensional objects are built.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which plastic is best to choose for the first time?
For the first time, definitely choose. PLA plastic. It is eco-friendly, does not smell when melting, has a low melting point and forgives many novice mistakes. It is also available in a large number of bright colors.
Can I draw with a 3D pen directly on my skin?
There are special pens and plastics that allow you to draw on the skin, but you need to do this extremely carefully. Conventional handles are heated to 200+ degrees, which is guaranteed to cause a burn. Even with “safe” handles, it is not recommended to keep the extrusion in one place for a long time.
How to Remove the Smell of Plastic After Drawing?
If you use ABS plastic, the smell will always be present, as it is a refining product. Work in a ventilated room. PLA plastic has almost no smell, sometimes it can smell sweet or like hot corn oil.
What to do if the plastic stops coming out of the handle?
It was probably a clog or the plastic was gone. Try pressing the feedback button (if any) to pull out the residues and loading a new rod. Also check the temperature: it may be too low for this type of plastic.
Should I let the handle cool before turning off?
Yeah, that's an important rule. After the work is completed, press the off button, but do not pull the cord immediately. Let the handle cool for 2-3 minutes until the indicator goes out. This will prevent plastic from solidifying inside the mechanism and prolong the service life. heating-piece.