Modern creative technologies have made great strides, turning drawing from a flat process into a three-dimensional art. The question of how to use a 3D pen worries not only children, but also professional designers, architects and engineers who are looking for quick ways to visualize ideas. The video format of training has become an indispensable tool here, allowing you to see in real time the movements of the master’s hands and understand the principles of constructing three-dimensional objects.
Unlike traditional manuals, video instructions demonstrate the feed speed, angle of the tool, and even the beeps of the device, which is critical for a beginner. You'll learn to feel the plastic, know when it's ready to extrude, and avoid common mistakes like clogged nozzles or uneven layer distribution.
In this article we will analyze all stages of work, from choosing the first filament to creating complex geometric shapes, based on the best practices of video bloggers and engineers. You'll find out why temperature regime more important than the speed of drawing, and how to properly prepare the workplace so that the creative process is not interrupted by technical problems.
Selection of equipment and preparation of the workplace
Before you start your first training video, you need to choose the right tool. The market offers two main types of devices: FDM pens, working with melting plastic, and SLA handles, using a photopolymer resin that hardens under ultrafilane. For most users, especially beginners, FDM models such as 3Doodler Start or MyRiwell, which are safer and easier to maintain.
Video reviews often miss an important point - surface preparation. The plastic needs to cling to something, so using a special mat or regular masking tape makes removing the finished product much easier. If you plan to draw directly on paper or cardboard, make sure the material is heat-resistant, otherwise it will warp from the hot nozzle.
Space organization also plays a key role. The work area should be well lit, as small details require concentrated vision. In addition, it is necessary to ensure ventilation, especially when working with ABS plastic, which emits a specific odor when melting.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the 3D pen turned on and unattended on flammable surfaces such as cloth tablecloths or paper napkins. A hot nozzle can instantly burn through the material and cause a fire.
For comfortable learning, it is recommended to install the video playback device (tablet or smartphone) at eye level so that you do not have to constantly lean towards the screen, distracting yourself from the drawing process. This will maintain your posture and allow you to better control the trajectory of your hand.
Setting the temperature and filling the plastic
The key point in any video tutorial is the demonstration of temperature settings. Each type of plastic has a different melting point, and an incorrect setting will result in either a clog or the material being too runny. For PLA plastic the optimal temperature range is considered to be 190–220°C, while ABS requires heating to 230–245°C.
The refueling process also has its own nuances. In most models, you must first warm up the nozzle before inserting the filament. If you try to push the plastic into a cold device, the extruder mechanism may break or the plastic will get stuck halfway. Videos often show experienced users applying light pressure on the feed button to help the plastic be caught by the gears.
- 🌡️ Set the temperature according to the markings on the plastic reel.
- 🔌 Wait for the ready indicator (usually the blinking LED becomes permanent).
- 🧵 Insert the plastic all the way and press the extrusion button.
- 💨 Squeeze out a small piece of plastic to ensure even flow.
It is important to understand that feed speed material is also adjustable. To create thin lines and openwork patterns, the speed is reduced, and to fill large volumes or create “legs” for figures, the speed is increased. Some advanced models, e.g. 3Doodler Pro+, allow you to configure this setting manually.
If the plastic comes out jerkily or with bubbles, try lowering the temperature by 5-10 degrees. This often solves the problem of material boiling inside the channel.
Pay attention to the color of the indicator on your device. In models with a display, everything is clear, but in budget versions it is the color of the LED that indicates the status: red means heating, green means ready. Ignoring this signal is a common cause of frustration among beginners.
Drawing technique: from 2D to 3D
Learning to work with a 3D pen always starts with two-dimensional drawings. Video instructors advise first drawing the outline of the figure on paper, and then tracing it with plastic, pressing the pen perpendicular to the surface. This allows you to create a strong frame, which will subsequently be raised into the third dimension.
After creating flat elements, it’s time for magic - combining them into a three-dimensional object. The cooling time of the plastic is critical here. If you try to connect the parts too early, they will become warped; if it's too late, the seam will be weak. The ideal moment is when the plastic is still warm, but no longer stretches like chewing gum.
| Seam type | Performance technique | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Spot welding | Brief touch at the junction point | Fixing small parts |
| Linear seam | Extending a line along a joint | Connecting the faces of cubes and houses |
| Filling | Zigzag movements | Creating Continuous Surfaces |
| Building up | Drawing in the air from the base | Creating Vertical Supports |
Technique "drawing in the air" requires special skill. You need to move your hand slowly and steadily, giving the plastic time to harden immediately after leaving the nozzle. Video tutorials show that resting the little finger or the edge of the palm on a ready-made part of the structure helps stabilize the hand.
⚠️ Attention: Do not blow on the plastic to speed up its cooling. A sharp change in temperature can make the material brittle and cause delamination of the structure in the future.
With practice, you will notice that the angle of the pen affects the thickness of the line. When positioned vertically, the line is thinner and more precise; when positioned vertically, it is wider and suitable for filling areas. Experiment with angles to find your style.
☑️ Ready for 3D drawing
Working with different types of plastic
Understanding the properties of materials is what separates the amateur from the professional. PLA (polylactide) Made from renewable raw materials such as corn starch. It is biodegradable, has a sweet smell when melted and is ideal for children's toys and decor. However, PLA is afraid of high temperatures: a figurine left in a car in the summer may “float”.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the same material that Lego pieces are made from. It is stronger, more flexible and heat-resistant, but it releases styrene during printing, so work requires good ventilation. Video instructions for working with ABS often show the use of special chambers or hoods.
- 🌿 PLA: low melting point, odorless, biodegradable.
- 🏗️ ABS: high strength, impact resistance, requires ventilation.
- 🧊 PCL: melts at 60°C (can be used with children), very flexible.
- ✨ Hybrid plastics: with the addition of wood, metal or glow in the dark.
There are also composite filaments containing particles of wood, bronze or even glow-in-the-dark additives. They require a wider nozzle (typically 1.5mm and above) as particulates can get stuck in the standard 0.7mm diameter channel.
When changing the color or type of plastic, it is necessary to carry out the procedure purging. To do this, a special cleaning filament or simply a piece of new plastic is passed through the handle until a uniform color comes out of the nozzle without any admixtures of the old material.
What to do if the plastic is stuck inside?
If the filament is stuck, never forcefully pull it when it is cold - this will break the gears. Heat the handle to the operating temperature of the plastic, gently twist the stuck piece with pliers (through the cloth so as not to get burned) and try to pull it out or push it further.
Tool Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Even experienced users experience device malfunctions. The most common problem is a clogged nozzle. This happens if the plastic has cooled inside the channel or poor quality material with foreign impurities has been used. Repair video tutorials often demonstrate the “cold pull” method: the plastic is heated, then allowed to cool slightly and suddenly pulled out, dragging debris with it.
Feed mechanism jamming is often caused by broken gears or plastic chips getting into the mechanism. Regularly cleaning the grip area with compressed air or a small brush will help prevent this problem. It is also worth monitoring the spring tension of the clamping mechanism.
If the handle stops heating, but the indicator is on, the heating element or temperature sensor may have failed. In cheap models, repairs are often not economically feasible; it is easier to buy a new one. In expensive models such as 3Doodler Pro, elements are replaceable.
⚠️ Attention: Before any cleaning of the mechanical part, be sure to unplug the device. Touching electrical contacts with wet tools or hands may result in electric shock.
To extend service life, use only high-quality plastic from trusted brands. Cheap filament with an uneven diameter (tolerance greater than 0.05 mm) creates jerks during feeding and wears out the extruder faster.
Project ideas and skill development
After mastering the basic techniques, a world of limitless creativity will open before you. Start with simple geometric shapes: cubes, pyramids, cones. By connecting them, you can create houses, robots and fantasy creatures. Video platforms are filled with tutorials on how to create keychains, jewelry, and even functional household items.
Architects use 3D pens to create quick mock-ups of buildings during discussions with clients. Clothing designers are experimenting with creating three-dimensional decorative elements on fabric. Engineers can quickly repair a broken plastic gear or drawer handle by choosing the right color of plastic.
To develop your skills, try repeating the complex works of masters presented on social networks. Analyze how they build the frame, where they leave holes for air to escape, and how they mask the joints of the layers. The secret of professionals lies not in speed, but in the ability to plan the design before the first press of the button.
Regular practice and experimentation at different speeds and temperatures is the only way to create complex and durable 3D objects.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. 3D printing is unique in that mistakes often become part of the design or a new experience. Collect your failed attempts in a “mistake museum” so that you can see progress in the future.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can a 3D pen be used by children?
Yes, but with restrictions. For children under 8 years of age, it is recommended to use low melting point pens (working with PCL plastic), such as 3Doodler Start. They don't burn your hands. Working with regular pens should be strictly under adult supervision due to the risk of burns and inhalation of fumes.
How long does it take to charge the 3D pen battery?
Charging time depends on the battery capacity and usually ranges from 40 to 90 minutes. Autonomous operation without recharging lasts on average 30-50 minutes of continuous drawing. For long sessions, it is recommended to work from the network.
Why doesn't plastic stick to surfaces?
This can happen for several reasons: the nozzle temperature is too low, the surface is dirty, or the hand speed is too high. Try lowering the pen a little, almost touching the paper, and slow down the speed.
Which plastic is best for beginners?
Definitely PLA. It does not require high temperatures, does not smell when melted, is biodegradable and is available in a huge number of colors. It forgives many beginner mistakes associated with setting the temperature.
Is it possible to refill the pen with plastic from another manufacturer?
Yes, most pens are universal and accept 1.75mm filament from any brand. The main thing is that the plastic is of high quality and has an even diameter along the entire length of the reel.