3D Pen Ideas: 11 Interesting Options to Try
The 3D pen is used for the same purpose as other devices; it produces 3D objects by heating the plastic filament and forcing it through an extruder. The process of making 3D objects by using this pen is very simple. You just need a liquid plastic filament which can be PLA or ABS, and this can be pushed through the extruder of your pen. It works like a glue gun.
After melting this to the required melting point, the only thing that remains is molding it to the desired shape and painting it and letting the object cool down. These 3D pens are not as sophisticated as the 3D printer but can be effectively used for creating simple designs. For creating 3D objects with the help of a 3D printer STL file is required but creating a file using a 3D pen is a manual process. 3D templates or stencils are used to make the drawing easier.
Using 3D pens is a fun activity, but some ideas for using 3D pens are challenging. Animals, flowers, vehicles and other objects can be created using 3D pens. In this article, we will discuss some of the best 3D pen ideas.
1. Handmade Jewelry
Making handmade jewelry using 3D Pen: Image Source: youtube.com
3D pen jewelry is one kind of jewelry piece that is fascinating to all. There are traditional jewelry-making techniques, but they cannot create intricate details and patterns, which is possible by using a 3D pen. You can add any personalized details, such as initials, names, or dates, to your jewelry by using the 3D pen. Also, this 3D pen jewelry is relatively inexpensive and easy to make.
2. T-Rex skeleton
T-Rex skeleton using 3D Pen: Image Source: reddit.com
The T-Rex skeleton can also be made by using the 3D pen. This template has many details as you need to draw 21 pieces to create the whole skeleton. Some free drawing is required on the skull, spine, and other parts of the body. You can get the template PDF, in which the maker gives all the detailed instructions for making the skeleton. It's a little bit challenging to create.
3. Puppy
Make puppy using 3D Pen: Image Source: learn.the3doodler.com
This template for the 3D pen is used to create a very cute puppy. To enhance the visual appeal, you can use many colors for your dog. In the template, you can only get the 2D details like the dog’s face and outline of its body. So here you are free to draw the third dimension of the dog which is its width. This is also medium- hard to create by using the 3D pen.
4. Artwork and wall painting
Artwork and wall painting using 3D Pen: Image Source: pintrest.com
Using the 3D pen, you can add texture and dimensions to the picture. You just have to outline the design with the help of a 3D pen and then fill in the color. Details like stripes, polka dots, or even words can be added to the drawing by using this 3D pen. As you can see from all angles, the 3D pen can create truly unique art.
If you are an artist and love painting your wall, this art piece created using the 3D pen is for you. By adding dimensions and depth to your picture you can bring it to life. This looks more realistic and closer to the real things. 3D pen art is a great way to show your creative side. If you want to do some unique task, then go for the 3D pen.
5. Bird Feeder
Making Bird Feeder using 3D Pen: Image Source: learn.the3doodler.com
This is a great outdoor project that helps to keep the birds in the backyard very happy. This template has twenty-five different parts, and some of them need to be made multiple times. The best thing about this 3D model is that no free drawing is necessary, and all 25 parts should match. This is a simple template for 3D printing using a 3D pen.
6. Mobile Phone Stands
Making Mobile phone stands using 3D Pen: Image Source: gadgetsin.com
If you want to design a fancy phone stand, you don't need a 3D printer. You can simply do it with the help of a 3D pen. The best material used for the phone stand is ABS filament. The stand is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your phone and flexible enough to be used in various situations without worrying about bending or breaking anything. You can simply use the 3D pen to draw any shape for the mobile stand.
7. Propeller Airplane
Making Propeller Airplane using 3D Pen: Image Source: youtube.com
This propeller airplane model can be kept on a desk or bookshelf. It involves 14 different parts. The template for this model is 2D, and it does not cover all the design features; hence, a free drawing is needed for some parts. Most of its parts fit well together. It’s not that difficult to create this model.
8. Keychain
Make a Keychain using a 3D Pen: Image Souce: pinshape.com
Keychains can be designed effectively by using the 3D pen as you can add some details to it. By using a pen you can create any design you want, such as simple, geometric, organic, or more complex. 3D pens allow you to create a pen in any color or combination of colors as you can imagine. These 3D keychains are extremely durable and long-lasting. Your 3D pen keychain will last for many years.
9. Submarine
Submarine 3D Pen Stand: Image Source: cgtrader.com
You can use this 3D-printed submarine to decorate the fish tank or as a pen stand. This 3D pen template allows you to draw your submarine. This template has seven parts that need to be made a few times. For this, you have to make the cylindrical body of the submarine, and the maker provided some information.
10. Card Holder
If you are using many devices at the same time and have wires on your table, it is very tedious to handle these charging cables. They may get mixed, so you can use this card holder to keep the cable in its place. A basic template is necessary for this model, and the third dimension is necessary for making this design.
11. Picture Frame
Making Picture Frame Using 3D Pen: Image Source: youtube.com
What’s there in the picture without a picture frame? If you don’t have a way to safely display your photo, then use this template to create a picture frame using a 3D pen. In this template, three different frame designs, frame stands, and a few corners are included. You can design the template according to the size of your photo.
Best 3D Modeling Software
If you find it hard to use a 3D pen to create your 3D models, you can use an easy to use 3D design software like SelfCAD. SelfCAD has been designed for both beginners and professionals. It comes with tools for creating 3D models from scratch like drawing and sketching, image to 3D model for turning images to 3D models. It also comes with various 3D shapes that you can modify to create the intended design. You can the powerful 3D sculpting brushes to modify your designs based on your requirements.
You can also import STL files and edit them, as shown in the video below.
If you have 3D scans that you would like to modify, you can also import them to SelfCAD and edit as per your needs. For example, you can import and replace wrapped texts in a 3D scanned object, as shown below.
To prepare your designs for 3D printing, SelfCAD comes with the magic fix that you can use to clean up your meshes and also ensure that it is manifold. The video below shows how SelfCAD magic fix tool works.
SelfCAD also comes with its own in-built online slicer that you can use to slice your designs and get the G-code to send to your 3D printer. The video below shows how to slice 3D models in SelfCAD.
Limitless Potential of a Modern-Day Creative Tool: The Versatile 30 Pen!
The 3D pen is an interesting tool that allows users to bring their creative ideas to life in three dimensions. With its precision and ease of use, this innovative device opens up a world of possibilities for artists, designers, and hobbyists alike. Whether you are looking to prototype a new product, create intricate sculptures, or simply unleash your imagination, the 3D pen is a must-have tool for anyone interested in pushing the boundaries of traditional art and design.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.