3Doodler Create+ 3D Pen Review

3Doodler Create+ is the newest 3D printing pen from 3Doodler. For those who don’t know, 3D printing pens use plastic filaments to draw physical designs, much like a portable 3D printer of sorts. Fun enough for kids to enjoy, they also have more creative applications for adults in art and design.

3Doodler 3D printing pens have been around in various guises for a few years, but the latest iterations have felt more complete, while retaining their fun nature. We tested Create+ and created this comprehensive review to help you make an informed decision.

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3Doodler Create+: design and features

Create+’s stylus (there are other versions for younger users and educational settings) is streamlined and doesn’t feel much larger than a standard marker pen. This is a huge improvement as previous versions felt somewhat unwieldy and heavy enough to cause some discomfort during longer doodling sessions.

It is very well built, with well placed buttons and a window that shows the mechanism for feeding the filament. When it comes to the kit, it is worth noting that the power cable, which needs to be connected (it is not a charger but a power supply) is a bit short. I would like to see a longer one, to reduce the extension clutter. That said, it fits well and is lightweight, reducing fatigue when drawing in the air!

The 3Doodler Create+ allows you to print/doodle with different materials and each one has a different use. PLA is pretty standard and is cheap and easy, while ABS is stronger and hardens faster. The third material, FLX, is similar to PLA but has a more flexible hardened state.

Part of the appeal of this package, aside from the integrity of the material, the included stylus and instructions, is the online element. While it’s hard to quantify something as game changing as a web-based selection of content, it’s really nice to see 3Doodler use the web to help its users, with plenty of videos, tutorials, and schematics, to help users get the most out of their experience. A little help can go a long way, but the real power here is the inspiring aspect of what can be achieved, from home makeovers to jewelry designs and 3D costumes.

3D Doodler Create+ Review: Performance

The 3Doodler allows you to draw on a surface that feels like thick paint, but then the fun begins as you can lift the tip into the air, creating a lattice or frame. This may not have the precision of a normal printer, but it is much more interactive and entertaining. There are templates to help you build different models, using the pen to solder parts. The Eiffel Tower is an obvious choice for a demonstration, but that doesn’t detract from the fun and sense of accomplishment. It’s fair to say this may be a test at first, as muscle memory isn’t there for most people, but the perseverance pays off.

Should you buy 3Doodler Create+?

This generation of the device is much easier to operate and produces good and fun results once you practice. The kit comes with more than enough different stuff to get you going, adding to both the enjoyment and the value.

This article was originally published on 3d worldthe world’s best-selling magazine for CG artists. Subscribe to 3D World (opens in a new tab).

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