As a mom of an elementary school student, I’m constantly on the lookout for fun and educational activities to keep my child engaged. Recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating tool that has captured both my child’s imagination and mine: the 3D pen. In this blog post, I’ll share with you what a 3D pen is, the appropriate age for using it, and how it can benefit your child’s creativity and cognitive development. Additionally, I’ll provide some essential factors to consider when buying a 3D pen for your little artist, along with a few recommendations for great options on the market.
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What Is A 3D Pen?
A 3D pen is a unique device that allows your child to create three-dimensional objects by drawing in the air. Think of it as a magical pen that extrudes melted plastic, which quickly solidifies, enabling your child to build intricate and tangible creations. It’s like bringing their wildest dreams to life right in front of their eyes!
Age For 3D Pens
3D pens are typically recommended for children aged 8 and above. However, it’s important to note that children’s abilities and interests can vary (Some 3D pens are made for 6+) , so the age range can be somewhat flexible. Every child is different, so it’s essential to consider your child’s fine motor skills, ability to follow instructions, and maturity level before introducing them to a 3D pen. Younger children may require more supervision and assistance when using a 3D pen, while older children can generally use it with greater independence. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety instructions provided with the 3D pen to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for children.
How 3D Pens Can Be Beneficial To Kids
3D pens are a fantastic tool for kids with many benefits. Here are the main advantages:
- Boosting creativity and fine motor skills: Kids can easily draw and create 3D objects, using their imagination to bring ideas to life. This improves their creativity and artistic talents, while also developing their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Hands-on learning: 3D pens provide a practical learning experience where children can try various techniques and materials, helping them understand shapes, structures, and spatial reasoning practically, while igniting curiosity.
- STEAM education: 3D pens are closely related to STEAM education, particularly in the fields of design, engineering, and architecture, as they introduce core STEAM concepts.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking: Using a 3D pen requires planning, critical thinking, and the ability to overcome challenges, which, in turn, develops and promotes a growth mindset and analytical skills.
- Spatial visualization and geometry: 3D pens improve spatial visualization skills, helping kids understand 3D shapes and geometry concepts, such as angles and proportions.
- Self-expression and confidence-building: With 3D pens, kids can express their creativity and individuality by creating unique designs. This boosts their confidence and self-esteem, encouraging artistic exploration.
- Introduction to 3D printing technology: 3D pens serve as a fun introduction to 3D printing. Kids manually create 3D objects, sparking interest in further exploring this fascinating technology.
In summary, 3D pens are engaging and educational tools that promote creativity, problem-solving, spatial visualization, and STEAM skills in children. They provide an accessible way for kids to experiment with 3D drawing and unleash their artistic potential.
Things To Consider When Buying A 3D Pen For Kids:
3D pens come in various designs to cater to different user needs, including safety considerations for children. Here are some things to consider when buying a 3D pen for kids.
- Safety and Filament: Look for 3D pens with low-temperature tips designed for children. These pens operate at lower temperatures, reducing the risk of burns and ensuring safe use. These types of pens are often limited to using low-temperature filament types like PCL (Polycaprolactone), which is a biodegradable and non-toxic material that can be safely handled by children.
- Adjustable Temperature Settings: Some 3D pens use higher temperatures but offer adjustable temperature settings. This feature provides more control and versatility. With adjustable temperature, you can use a wide range of filament materials like PLA and ABS for different projects.
- Consider the User’s Age and Experience: For younger or beginner users, pens with low-temperature tips and limited filament options are safer and more appropriate. Older or experienced kids can benefit from pens with adjustable temperature settings, enabling them to create intricate designs with various filaments.
- Ease of use: Choose a 3D pen that is user-friendly and easy for kids to handle. Look for lightweight and ergonomic designs that are comfortable to hold and control.
- Filament loading and maintenance: Check if the pen offers easy filament loading and has mechanisms to prevent jams. Also, consider how easy it is to replace or clean the filament.
- Power source: Decide whether a wired connection, battery-powered, or rechargeable pen suits your child’s preference and convenience.
- Additional accessories: Some pens come with stencils, templates, or project ideas to inspire creativity, which can be helpful, especially for beginners.
By considering these factors, you can find a 3D pen that is safe, easy to use, and suitable for your child’s creative endeavors.
3D Pens For Kids
Here are some recommended 3D pens for kids:
3Doodler Start+ Essentials (2023) 3D Pen Set for Kids
- Safety features: This 3D pen is designed with no hot parts, safe for kids aged 6+. Pen nozzle and plastic can be touched with no burn risks. It uses only the safe 3Doodler Start plastic filaments. It also has safety stand-by mode.
- Filament compatibility:The 3Doodler Start+ 3D Pen is only compatible with the 3Doodler Start plastic filaments which is 2.5mm in diameter. The filament is a proprietary child-friendly PCL plastic.
- Ease of use: This edition of the 3Doodler Start is slimmer and easier to hold than their older model. It also features refined extrusion gears for a smoother 3D Drawing experience. The pen charges in 30min.
- Power source: It can be used wireless. It comes with Micro-USB Charger.
- Additional accessories: It comes with Start+ Plastics(72 Strands). It also includes activity guide. You can visit the official 3Doodler website to get additional plastic filaments and free downloadable stencils and templates.
PIKA3D Junior 3D Pen for Kids
- Safety features: This pen is child-safe 3D pen (6+). Pen tip and plastic can safely be touched with no risk of burning.
- Filament compatibility: It uses BPA-free, non toxic material which is low temperature PCL. Diameter: 2.5mm
- Power source: This 3D pen has wireless functionality. It is equipped with a li-po battery for on-the-go wireless fun. It charges in 30 minutes.
- Additional accessories: It comes with a Quick-Start Stencil Guide and filament refills.
MYNT3D Super 3D Pen
- Filament compatibility: PLA or ABS filament
- Speed and temperature control: This 3D pen features a stepless variable extrusion speed control that allows for dialing in the perfect flow. The temperature can be changed to allow for ABS or PLA printing.
- Ease of use: This pen is a slim, ergonomic touch pen.
- Filament loading and maintenance: Stepless speed slider lets you regulate flow for optimal control of material while you’re drawing, Ultrasonic sealed nozzle is nearly clog-proof and provides market leading durability.
- Power source: It comes with an A/C adapter. This is not wireless.
- Additional accessories: Kit includes 3 colors of PLA plastic. filament.
ANKHOH Case for 3D Pen Set for Kids
- This 3D pen & 3D printing filament refill case is compatible with 3Doodler Start + Essentials. (This is for the case only. 3d pens and accessories are not included.)
- It is water-proof and dust proof.
- It has a mesh pouch inside for 3doodler refills.
- It also has a detachable hand strap.
- Size: External size: 7 x 3.9 x 3.25 inches
GW Case Store Case for 3D Pen Set for Kids
- This case for 3D pen is compatible with 3Doodler Start + Essentials 3D Pen. It is also suitable for 3d pens for kids ages 10-12. (This is for the case only. 3d pens and accessories are not included.)
- The case is water-proof, dust-proof and scratch-proof.
- It has a mesh pouch inside for 3doodler refills and a micro-USB charger.
- It also has a detachable hand strap.
- External size: 6.7 x 2.95 x 2.75 inches
GWCASE Case for 3D Pen Set for Kids
- This 3D pen case is compatible with 3Doodler Start + Essentials. It is also suitable for 3D pens for kids ages 10-12. (This is for the case only. 3d pens and accessories are not included.)
- It is waterproof, dustproof and scratchproof.
- It has a mesh pouch inside for 3doodler refills and a micro-USB charger.
- It has detachable hand strap.
- External size: 6.73. x 2.95. x 2.75 inches
3D Pen Drawing Templates
- 3D Pen Drawing Templates are suitable for kids and adults.
- You can use these templates to make all kinds of pictures with your 3D pen.
- Each package has 20 sheets with printed 3D drawing molds on both sides and a see-through plastic plate.
- The 3D Pen Drawing Book has 40 different patterns like buildings, vehicles, plants, animals, manga, and cartoons.
- These paper stencils are made for 3D pens and have cute cartoon designs.
- They’ll help your kids improve their drawing, imitation, and imagination skills when using the 3D stroke doodle stencils.
Songtiy 3D Printing Drawing Book
- This package includes a printing drawing book with 20 pages and 40 different patterns, as well as a plastic plate.
- The Paper Mold is made specifically for 3D pens and features cute cartoon designs that are perfect for kids. Using these molds will help enhance your kids’ abilities in imitation, painting, and imagination.
- The 3D printer drawing molds are very easy to use. Just follow the trace and draw on the transparent board, then glue all the pieces together.
Final Thoughts
Introducing your child to the world of 3D pens opens up a realm of creativity and learning. These magical devices provide a fantastic opportunity for children to express themselves, develop essential skills, and have hours of imaginative fun. By considering the factors mentioned above and exploring the recommended 3D pens, you can make an informed decision and watch your child’s artistic talents soar. Get ready to be amazed as your little artist brings their dreams to life, one stroke at a time!
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