This guide will help you use the 3D pens available in the Idea Lab.
Most of this information is intended for the beginner, so we start at the very beginning. There are librarians in the Idea Lab who can help you practice what you see on these pages. Please feel free to discuss your findings with them, and as always, don’t hesitate to ask for help whenever you need it.
The 3D Pen is a creative tool that allows you to make all kinds of 3-dimensional objects. It is delicate and can get VERY hot, so you must follow all safety directions written on the 3D Pen container
Connect the AC Adapter and USB Power Vable to a power outlet. Insert the plug into the power socket.
Adjust the temperature if desired, press the feed button, and release. Keep an eye on the temperature display and wait for the pen to heat up to 210 °C for ABS and 175 °C for PLA.
Straighten the end of the filament if necessary and insert it into the filament loading hole until it stops. Press and hold, or double-click the feed button to load filament into the pen. Sliding the speed control all the way up will make the process faster.
Start your drawing on a flat surface. A poly concentrate or glass with a thin layer of washable glue stick makes for an optimal work surface, but you can use anything that is heat-safe and to which your filament adheres. Double-click the feed button for continuous feed. Pressing the load or withdraw button once will exit continuous feed mode.
Connect the AC Adapter and USB Power Cable to a power outlet. Insert the plug into the power socket. The red power indicator light should turn on, indicating standby status.
Press the Feed button once. The green temperature indicator light should start flashing. After about a minute, this light should stay on, indicating a temperature-ready status.
Straighten the end of the filament if necessary and insert it into the filament loading hole until it stops. Press and hold, or double-click the feed button to load filament into the pen. Sliding the speed control all the way up will make the process faster.
Start your drawing on a flat surface. Glass with a thin layer of washable glue stick makes for a tan optimal work surface, but you can use anything that is heat safe and your filament adheres to
Projects and Beginner Knowledge
This video playlist walks through projects for beginners as well as knowledge to help use the pens.
Progress from beginner to Intermediate user
This video walks through the basics of 3D Pens.
Duration: 14min
This video walks through the basics of making a 3D object.
Duration: 13min
These videos walk through using the pen and some troubleshooting tips.
This video walks through the basics of 3D pens, part 1.
Duration: 14min
This video walks through the basics of 3D pens, part 2.
Duration: 17min
Parkland Community Library
4422 Walbert Avenue, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
(610) 398-1361 Extension 107
Thursday - Friday: 11am - 3pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Tech Center