3D Doodler Create+ Review

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3Doodler offers a range of different 3D pen models that are aimed at younger kids as well as older children and adults.

3D pens have been around for a while, and there is lots of variety available. One of the most popular 3D pens is the 3Doodler Create+. 

Like all 3D printing pens, it allows children to use plastic filament to create 2D and 3D objects or designs.

They are similar to a 3D printer but just a lot more fun and creative.

Aimed at older kids from 14 years, the Create+ pen is a step up from 3Doodler’s Start+ pen which is more suited for younger children.

From design and features to its performance, we have tested the Create+, in this article we explore what the 3Doodler Create+ has to offer. 

Design

Let’s talk about the design of the Create+ first, after all it’s the first thing you see.

The product feels good in your hand, and most of all, it feels solid.

Some previous models of 3Doodler pens were a little clunky and heavy, so we found this definitely an improvement.

With the right weight distribution of a pen, it’s much more comfortable to draw for longer.

The Create+ pen comes with a main power cable and some filament sticks of different colors.

You can run the Create+ only with an attached power supply so it needs to be connected to a power source.

In addition, we found the wire of the power supple to be a little on the short side but you can fix this easily by plugging it into an extension cable.

Features

The 3Doodler Create+ has plenty of great features that make doodling so much easier.

Temperature Control And Filament

With the Create+, you have two temperature options that you can switch between. This means you can use PLA and ABS filament which both have different melting points.

ABS needs a temperature between 220 and 250 degrees Celsius to melt, and with the hotter temperature setting coming up to 240 degrees Celsius, the Create+ is ideal for the use with ABS plastic.

The two different temperature settings keep it very simple when it comes to choosing your filament.

Many people may be drawn more towards PLA as it’s a natural plastic and it doesn’t smell, unlike ABS filament which has a strong odor.

Saying this, you can also use FLX which is similar to PLA but the end results are a little more flexible.

All three filaments have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to remember that you can only use 3Doodler’s filament sticks.

This is one drawback of the 3Doodler pen compared to other models – you can only use their branded filament sticks. Although they are more on the expensive side, they are also great quality and available in a large range of colors.

Speed Control

The Create+ has two speed buttons that allow you to set the filament extrusion speed to “Slow” or “Fast”.

This is ideal for different types of project. With a more difficult 3D object, you may want to set a slow extrusion speed to get all the details right.

Content

Another great feature of the 3Doodler Create+ pen is all the things included in the Create+ kit.

You get the stylus 3D pen as well as some filaments and instructions. 3Doodler also have a large online community with plenty of templates and starter guides.

This also includes a range of online resources, such as videos, schematics and tutorials.

These additional resources and a good community to ask any questions is great to find out more about 3D pens and 3D printing.

Plus, you can also find plenty of inspiration for your next 3D project.

Performance

It’s important to understand that a 3D pen doesn’t quite work so easily as shown in marketing materials.

It takes a bit of experience and trial and error to master the more difficult patterns.

That’s why, it’s important to manage expectations of children who want to build a skyscraper as a first project.

We ran into this problem when we first got started with the pen. We tried to build a 3D dice and this was likely too hard of a first project for my child. We would have been better off starting with simple 2D shapes and practicing drawing his name.

Start out with some 2D templates and simple drawings first, and slowly make something a little more complex.

Over time, you will learn how to draw with the pen and join different horizontal and vertical lines together.

The ability of what you can do with the Create+ depends very much on your experience level when it comes to making 3D objects.

Generally, you can make a lot of 3D arts and crafts pieces, from beginner level to more advanced artwork.

Motor Performance

The motor of a 3D pen is the most important piece of the mechanism, and we were very impressed with the Create+ motor.

It didn’t clog up and there was a continual stream of filament coming out, both at slow and fast speeds.

We also tried a few other pens in the past, and the Create+ has a smooth operation that is helpful especially for kids.

The motor will continue to draw the filament as long as you keep feeding it in.

This makes loading and feeding the plastic filament very easy and you can fully concentrate on your 3D project.

Loading Filament

Working with the Create+ is extremely easy. You simply plug into power and the pen heats up.

Then you gently feed the plastic filament into the back of the pen, and you can start drawing.

Generally, if you are a drawing beginner, then you probably want to stick to stencils or 2D templates on a piece of paper first.

That’s where the 3Doodler resources on their website come in very handy.

However, it’s worthwhile noting here that the Create+ isn’t quite as precise as a normal pencil or pen.

It’s a very different way of drawing when you work with a 3D pen, so creating clearly defined strokes for very intricate pieces takes a lot of practice and patience.

Saying this, the Create+ is still lots of fun for children and as most kids anyway only draw basic shapes and patterns, you shouldn’t be disappointed with this pen.

Should You Buy The 3Doodler Create+?

The 3Doodler Create+ pen is definitely worth the money as a starter pen for kids.

Although it is more expensive than 3Doodler’s Starter+ pen, it comes with a few more features, such as temperature settings and speed controls. The Start+ pen only works with one type of filament and the Create+ has more options.

There is plenty of material in the starter kit for the Create+ to get you up and running. Initially, it’s all about practicing how to hold and handle the pen.

Once you have a feeling for the 3D pen, you can start creating a few more intricate shapes and 3D objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difference Between 3Doodler Start And Create?

There are some significant differences between the 3Doodler Start+ and Create+. Their color and design are different. The Start+ only uses PLA filament and is aimed for younger childre. You can read our full review of the Start vs Create here.

What Can You Make With A 3Doodler Pen?

You can create a huge range of different 3D shapes, patterns, designs and objects with a 3Doodler pen, such as the Create+ or Start+.

From basic geometric shapes to small 3D paintings, the filaments for 3Doodler pens come in a range of colors, so you can create whatever you want.

How Long Do 3D Pens Last?

The lifespan of a 3D pen depends on the quality of the 3D pen as well as how you treat it over the years.

Generally, a 3D pen can last for up to 15 years but you need to make sure that you buy a good-quality 3D pen and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What Is The Best 3D Pen For A 10-Year-Old?

There are a variety of 3D pens for children on the market. Both the 3Doodler Create+ and Start+ are suitable for kids. The Create+ is marketed to kids 14+ due to the heat risk on the tip.

The 3Doodler Start+ has been specifically designed for children between 6 and 13 years.

Final Thoughts

The 3Doodler Create+ is an excellent 3D pen for children that are already a little older. 

With the ergonomic design and a range of buttons for speed and temperature control, it is quick and easy to create some great 3D pieces.