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    Difference Between PLA Filament and ABS Filament for 3D Pens

    July 22, 2023 by Seng

    3D printing technology has come a long way in recent years, and one of the most popular applications of this technology is the use of 3D pens. These pens allow users to draw and create three-dimensional objects by extruding a thin filament of plastic. One of the most exciting applications of 3D pens is in the realm of children's creativity. In this blog post, we will explore the different filament options available for 3D pens that are suitable for kids.

    PLA Filament

    PLA (polylactic acid) filament is one of the most popular options for 3D pens, especially for children. This type of filament is made from renewable resources such as corn starch and sugarcane.

    It is a biodegradable and eco-friendly option that is safe for kids to use. PLA filament is also non-toxic and has a low melting point, making it easy to work with and safe for kids to handle. Additionally, it is available in a wide range of colors, allowing kids to get creative with their designs.

    MIKA3D 32 Colors 3D Pen PLA Filament Refills, Each Color 10 Feet, Total 320 feet, Pack with 4 Finger Caps
    MIKA3D 32 Colors 3D Pen PLA Filament Refills, Each Color 10 Feet, Total 320 feet, Pack with 4 Finger Caps
    • Unique 32 Colors: This Assortment with 4 Metallic Colors, 10 Transparent Colors and 18 Popular Solid Colors; These Various Colors is Best Choice for All 3D Drawing and 3D Art, It's Great Gift for 3D Printing
    • High Quality: Our Pla Filament Diameter is 1.75mm, Premium Quality Controlled,Vacuum Package, No Bubble, Eco-Friendly, Safe For Kids
    • Strong Compatibility: Universal Compatible with Various 3D Pens/3D Printers on market, While Not Fit for 3.0mm 3Ddooler Pen
    $19.99 Amazon Prime
    Buy on Amazon
    Sale
    ELEGOO PLA Filament 1.75mm Black 2KG, 3D Printer Filament Dimensional Accuracy +/- 0.02mm, 2 Pack 1kg Cardboard Spool(2.2lbs) 3D Printing Filament Fits for Most FDM 3D Printers
    ELEGOO PLA Filament 1.75mm Black 2KG, 3D Printer Filament Dimensional Accuracy +/- 0.02mm, 2 Pack 1kg Cardboard Spool(2.2lbs) 3D Printing Filament Fits for Most FDM 3D Printers
    • 【High-Quality PLA Filaments】Made of high-quality PLA, a commonly used thermoplastic material features lower melting temperature and ease of use, low warp and shrinkage, odorless during printing, and provides a glossy surface finish.
    • 【Dimensional Accuracy & Consistency】 Strict tolerances guarantee these PLA filaments of 1.75 mm diameter much smoother and more stable printing with the dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02 mm; 1 kg spool (2.2lbs).
    • 【Less-tangle and Easy to Use】Full mechanical winding and strict manual examination to ensure that the line is neatly arranged and less tangled, and to avoid possible snap and line breaking. A larger spool inner diameter design for easy feeding.
    $26.98 Amazon Prime
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    3D Pen Filament Kit Refills for 3D Pens - PLA 1.75mm Filament Color Pack Sample | Create Professional Art with 3D Pen Refills for Kids and Adults 3-D PLA Printing Filament Bundle Kit Accessories
    3D Pen Filament Kit Refills for 3D Pens - PLA 1.75mm Filament Color Pack Sample | Create Professional Art with 3D Pen Refills for Kids and Adults 3-D PLA Printing Filament Bundle Kit Accessories
    • 🔴 𝑼𝑵𝑰𝑸𝑼𝑬 𝑪𝑶𝑳𝑶𝑹𝑺 - Our 3D Pen Filament Kit Refills for 3D Pens comes with 16 unique colors and measures 20 Feet per color, adding more fun and flair to your crafty designs!
    • 🟠 𝑪𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑬 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑭𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑳 𝑨𝑹𝑻 - Dream no more! Embrace your inner artist and add your own touch to your super 3D pen masterpieces with our newest PLA 1.75mm Filament Color Pack.
    • 🟡 𝑩𝑬𝑺𝑻 𝑽𝑨𝑳𝑼𝑬 𝑩𝑼𝑵𝑫𝑳𝑬 - Winsharp offers more filament at a better price than any other brand! You can never go wrong with going long!
    Buy on Amazon

    ABS Filament

    ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) filament is another popular option for 3D pens. It is a thermoplastic that is known for its strength and durability.

    ABS filament is also non-toxic and has a low melting point, making it easy to work with and safe for kids to handle. Additionally, it is available in a wide range of colors, allowing kids to get creative with their designs. One of the downsides of ABS filament is that it is not biodegradable and not as eco-friendly as PLA filament.

    MYNT3D - MP025-10M SuperPack ABS 3D Pen Filament Refills, 32 Color, 10m Each, Over 1kg
    MYNT3D - MP025-10M SuperPack ABS 3D Pen Filament Refills, 32 Color, 10m Each, Over 1kg
    • Huge 32 color box of ABS filament for 3D pens, over 1kg weight (1050 linear feet)
    • 1.75mm ±0.03, ultra high tolerance is resistance to jams and clogs
    • Specialty colors: metallics, glow in the dark, color changing, transparent and fluorescents
    $39.99 Amazon Prime
    Buy on Amazon
    24 Colors ABS 3D Pen Printer Filament Sample Refill, Each Color 3.5m, Total 84m ABS Material, Support for 1.75mm 3D Printer & 3D Pen, Not Fit for 3Doodler Pen, Pack with 2 Finger Caps by OEM MIKA3D
    24 Colors ABS 3D Pen Printer Filament Sample Refill, Each Color 3.5m, Total 84m ABS Material, Support for 1.75mm 3D Printer & 3D Pen, Not Fit for 3Doodler Pen, Pack with 2 Finger Caps by OEM MIKA3D
    • 24 Most Popular Solid Colors List:White, Black, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Brown, Amy Green, Red, Orange, Light Orange, Light Yellow, Pink, Light Purple, Ivory, Cyan, Light Blue, Purple, Sapphire Blue, Dark Blue, Dark Purple, Rose Red, Green, Lime Green, Yellow, Dark Red
    • Great Colors Sample Pack: 24 Beautiful Colors will Satisfy You Much Better and More, These Various Colors is Great Choice To Print Many Different Colors as You Like, Perfectly For ABS Sample Color Testing, Great Suitable for 3D Pen Drawing Arts, Crafts, DIY, It's Great Gift for 3D Create and 3D Doodling Fun
    • High Quality: All of our ABS Filament Made from 100% New Raw Material, The Filament Diameter is More Consistent, Easy to Print, ABS is Much Stronger than PLA Filament, Widely Support for 3D Printer and 3D Pen, This ABS Refill Assortment with 84m Material
    $11.99 Amazon Prime
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    MYNT3D ABS 3D Pen Filament Refill Pack (10 Color, 3m Each)
    MYNT3D ABS 3D Pen Filament Refill Pack (10 Color, 3m Each)
    • Thirty meters total of professional quality printing plastic
    • Standardized 1.75mm diameter functions with a wide range of pens
    • Includes blue, green, red, yellow, orange, pink, black, tan, brown and gold
    Buy on Amazon

    Flexible Filament

    Flexible filament is a newer option for 3D pens that allows kids to create more flexible and bendable objects. This type of filament is made from materials such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and is known for its flexibility and durability. Flexible filament is also non-toxic and has a low melting point, making it easy to work with and safe for kids to handle. However, it is typically only available in a limited range of colors.

    Sale
    ATARAXIA ART Flexible PLA Filament 1.75mm,3D Printer Flexible Filament Tidy 1kg Spool,Better Than TPU,89A Shore Hardness,Patent Formula,Compatible Bowden Extruder,with Filament Storage Bag,FPLA Green
    ATARAXIA ART Flexible PLA Filament 1.75mm,3D Printer Flexible Filament Tidy 1kg Spool,Better Than TPU,89A Shore Hardness,Patent Formula,Compatible Bowden Extruder,with Filament Storage Bag,FPLA Green
    • ☀【Patented Flexible PLA Formula & 89A Shore Hardness】 - Ataraxia Art Flexible PLA plus filament is a patented formula that took years to perfect & release. Flex PLA is more flexible than TPU & easier to use. Flexible Pla elongated at break more than is 500-600 % so Flexy filament can be stretch 5 to 6 times higher more than any 3d printer filaments.3d printer filament Flexible PLA is used for great variety of project like shoe insoles, Arts & Crafts, DIY, phone case, gifts, belt & decoration.
    • ☀ [ Wide Pantone Match Colors Option For Flexible Stretch PLA] - Ataraxia art offer Flexible PLA Plus Filament 1.75mm in Auto winding 1kg./2.2lb spool, . Ataraxia FPLA is also available in the following Pantone Matched colors: Red, Black, Yellow, Gold, Violet, White, ivory white, Blue, sky Blue, Green, prusa Orange, Light Brown, Brown, Slate Gray, Pink & chocolate. To match exact color code please refer our Pantone code in our product image.
    • ☀ 【 Compatible with Bowden Extruder and Direct Drive 】- Ataraxia Flexible PLA Filament 1.75mm Works with any 3dprinter, regardless of it being direct drive or Bowden extruders. TPU filament 1.75mm on the other hand will not work with Bowden extruder 3dprinters. In addition, all our reels are extremely precise. Flexible stretch PLA filaments are in 1.75 mm diameter, dimensional accuracy ±.03 mm and net weight: 1 kg spool (2.2lbs).
    $31.99 Amazon Prime
    Buy on Amazon
    3D Pen PLA Filament Refills 1.75mm, 16 Colors, 10 Foot per Color, Total 160 Foot
    3D Pen PLA Filament Refills 1.75mm, 16 Colors, 10 Foot per Color, Total 160 Foot
    • 16 Most Popular Colors PLA filament for 3D Printing Pen:It's a Great Gifts for Kids and Children
    • Eco-friendly PLA Filament: It's More Safer for kids when drawing their 3d pen
    • Good Quality Control: High Diameter Accuracy, Bright Beautiful Colors, Compatible with most 3D Printers and 3D Pens, Not Suitable for 3Doodler Pen
    $7.99 Amazon Prime
    Buy on Amazon

    Final Thoughts

    In conclusion, there are a variety of filament options available for 3D pens that are suitable for kids.

    3d pen filament for kids

    PLA filament is a biodegradable and eco-friendly option that is safe for kids to use and is available in a wide range of colors.

    ABS filament is another popular option that is known for its strength and durability, but it is not as eco-friendly as PLA filament.

    Flexible filament is a newer option that allows kids to create more flexible and bendable objects, but it is typically only available in a limited range of colors.

    Ultimately, the choice of filament will depend on the specific project and the preferences of the child. With the right filament, 3D pens can be an exciting and rewarding tool for children to unleash their creativity.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is ABS or PLA better for 3D printing?

    PLA filament is better for 3D pens. It's easier to handle, emits fewer fumes, and doesn't require a heated bed. ABS can warp and release harmful fumes, while PLA is biodegradable and more eco-friendly.

    Why would you use ABS filament?


    ABS filament is used for 3D printing when high durability and heat resistance are needed. It's suitable for functional parts, like automotive components or prototypes. However, it emits fumes and requires a heated bed, making ventilation essential during printing.

    Is ABS or PLA more expensive?

    PLA filament is generally more affordable than ABS. PLA is easier to manufacture from renewable sources, reducing production costs, while ABS requires more complex processes and is derived from petroleum, making it slightly more expensive.

    How should you choose 3D pen filament?

    When choosing 3D pen filament, consider the pen's compatibility with the material (PLA/ABS), project requirements (durability vs. eco-friendliness), and your skill level. Test samples if possible, and opt for reputable brands to ensure quality and a smooth printing experience.

    More 3D Pen Ideas and Inspiration

    • All About 3D Pens for Kids
    • Show and Tell Ideas for 3D Pens
    • Difference Between PLA vs ABS Filament with 3D Pens

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