3D pens are an innovative tool that enables you to print 3D models directly from your hand. But as awesome as they are, they can sometimes be a bit difficult to deal with. Whether you’re dealing with jamming, erratic filament feeding, or ineffective heating – don’t worry. This blog post aims to guide you through some of these common issues and how to resolve them.
1. Your 3D Pen is Not Heating Up
If your 3D pen is not heating up, it could be a sign that the heating system isn’t working properly. This could be caused by:
● Faulty power supply
● Defective heating element
● Internal electrical problems
Solution: Checking the power source could be a good starting point to resolve this issue. See if the plug and power cord are properly inserted. If it still won’t heat up, your 3D pen may have a faulty heating element or an internal issue which might require professional assistance.
2. Issues with Filament Feeding
At times, your 3D pen may have issues with feeding the filament. This could be due to:
● System blocking: Here, some debris or a jammed filament could be the cause.
● Using the wrong type of filament for your pen.
Solution: For a system block, your 3D pen will likely have a system for clearing jams. Please refer to user manual for specific instructions. If you’re using the wrong filament, double check your pen’s model and use the correct corresponding filament.
3. Uneven Extrusion
Uneven extrusion happens when the filament doesn’t flow smoothly from the pen making sketchy lines instead of smooth ones. This could be caused by:
● Operating the pen at a very high speed.
● A blockage within the pen.
Solution: If you’re operating at high speeds, try reducing the speed to see if it solves the problem. If a blockage is detected, the solution would be the same as in Issue #2. Open up the pen and clear away any jammed filament.
4. The 3D Pen is Not Sticking to Surfaces
For your 3D pen to work properly and create models, it must stick to surfaces. But if it’s not, it could be due to:
● Interface being too smooth or slippery.
● The pen not being held at the correct angle.
Solution: Try to change the surface to something more matte and rough-textured. Also, try holding your pen at a 90-degree angle to the surface, this should ensure better adherence.
5. Filament Isn’t Cooling Down Fast Enough
If the filament doesn’t cool once it comes out, it could ruin the structure of your design. This could be due to:
● High extrusion temperatures.
● Poor quality filament.
Solution: Adjust the pen’s temperature; try reducing it and see if this helps. If the problem persists, you might want to look into switching to higher quality filament.
Conclusion,
While 3D pens are certainly enjoyable and engaging, they can occasionally pose a few issues. Hopefully, with these common problems and provided solutions, you can troubleshoot your way out of a bind and take your 3D sketching skills to new heights!
Remember, if your 3D pen issues persist even after performing these troubleshooting steps, it may be best to consult with a professional or contact the manufacturer’s customer service also if you are looking to buy a 3D pen click here
*Always adhere closely to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when operating your 3D pen.