Getting Started

Not sure where to begin with your PRO+ pen? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started with a few of the basics. For visual learners, don’t forget to also check out our video section.

Basics

3D pen art: Pro Set Temperature clock on wooden table

Set the Temperature

Plug in your 3Doodler PRO+. Turn it on. Using the Navigation Buttons, scroll through the preset temperature modes which display on the screen, then click the Enter Button to lock in your selection.

OOD – Wood
BRO – Bronze
COP – Copper
PLA – PLA
NYL – Nylon
FLE – Flexy
CUS – Custom mode, you can enter custom and set your temp and speed
SEL – Select temperature display (allows you to switch from F° to C°)

3D pen art of Pro Set Temp with video game controller

Set the Speed

Next, select the speed 1-10 that you want on the pen using the Navigation Buttons, then click the Enter Button to lock in your selection.

Glowing clock in 3D pen art.

Wait for the indicator light to turn blue/green

Once the Temperature and Speed are selected, the current temperature will display on the digital screen, and the target temperature will flash. When the pen reaches the target temperature, the Indicator Light will turn Blue (for pre-set temperature modes) or Green (for custom mode).

Black cord w/ green arrow - 3D pen art

Insert a strand of filament

Once the Indicator Light is Blue/Green, insert the filament strand through the feed port. With the strand inserted, click and release the Feed Button once. You will hear the Drive Gear Start. Gently push the Filament into the Feed Port until you feel the strand being pulled through the Drive Gear on its own.

Pro creates cake with 3d pen

Start Doodling

After 10-15 seconds, Filament will begin extruding from the Nozzle. Press the Feed Button once to stop extrusion.

The Pen

Black 3D pen art device with instructions

The Buttons


– Up/Down: These buttons are used to adjust temperature and speed.
– Enter/Select: This button is used to verify your selection (Setting/Temperature).
– Feed/Reverse: Use these buttons to feed the strand forward, or to reverse it so that you can change strands.

Vibrant cell phone art in colors, created with 3D pen

Indicator Lights


Red when heating up or when a setting is not selected (Note that the pen will not heat up until you select your filament type and speed)
Blue when feeding on a pre-set temperature mode
Green in custom mode
Flashing Blue when reversing on a pre-set temperature mode
Flashing Green when reversing in custom mode

Operation

Feeding Strands

First try pushing your plastic into the pen. Push gently to ensure it engages with the gears and gets gripped properly. If the strand of plastic inside the pen is not long enough for you to grip or push by hand, you can remove the cover and edge it forward from there.

Pressing On Surface

Probably the most common question we get is related to this. If you are finding that the plastic won’t hold to paper, or goes off in random directions, don’t worry! The solution is very simple. Push your 3Doodler pen’s nozzle firmly onto the paper and allow the plastic to extrude for a couple of seconds, then lift the 3Doodler’s nozzle off of the paper. The extra downward pressure will help your extruded plastic stick to the paper. We call this “anchoring” your plastic.

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Professional 3D drawing with a 3D pen on black background

Welding Plastic

Connecting plastic to plastic – While extruding, simply touch the tip of the 3Doodler to both pieces of plastic you want to join together. This is an essential skill to having success with your 3Doodler pen.

Finishing and Tips

Experienced artist showcasing green dot 3D pen art

Reverse and Remove Filament

Ensure the pen is turned on and the temperature is fully heated up. Click the Reverse Button once. The Light will start flashing to signal that the Filament is reversing.

Once the Filament stops reversing, it is safe to remove it from the pen by gently pulling on the back of the strand. If a strand is too short you can remove the maintenance cover to get the strand.

Pro drawing red strip with 3D pen.

Snip those ends

Keep your filament strands neat and clean – After removing a Filament strand from the 3Doodler PRO+, use scissors to cut and remove the melted end of your strand before reinserting it into the pen. This will reduce blockages and clogging issues. ALWAYS remove strands from the 3Doodler PRO+ when the pen is idle.

Troubleshooting

Creative screwdriver and screw 3D pen art

Jammed Plastic

Though uncommon, it is possible for plastic to get jammed. Clearing a jam out of the PRO+ is easier than ever.

Turn the pen on and set the temperature to that of the filament being used. Remove the nozzle using the socket located on the end of the Nozzle Storage case that was included with your pen set. (IMPORTANT: Only remove and replace the Nozzle with the pen turned on and fully heated.)

With the nozzle removed, click the reverse button to engage the reverse feature. Next, while the pen is in reverse, insert the unblocking tool through the nozzle-end of the pen to push any remaining filament out through the feed port.

Dark 3D pen art: a boat sits on water

How to Use the Maintenance Cover

The 3Doodler PRO+ has a removable maintenance cover on the underside of the pen. When removed, you now have access to the drive mechanism. The maintenance cover is magnetic and can be popped off with a fingernail. If you have a feeding issue or are removing a short strand, simply remove the cover, reverse the filament out, and then place the cover back on.

Accessories

Swapping Nozzles

Your PRO+ comes with a full Nozzle Set, and the case that holds the nozzles is also the tool that you will use to remove/apply your nozzle.

To change the nozzle, first make sure the pen is turned on and fully heated up (wait for the light to turn Blue). Remove the nozzle by turning the nozzle tool counter-clockwise. Do not touch the nozzle, as it is extremely hot! Insert the new nozzle into the nozzle tool with the screw/base facing outwards. It is okay for there to be residual filament inside the nozzle.

If the pen has gone to sleep, press the feed button so that the pen heats up again. Once the pen is hot again and reaches the target temperature, screw the nozzle onto the pen by turning the nozzle tool clockwise. Make sure the nozzle is screwed on firmly, but don’t force it!

It’s important that you don’t over-tighten the nozzle, and equally important to keep the nozzle removal tool centered, so as to avoid damaging the threaded tip.

Using the Smoothing Tool

The smoothing tool can be used to smooth out rough spots or edges, to remove excess filament from your Doodles, or to create contours or textures. While the 3Doodler PRO+ is unplugged and cool, slide the Smoothing Tool onto the nozzle of the 3Doodler PRO+.

Turn on the 3Doodler PRO+, selecting the temperature setting appropriate for the filament that you are extruding. When done, turn off the 3Doodler PRO+ and allow it to cool (for approximately five minutes) before removing the Smoothing Tool.

Using the Mini DoodlePad

The 3Doodler PRO+ comes with a mini DoodlePad. This a transparent piece of plastic with a grid on it. The DoodlePad can be used alone, or as an overlay. For best results, when using WOOD, Bronze, Copper or FLEXY, use the backside only. ABS, PLA, and Nylon work best on the front side.

Still Struggling?

Take a look at our 3Doodler pro troubleshooting guide.
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Close-up: 3D pen art cake with sticks design

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