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June 19, 2017 1 min read 5 Comments
Both ABS and PLA filament are suitable for use in the MYNT3D professional 3D printing pen.
But before you start your next 3D pen project, you may want to understand the differences between the two in order to choose which is best for you and your project.
ABS is oil based, where PLA is plant based. One of the most noticeable differences is that ABS gives off a chemical odor, and therefore requires proper ventilation. Some users may also prefer to wear a mask.
PLA, which contains plant-based ingredients such as corn starch and sugar cane, is said to emit a sweet smell.
From an environment standpoint, ABS is recyclable. PLA is biodegradable.
If you are familiar with 3D printers, it's good to note that 3D printing pens use lower temperature setting for filament. It is recommended to set ABS at 210°C and PLA at 175°C.
And as with 3D printers, 3D printing pens can experience filament extruding after the feed button is released. This is more likely with PLA filament, and slightly decreasing the pen temperature can help.
ABS is stronger than PLA, which is more brittle. However, ABS is known to slightly warp and shrink.
ABS filament extrudes thicker, making projects faster to complete.
PLA filament is preferred by 3D pen users for wearable projects such as jewelry.
December 16, 2019
Thank you for life
May 08, 2018
Hello Sophie, we use 1.75mm filament in the MYNT3D pens
May 07, 2018
What size?
April 04, 2018
Thank you for this! It was easy to understand and the infographics were perfect for printing and keeping with my pen for later use, in case someone else uses the pen. Very helpful!!
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Stephen Jones
December 16, 2019
The Amazon sales pitch for this pen caught my attention because it says, “Works with Nearly Any 1.75mm Filament Under the Sun
We at MYNT3D believe you should be able to use any thermoplastic you wish. ABS and PLA are a given, but what about wood or bronze infused filaments? If it is 1.75mm and melts between 130-240° C, then it will work in the MYNT3D Pen.”
I don’t see the same words on your site here. Is the ad “putting words in your mouth?” or are they correct?
If you do support other filament types, do you have a guideline for knowing at what temperature to print? All my filaments are labelled assuming use in a 3D printer.