Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Start here. If you're still struggling after, just ping us as help@the3doodler.com
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Pens, Plastics & Accessories
What type of Plastic can be used with 3Doodler 3D Pens?
The Start+ 3D pen is designed to work with our 3Doodler Start+ Eco-Plastic. Our Start+ Eco-Plastic was developed specifically for this pen so that you can doodle at safe, lower temperatures.
The FLOW pen is designed to work with 1.75 mm filament of PLA or ABS. In addition to our own brand of filament, this pen has been designed to utilize 3rd party plastics as well.
The 3Doodler PRO+ can use ABS and PLA as well as Wood, FLEXY, Metal, and Nylon filament strands. Each material has an optimum extrusion speed and temperature setting, as well as unique properties that offer unlimited possibilities. The 3Doodler Eco-plastic for Start is not compatible with the 3Doodler PRO+.
Can I Doodle on skin?
The 3Doodler Start+ Eco-Plastic is completely safe for skin contact.
Please don't try to draw on skin with the 3Doodler Create+, PRO+ or FLOW. You’ll burn yourself!
Does 3Doodler plastic emit harmful fumes?
The 3Doodler Start+ Eco-Plastics are 100% non-toxic and biodegradable in household composts, so there are absolutely no fumes.
As with any 3D printing filament, working in a well ventilated area is highly recommend for all types of 3Doodler filament.
Can I use other plastics instead of what you sell?
For the Start+, PRO+, and Create+ pens, 3Doodler plastic is speficially optimized for the 3Doodler pens. It’s not possible to use other brands or types of plastic in your 3Doodler.
The 3Doodler FLOW and PRO have been designed specifically to utilize 1.75 mm filament, including 3rd party plastics.
To ensure you are using the right plastics for your 3Doodler pen, please check our comprehensive compatibility chart here: www.the3doodler.com/compatibility
What is the best way to store filament for my 3Doodler 3D Pen?
We recommend that all of our filament for our 3Doodler 3D printing pens be stored in a cool, dry, dark place.
Can 3Doodler plastic be recycled?
Start+ Eco-Plastic is biodegradable and non-toxic. It can be recycled or even composted in your backyard!
ABS, Nylon, and Metal are recyclable (number 7 recyclables).
PLA and Wood are compostable in an industrial composter.
Ordering & Shipping
How much will the cost of shipping be?
Shipping costs vary based on order weight, delivery location, and selected shipping method. Please add items to your Cart and enter your address at Checkout -- you'll see all shipping options, costs, and transit estimates before entering payment details.
How long will it take my order to arrive?
Orders are estimated to be processed and shipped within 1-3 business days, but transit times will vary by location and courier. You will be able to see the available shipping methods before checking out.
What do I do if online tracking states that my order was delivered, but I can’t find it?
Speak with any neighbors or housemates in case it was delivered to them in error. If not, the next step would be for you to contact the courier's local/delivering branch.
If you still can’t find your order after contacting the shipping company, please contact us.
I don’t have my order within the delivery time listed. Where is it?
Occasionally, couriers can run into slight delays in the delivery process.
Remember always to check your online tracking link first.
Returns, Refunds, and Warranty
What is your Return Policy?
We love our products and believe you will be delighted with them too. If you are unhappy with an item when you receive it, or it wasn’t what you were expecting, please email help@the3doodler.com to inform us of your wish to initiate a return.
If the product(s) was purchased directly from the 3Doodler Store, and is unopened and unused, we are happy to honor a refund within seven days of delivery. Please quote your order number in the email. We will allocate a Returns Code, which must be included on the label of the package in order to process your return. We may also advise you how to send the item back to us.
We will refund you the price you paid for the product, under the following circumstances:
Your product was purchased directly from the 3Doodler Store
Product must be unopened and unused, and returned in the original packaging
You will be responsible for the returned products until we receive them
Customers are responsible for the cost of the return shipment; and
Original shipping costs will not be refunded.
Products purchased from a third party reseller must be returned to that reseller according to the store’s return policy. Please contact the original seller for assistance with your return.
To read all the fine print, check out our official Return Policy here.
If you need assistance with the replacement of a broken or defective product, please visit our Warranty Policy here.
Does 3Doodler offer replacement parts and power supplies/cables?
Unfortunately, we don't offer replacement parts for our devices, but, if you're having an issue, please contact us for help.
Our pens use standard cables/power supplies available at most electronics stores:
3Doodler 2.0, Create, Create+: 5V 1.2A with a 3.5mm barrel, center-pole-positive.
3Doodler PRO+: 5V 2.1A with a 3.5mm barrel, center-pole-positive.
For other models like Start, Start+, or Flow, reach out to us for assistance.
Do 3Doodler products come with a Warranty?
Absolutely! For more details, you can view our Warranty Policy here.
We're Tax Exempt -- can you refund the Tax on my order?
Sadly, our system does not allow us to amend Tax amounts once a transaction has been completed. Please contact us and we can get you set up for future purchases.
If you placed your order recently, email us as soon as possible, and we can try to cancel your order, get your profile enabled as Tax Exempt, and have you re-submit the order, paying no Taxes.
Pen Troubleshooting
Check out our handy troubleshooting FAQ's for your pen
(Click your Pen to jump to that section)
Start+ Troubleshooting
What type of Plastic can be used with the 3Doodler Start+ 3D pen?
The Start+ 3D pen is designed to work with our 3Doodler Start+ Eco-Plastic. Our Start+ Eco-Plastic was developed specifically for this pen so that you can doodle at lower, safe temperatures.
The use of third-party plastics will void any active Warranty
Why is the light on my 3Doodler Start+ blinking/flashing red?
If you are experiencing a flashing red light with your 3Doodler Start+, please contact our Customer Service team for assistance.
Why is the light on my 3Doodler Start+ always red?
After several minutes of being switched ON without engaging the motor, your pen will go into “standby mode.” The heat will cut off, and the LED will stay red until the device is made active again.
Reactivate the device active by single-clicking the button or by turning the pen OFF and then on again. If your LED is still remaining red after this please contact our Customer Service Team.
The plastic is moving slowly. What do I do?
Occasionally, when you get to the end of one strand, extrusion slows noticeably. Put a new strand into the back of your 3Doodler pen. If it still extrudes very slowly (or not at all), try giving the new filament a little nudge down, and that should do the trick!
Why is my 3Doodler Start+ having difficulty feeding/gripping a new strand?
Jams can occur sometimes, though there are different causes.
To help troubleshoot the issue, while your pen is feeding forward, firmly push your filament into the feeding port. If that doesn't solve the problem, please reach out to us for further assistance.
Why is there a strand stuck in the back of my Start+ pen?
Jams can occur sometimes, though there are different causes.
To help troubleshoot the issue, while your pen is feeding forward, firmly push your filament into the feeding port while twisting your pen by 90°. If that doesn't solve the problem, contact our Customer Service Team for help.
Why is my Start+ pen not seem to be heating up?
Begin by fully charging your 3Doodler Start+ (30min to 1hr).
Once it is charged, turn the pen on to see if it heats up. The light will turn from Solid Red to Solid Green. This takes about 30 seconds, but can take up to two minutes.
Watch your pen closely during this time. If it sits too long, it will cool down as a safety feature and go into "standby mode." After three minutes, if the LED has not turned Solid Green, please email our Customer Service Team.
Why isn't my Start+ pen charging?
Ensure the pen is switched OFF while charging. While charging, the LED will be Flashing Orange -- when the LED changes to Solid Orange, charging is complete.
Sometimes USB enabled devices (like computers) don't have enough power to get your Start+ pen's battery charging. If your device or power source isn't charging your pen, please attempt to charge it via USB power brick plugged directly into a power outlet. You might also try an alternative USB cable, if you have one available.
If these steps don't help, please email us, and we will do everything we can to help you!
Flow Troubleshooting
What type of Plastic can be used with the 3Doodler Flow pen?
The 3Doodler Flow is designed to use 1.75mm spooled filament. However, as the Flow's temperature is adjustable, this opens up the ability to use 3Doodler Flow refills OR your favorite brand of 1.75mm spooled filament that prints/melts within the range the Flow provides (160° to 220°C).
Please note that we are unable to guarantee the quality, safety, or compatibility of any third-party filament.
Why is my pen not heating up? I just see one Flashing Green LED and one Solid Red LED
Be sure you have select the temperature setting you wish to use. This setting should correspond with the type/material of filament you're planning to print with (PLA for PLA filament, ABS for ABS filament).
When you plug in the pen, you'll see a Flashing Green LED and a Solid Red LED. Look at the display -- it should say "PLA" on it.
If using PLA filament, you'll need to select PLA by single-clicking the FAST button.
If using ABS filament, you'll need to click the "+" button to scroll to ABS and THEN single-click the FAST button to lock in your selection.
The pen will then begin to heat up, and the display will switch back and forth between showing the target temperature and the current temperature. Once it's fully heated (both LEDs Solid Green), you'll be all set to doodle away.
What are the "+" and "-" buttons for?
These buttons have two functions. First, they are used to cycle through the temperature setting options (PLA or ABS).
Additionally, once a temperature setting is selected, these buttons adjust the temperature to the degree (within the range of the selected setting). If you're using 3Doodler Flow refills, you won't need to adjust this setting, as the default temperatures are optimized for our plastic spools.
My 3Doodler sometimes makes a slight crackling sound while extruding. Is this normal?
If the filament makes a slight crackling sound while extruding, this is totally normal. It is caused by moisture escaping from the plastic strands (that has been caught in the strand since fabrication). This is not dangerous or a cause for concern!
The plastic is moving slowly. What do I do?
Sometimes, when you get to the end of one strand, extrusion slows noticeably. Put a new strand into the back of the 3Doodler pen. If it still extrudes very slowly (or not at all), try giving the new one a little nudge down, and that should do the trick!
Why is my 3Doodler Flow having difficulty feeding/gripping a new strand?
Sounds like you might have a jam. Follow the instructions in this Video Tutorial to clear out any clogged plastic. If that doesn't get you back to doodling, contact us, and we'll help troubleshoot the issue.
PRO+ Troubleshooting
What type of Plastic can be used with the 3Doodler PRO+ pen?
The 3Doodler PRO+ pen is designed to use 3Doodler Create+ filament (ABS, PLA, and FLEXY) and 3Doodler PRO filament (WOOD, NYLON, COPPER, and BRONZE). They are straight-cut strands, 10" long and 2.85mm in diameter. See all available options here.
How do I unclog the 3Doodler PRO+?
Make sure your 3Doodler PRO+ is turned on and heated up to the proper temperature for the material in your pen. When the pen is ready, carefully remove the nozzle from the pen with the nozzle removal tool. Once the nozzle is removed, insert the Unblocking Tool in through the pen tip while the reverse function in engaged.
This should push any clogged material out of the back of the pen, clearing any clogs. Note that you can also remove the magnetic maintenance panel for greater access to the feeding mechanism.
If you’re still having issues after trying this, please contact us at help@the3doodler.com and we will be happy to help you troubleshoot your device.
Why is my PRO+ pen having difficulty feeding/gripping a new strand?
The PRO+ pen has a temperature preset for each specific types of plastic filament you can use with it. Typically, we see jams occur when folks aren't using the corresponding temperature setting for the filament type they select.
If you're using the correct plastic/temp setting combo, but your pen still won't feed, try adjusting your speed setting. You can also use your Unblocking Tool and/or remove the magnetic maintenance panel to ensure you don't have a jam.
If you’re still having issues after trying this, please contact us at help@the3doodler.com and we will be happy to help you troubleshoot your device.
Why did my PRO+ motor stop and the LED turn Red?
If you use a material at too low a temperature OR too high a speed, the LED will turn Red and the motor will stop because the device cannot maintain temperature.
If you are experiencing this, wait a moment for the pen to come back to the selected temp. If it persists, please contact our Customer Service Team.
My 3Doodler sometimes makes a slight crackling sound while extruding. Is this normal?
If the filament makes a slight crackling sound while extruding, this is totally normal. It is caused by moisture escaping from the plastic strands (that has been caught in the strand since fabrication). This is not dangerous or a cause for concern!
The plastic is moving slowly. What do I do?
Sometimes, when you get to the end of one strand, extrusion slows noticeably. Put a new strand into the back of the 3Doodler pen. If it still extrudes very slowly (or not at all), try giving the new one a little nudge down, and that should do the trick!
How do I remove/re-install the nozzle?
When removing or re-installing the nozzle on your pen, be sure the device is turned ON and fully heated (never while heating or when OFF). Very little force is recommend or required; we suggest using only your thumb and one finger.
Why are my pen’s buttons not functioning as expected?
If your buttons aren’t functioning as intended, please contact our Customer Service team by emailing help@the3doodler.com and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Create+ Troubleshooting
What type of Plastic can be used with the 3Doodler Create+ pen?
The 3Doodler Create+ pen is designed to use 3Doodler Create+ filament (ABS, PLA, FLEXY, and WOOD). They are straight-cut strands, 10" long and 2.85mm in diameter. See all available options here.
Why is the light on my 3Doodler blinking/flashing red?
If you are experiencing a flashing red light with your 3Doodler, please contact our Customer Service team by emailing help@the3doodler.com, and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Why is the light on my 3Doodler always red?
After several minutes of being switched ON without engaging the motor, your pen will go into “standby mode.” The heat will cut off, and the LED will stay red until the device is made active again.
Reactivate the device active by single-clicking the FAST button or by turning the pen OFF and then on again. If your LED is still remaining red after this please contact our Customer Service Team.
My 3Doodler sometimes makes a slight crackling sound while extruding. Is this normal?
If the filament makes a slight crackling sound while extruding, this is totally normal. It is caused by a small amount of moisture (that was been caught in the strand during manufacturing) escaping from the plastic strands . This is not dangerous or a cause for concern!
The plastic is moving slowly. What do I do?
Sometimes, when you get to the end of one strand, extrusion slows noticeably. Put a new strand into the back of the 3Doodler pen. If it still extrudes very slowly (or not at all), try giving the new one a little nudge down, and that should do the trick!
Why is my 3Doodler Create+ having difficulty feeding/gripping a new strand?
The Create+ pen has two temperature settings that are meant for specific types of plastic filament. Typically, we see jams occur when folks aren't using the corresponding temperature setting for the filament type they select.
3Doodler PLA and WOOD filament should be used on the PLA temperature setting ONLY.
3Doodler ABS and FLEXY should be used on the ABS/FLX temperature setting ONLY.
If you're using the correct plastic/temp setting combo, but your pen still won't feed, try using your Unblocking Tool to ensure you don't have a jam (instructional video here).
Why are my pen’s buttons not functioning as expected?
If your buttons aren’t functioning as intended, please contact our Customer Service team by emailing help@the3doodler.com and we will be more than happy to assist you.
The tip of my pen broke off! How do I re-attach the nozzle?
The Create+ instructions state that you should carefully change the pen tip when the pen is plugged in, turned ON, and fully heated up. Doing this can prevent the pen tip from breaking in the future.
Unfortunately we don’t have a way to repair pens with broken pen tips, so we'll need to look into activating your Warranty. Please contact our customer service team.