Nowadays, there are a wide range of speakers available in different shapes, colors, and materials to suit every style. But despite all the models available in stores, a clever crafter has come up with something truly unique that you won’t find in stores. Content creator Mohsen Shirmohammadi, best known for his YouTube channel Penguin DIY, created a bluetooth speaker…inside a walnut!

Shirmohammadi, a mechatronic enthusiast, creates quirky gadgets from unexpected items. To show how he makes it all work, he captures his process in detailed videos. For example, in the walnut bluetooth speaker video, we see him go from polishing the inside walls of the walnut, to installing a rearranging tiny 5 V power bank module to make it fit inside the shell.

In one half of the walnut shell, the crafter stacks and fits a MH-MH18 Bluetooth audio module and an HXJ8002 mini audio amplifier module, managing to extend the LEDs and wire them up despite the lack of room. On the other side of the compact space, he fits a 4Ω 2 W mini speaker. For the sound to come out, the content creator drills a series of little holes in the shell. As finishing touches, he installs three tiny switches for play/pause, previous and next track, and volume control.

“From the choice of the perfect walnut shell to the installation of modules, amplifiers speakers, and a rechargeable battery, this project is a fusion of nature and technology,” writes the imaginative inventor. “Join us on this unique journey of creativity and innovation. Don't miss out on this extraordinary walnut shell speaker project—a must-watch for DIY enthusiasts and music aficionados!”

To stay up to date with Shirmohammadi's latest creations, you can subscribe to Penguin DIY's YouTube channel.

Penguin DIY: YouTube

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READ: Watch a Clever Designer Turn a Walnut Into a Bluetooth Speaker

Screenshot from Cara

Social media is a wonderful way for creatives to get their creations out to a wider audience. From DeviantArt and Behance to Instagram and TikTok, there's a long history of art online. But these days, thanks to algorithm changes and the rise of AI, it can be harder than ever for artists to reach their target audience. That's where Cara comes in.

The artist-run platform has exploded over the last week, jumping from 40,000 to 650,000 users. As a social media platform for creatives, Cara has both a standard timeline, much like Instagram, as well as a portfolio section where creators can display their best work. They can also signal that they are open to new work opportunities, making it a great place for networking.

Screenshot from Cara

So why is Cara seeing such high sign-up numbers? This is most likely is due to Meta's announcement that, as of June 26, they'll be using public Facebook posts, as well as Instagram images and captions, to train AI. Users in the UK and EU were given the option to opt out of this training due to privacy laws, but American users have no such option.

Cara has become a safe haven for these artists and has actually taken a firm stance against AI. AI-generated art is not allowed in portfolios, and Cara has an AI detection system that blocks these images if uploaded. They also add a NoAI tag to any image placed on the platform to signal that AI scrapers shouldn't take images from the platform for training purposes.

As an added layer of security, the platform also allows artists to incorporate anti-AI pixels like Glaze into their uploads. Another popular pixel, Nightshade, will also be included when made available.

Screenshot from Cara/Albert Kiefer

Cara's founded Jingna Zhang is the perfect person to take on the challenge of running the creative platform. A renowned photographer herself, she won a case against a painter who used an image she shot for Harper's Bazaar as the basis for their own art. She's also one of several artists who are suing Google for using their work to train its AI image generator, Imagen.

“When it comes to art, unfortunately, we just come from a fundamentally different perspective and point of view, because on the tech side, you have this strong history of open source, and people are just thinking like, well, you put it out there, so it’s for people to use,” Zhang tells TechCrunch.

“For artists, it’s a part of ourselves and our identity. I would not want my best friend to make a manipulation of my work without asking me. There’s a nuance to how we see things, but I don’t think people understand that the art we do is not a product.”

With Cara, Zhang hopes to give artists the freedom to continue sharing their art with the public without fear. She's even open to allowing AI on the platform in the future if legislation that protects artists is passed.

So whether you are an artist yourself or you’re just an art lover, head over to Cara and see what all the fuss is about. And while you're at it, follow MyModernMet.

Cara: Website | Instagram | X | Discord

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READ: Cara, the Anti-AI Social Media Platform for Artists, Sees an Explosion of Users

 

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When most people think of school science fairs, images of baking soda volcanoes and egg drops may fill their minds. But for the most driven STEM students, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair provides a far greater opportunity to showcase their inventions and research, as well as compete for significant amounts of money to further finance their projects. Grace Sun, a 16-year-old from Lexington, Kentucky, was awarded the highest prize of $75,000 at this year's fair for her work on biomedical implants.

Grace's work focused on improving the components that go into biomedical inventions, specifically organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). These are made of silicon, a soft and flexible material, and could be used in more complex implants in the brain or the heart. Unfortunately, OECTs can degrade in the body, causing them to be unstable and have low mobility, making them unreliable for many patients.

Six months of research went into Grace's project and helped her to develop a different way of chemically treating these organic components. This significantly improved their laboratory performance rate. The young scientist hopes that her work can be used to build a better OECT that can detect and treat illnesses such as diabetes, epilepsy, and organ failure, as well as a variety of autoimmune diseases.

“This was our number one project, without a shadow of a doubt,” Ian Jandrell, a judging co-chair for the materials science category at ISEF, told Business Insider about Grace’s research. “It was crystal clear that that room was convinced that this was a significant project and worthy of consideration for a very top award because of the contribution that was made.”

Looking forward to the future, Grace has dreams of further improving her research and starting her own company. To learn more about her project submission to the science fair, take a look at Grace's submitted research.

Grace Sun: LinkedIn
h/t: [Good News Network]

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READ: 16-Year-Old Wins Highest Prize of $75,000 in Prestigious Science Fair for Her Work on Biomedical Implants

South African photographer and content creator Luke Maximo Bell and his father Mike Bell are now Guinness World Record holders for the fastest drone flight in the world, beating out the previous 224 mph record by Ryan Lademann. The duo has officially earned the title for “fastest ground speed by a battery-powered remote-controlled (RC) quadcopter,” and the younger Bell is now sharing exactly how they managed to build the device they call Peregreen 2, as well as the trials and errors along the way.

Bell has been passionate about his quadcopter project for some time now. In a YouTube video, he says, “Last year, I created the fastest drone in the world, but I always felt like it was a kind of prototype and not quite fast enough. This year, my dad and I decided to improve every aspect of the original Peregreen drone to create an epic successor.” Though last year's drone flew nearly 250 mph (400 kph), Bell set his sights even higher. This accomplishment was not without its challenges. After multiple fires, prototypes, and adjustments, Bell's Peregreen 2 dashed through four speed runs.

In order to achieve this feat, the Bells designed a drone with four motors on a carbon fiber frame. The motors on their previous drone were Velox V2808s, but they went for even larger ones this time. Using T-Motor Velox V3115s caused an immediate setback. Their initial prototypes kept bursting into flames, a disheartening event to any drone maker. Their motors were overheating their batteries, necessitating a redesign. The Bells considered quitting, but stayed the course. Eventually, they made a prototype, with thicker wires for the motors that could successfully fly.

Though the Peregreen 2 could successfully fly, it was not initially at record-breaking speeds. After swapping out the motors for even more powerful ones and streamlining the design to be more aerodynamic, they had their final version to take the title. On April 21, 2024, in Worcester, South Africa, the Bells sent the Peregreen 2 into flight for two speed runs, each in opposite directions in order to negate the wind speed. At full throttle, the drone went from 0 to 186mph (300 kmh) in 2 seconds. Peregrine 2 officially reached 317 mph (510 kph) with an average speed of 298.47 mph (480.23 kph).

Incidentally, for the speed runs, Maximo Bell had attached an Insta 360 Go 3 Action cam to the nose of the drone. He was not expecting to get any usable footage at the drone's higher speeds, but it turns out he managed to make a working camera drone faster than Red Bull's Drone 1 that broke records at 217 mph (350 kph) following Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen's full-speed lap around the Silverstone Circuit.

To see more from Bell, you can follow him on Instagram and subscribe to his YouTube channel.

Luke Maximo Bell and his father Mike Bell made the fastest drone in the world, for the second time.

 

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The Bells broke Ryan Lademann's drone record of 224 mph.

Luke Maximo Bell: YouTube | Instagram
h/t: [PetaPixel]

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READ: Inventor Breaks Guinness World Record For Fastest Drone Flight Ever

French company Seabike has developed a device that acts as an underwater bicycle, helping swimmers and divers move underwater at impressively fast speeds. The device, which bears the same name as the company who designed it, is made to be strapped to the waist of swimmers, who are then pushed through the water by pedaling the propeller device located at the end of the machine.

The Seabike, which looks more like an underwater unicycle than a bicycle, was designed to be as lightweight as possible and easy to transport. Thanks to its mechanical drive, the device doesn't need to be charged, saving users precious time. Despite the mechanics involved to operate it, the Seabike still allows for full range of movement, allowing users to swim with ease.

According to Seabike's website, it takes just five to ten minutes to learn to use the device. Depending on the user's style of swimming or diving, the Seabike works with them instead of against them. If people want to swim with their arms to make them move even faster, the device assists them. But if they would rather relax and let the machine do all the work, they will find themselves being propelled through the water effortlessly.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these devices for yourself—they ship internationally—visit Seabike's website.

The Seabike is an underwater bicycle that is designed to help swimmers move quickly.

 

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Swimmers and divers simply have to hook the device to themselves via a belt and then peddle to propel themselves forward.

 

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A post shared by SEABIKE CLUB (@seabike.club)

Seabike: Website | Instagram
h/t: [New Atlas]

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READ: ‘Underwater Bicycle’ Device Propels Swimmers and Divers Forward at Superhuman Speed

Photo: Matthew Yohe via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Some people are fans of musicians and athletes. But for those who follow technology closely, the people they admire the most are the brilliant minds who have made great advances. Among them, two of the most respected and beloved are Apple's founders, Steve Wozniak and the late Steve Jobs. Much like with any other celebrities, people also long for an autograph from their heroes. Over 40 years ago, someone decided to shoot their shot and reach out to Jobs for his signature. The response from the late inventor was an example of his cleverness, and would be remembered to this day.

Back in 1983, Apple wasn't the mammoth it is today, but its unique approach to operating systems had made waves among computing enthusiasts. This inspired a person named L.N. Varon from Imperial Beach, California, to write to Jobs in the hopes of getting a unique piece of memorabilia. However, Jobs, who passed away in 2011, wasn't a crowd pleaser. He was known to decline most autograph requests both in person and through the mail. It is not known whether the sender enclosed a printed photograph or a magazine clip, but even if they did, the got something more special. The response was a standard 8.5″ x 11″ letter with an Apple Computer Inc. letterhead that is dated May 11, 1983.

Jobs' message reads, “I’m honored that you’d write, but I’m afraid I don’t sign autographs.” And while that would have been the end of it, he did something even more revealing of his cheeky personality. Jobs then signed the letter with his famous lowercase signature in black ink.

Fast forward to 2021, and Apple's role in innovation has made the cult following around Jobs' work grow to astronomical levels. This made the artifacts related to his legacy even more sought-after. When the 1983 letter was auctioned by RR Auction, it sold for $478,939. The auction house described it as “a great, early autograph from the Apple founder.” They've also sold signed business cards, an autographed iPad, Jobs' 1976 computer prototype, and even a signed movie ticket stub from Pirates of the Caribbean. Still, nothing may ever come close to the cleverness of the letter.

Steve Jobs rarely gave out autographs, but he once cleverly indulged in a letter that would later sell for $478,939. It read: “I’m honored that you’d write, but I’m afraid I don’t sign autographs,” before Jobs signed it in black ink.

Steve Jobs typed letter to a fan who had requested a autograph from him, the letter ended up selling at auction for $400k
byu/santiClaud inDamnthatsinteresting

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READ: Steve Jobs Signed a Typed Letter Saying He Does Not Give out Autographs, It Later Sold for $400K

AI-generated images of Rihanna and Katy Perry at the 2024 Met Gala. (Source: @tereluprados, left; @jxries, right)

On the evening of the 2024 Met Gala, everyone's eyes were glued to the internet to see the elaborate fashions that would parade down the red carpet. As images of celebrities flooded the web, people were amazed by what celebrities like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna wore. The only problem is that these Met Gala regulars didn't actually attend this year's event—the photos are all AI-generated deepfakes.

The images first appeared on X (formerly Twitter), with users commenting on how amazing the women looked. Eventually, the social media platform added a notation to the posts stating that the images were fake and AI-generated. Still, many people, including Perry's own mother, believed that the photos of the stars dressed in garden-themed frocks were real. The pop star even posted on Instagram, explaining that she missed out on the event due to work, but she also shared the AI-generated image that has baffled so many online. Funnily enough, her own mother sent her a message commenting on her look. In the text message exchange, Perry's mom writes, “Didn't know you went to the Met. What a gorgeous gown, you look like the Rose Parade.” Perry then responds, “lol mom the AI got you too, BEWARE!”

While the conversation is amusing, it's also a reminder of how careful the public must be when viewing imagery online. The images received millions of views, with many never realizing that what they liked and shared wasn't real.  As AI technology continues to improve, it becomes even more difficult to distinguish what's real from what's computer-generated, so stay vigilant.

AI-generated images of Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga at the 2024 Met Gala began circulating online.

Rihanna attends The 2024 #MetGala #MetGala2024 pic.twitter.com/bO0QqmxWkD

— ✨ (@tereluprados) May 6, 2024

Katy Perry. That’s it. #MetGala pic.twitter.com/OT51H6wJ9i

— javi (@jxries) May 6, 2024

Katy Perry looks absolutely gorgeous on #MetGala 2024. pic.twitter.com/Nm6UFnCAvI

— kauán (@wanthatoo) May 6, 2024

Lady Gaga at the Met Gala! F’ n Fabulous!!!!…..

Lady Guggenheim! pic.twitter.com/5mhf29HwK0

— Brad (@BraddrofliT) May 6, 2024

The images seem plausible, given that the musicians are known for their elaborate Met Gala fashions.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Though none of the women attended this year's event, many people believed the images were real.

She’s gorgeous

— She’s an “Akwa Ibom Girl” (@lilyjoelily) May 7, 2024

These two have already won. #Zendaya #KatyPerry #MetGala pic.twitter.com/CEyaoNdWOC

— ✨k a t i e✨ (@katiemcc3247) May 6, 2024

Even Perry's own mother thought the photos were genuine, prompting a funny text exchange that the star then posted. (Check third slide.)

 

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A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry)

The realism of these fake photos is a reminder to pay close attention to what you like and share online.

#ArtificialIntelligence & the #MetGala2024 #Rihanna #ChristinaAguilera #LadyGaga #KatyPerry #MetGala #AI pic.twitter.com/AGcolN3eIu

— Eva González (@emaglem) May 7, 2024

h/t: [PetaPixel]

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READ: AI-Generated Photos of Celebs at the Met Gala Fooled Everyone Online Including Katy Perry’s Mom

Brazilian surgeon, Bruno Gobbato used Apple Vision Pro to assist in surgery operation
byu/170071 ininterestingasfuck

The Apple Vision is widely considered one of the biggest tech releases of the last few years. This innovative headset provides a pristine, real-time depiction of the surrounding environment while allowing the user to launch apps as floating screens around them. Many have tried it in different places, like on a plane, on the subway, and now in an operating room. Brazilian surgeon Dr. Bruno B. Gobbato recently shared his experience using this device during a surgery, showing its possibilities beyond leisure and entertainment.

Dr. Gobbato is an orthopedist and traumatologist who specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery. The procedure took place at the Jaraguá Hospital, a city located in southern Brazil. There, the specialist performed surgery to fix a shoulder tendons injury using the arthroscopy technique—and his Apple Vision Pro.

This arthroscopy method involves inserting a camera into the joint, allowing the surgeon to operate without the need to completely cut the shoulder open. The camera was then connected to Apple Vision Pro, giving the doctor the possibility to follow a feed of a magnified view of the procedure on a large screen with ultra-high resolution. Next to this screen, he also had a 3D model of a shoulder pop up within his field of vision, as well as patient reports in the Notes app.

Gobbato's main concern was how the Apple Vision Pro camera would process the images in real-time given that there was not enough lighting in the operating room. While Apple claims that the see-through latency of the Vision pro is 12ms, which is extremely low, they've also warned that using the device in low light conditions may increase the risk of collision with objects in the vicinity. The company also advises against using it around sharp objects and any other situations requiring attention to safety. However, Dr. Gobbato, a medical professional, has praised the device, especially for its convenience.

Though this is an incredible occurrence, it is not the first time an Apple Vision Pro has been used in the operating room. In March, a team at Cromwell Hospital in London used the headset to repair a patient's spine. They used it for a similar purpose—superimposing virtual screens and having key information at hand. “It eliminates human error. It eliminates the guesswork,” Suvi Verho, lead scrub nurse at London Independent Hospital, told the Daily Mail. “It gives you confidence in surgery.”

The Vision Pro also allowed Gobbato to record the surgery from his point of view, which you can watch above—please keep in mind that it is video footage of a surgery, so viewer discretion is advised.

Bruno Gobbato: Website | YouTube
h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: Surgeon Uses Apple Vision Pro as a Visual Assist During Shoulder Surgery in Brazil

 

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Even though we now tell time by checking our phones or perhaps a clock, the scientific passage of time is measured by the orbit of the Earth around the Sun, and the Moon around the Earth. The Tellurium by SpaceOne takes this idea literally, by reimagining the classic analog watch as a three-dimensional model of the Moon's orbit around Earth and Earth's orbit around the Sun. The ingenious design not only gives the time, but also provides the opportunity to observe the current locations of the celestial bodies that are most important to humans, bringing the wearer closer to the vast universe surrounding them.

SpaceOne is a company that specializes in space-themed watches, and the Tellurium is certainly no exception. The out-of-this-world watch was developed by Olivier Gamiette, who is “renowned for his fluid, futuristic lines and deeply audacious dials.” The timepiece comes with a sleek 42 mm titanium case, and has additional astronomical objects made of polished titanium contained within. The Moon, Earth, and Sun replicas are surrounded by a minimalist triangular clock face with the numbers 4, 8, and 12 printed on it. Additionally, the hour and minute clock hands are positioned in the center of the watch, and they glow in the dark, radiating the same light that the Sun produces every day. The Tellurium also features a sophisticated dating system, which ensures that the day display will change as soon as the hour hand hits midnight.

The Earth takes one year to orbit the Sun and the Moon orbits the Earth in 27.3 days. The Tellurium is equipped with a state-of-the-art mechanism called Soprod P024 Movement, which enables the little spheres contained in the watch to move at the same time as their real-life counterparts. The Earth replica is connected to a small piece of sapphire crystal, which is linked to a ring with 365 teeth, one for each day of a standard year. Beside it, there is another gear called the star wheel, which has 31 teeth and moves two smaller wheels to change the date.

The Tellurium is currently available for presale on the SpaceOne website for €2,990 (approximately $3,726). Delivery is predicted to start in October or November 2024.

The Tellurium by SpaceOne is a futuristic watch design, featuring miniature replicas of the Sun, Moon, and Earth to tell the time.

 

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More than just telling time, this remarkable timepiece tracks the exact positions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth in relation to one another.

 

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A post shared by @spaceonewatches

SpaceOne: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Designboom]

All images via SpaceOne.

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READ: Out-of-This-World Watch Tells Time Through Replicas of the Sun, Moon, and Earth’s Orbits

Photo: doomu/Depositphotos
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Whether you’re a budding artist or a fervent DIYer, 3D printing is a useful tool for bringing your designs to life. It can be used to create unique home decor, one-of-a-kind art, customized organizational tools, and so much more. For those who want to dive into 3D printing for the first time, it can be overwhelming, especially when looking for the best 3D printers for beginners. Top-tier printers can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, not to mention the complicated machinery and new design software learning curve. Starting small, both in terms of price and size, can help you build the foundation to become a 3D printing pro.

To compile this list of the best 3D printers for beginners, I did a ton of research. I scoured the web for top-rated options, read through reviews and customer ratings, and considered significant factors like price, features, user-friendliness, and more. Eventually, I landed on a Creality model as our best overall choice, along with some other great picks from brands like Elegoo and Entina.

Below, check out the best 3D printers for beginners.

Our Top Picks:

1. Best Overall: Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D Printer – $245 at Walmart
2. Best Resin 3D Printer for Beginners: Elegoo Mars 3 – $209.99 at Amazon
3. Best Budget 3D Printer for Beginners: Entina Tina 2 Mini 3D Printer – $178 at Amazon
4. Best 3D Printer for Kids: 3Doodler 3D Pen – $49.99 at Target
5. Best Pen 3D Printer: MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro – $60.71 at Amazon

Reviews of The Best 3D Printers for Beginners

1. Best Overall:  Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D Printer

Amazon | $199

If you’re a beginner,  the Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D Printer is a great pick for its affordability and versatility. (There’s a reason other Creality models are also on My Modern Met’s list of the best 3D printers on Amazon.)

The printer is easy to set up and heats quickly, plus it has a relatively large print volume for its size. It only uses PLA filament, one of the most common and versatile 3D printing materials, and has convenient auto-bed leveling, which means you won’t have to worry about manually calibrating the printer bed every few prints. For a relatively affordable price point, this is a great pick.

$245 at Walmart

The Specs:

• Printing Material: PLA
• Print Volume: 8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches
• Machine Dimensions: 17.2 x 16.7 x 18.6 inches

The Pros:

• Easy to use and assemble
• Good print quality
• Relatively affordable for a high-end printer

The Cons:

• Nozzle may need to be replaced
• Noisy
• Requires frequent releveling

What Others Are Saying

The Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D Printer has a 4.2-star Amazon rating from more than 3,800 reviews. It’s also recommended by U.S. News & World Report 360 Reviews as the best 3D printer for beginners.

Buy the Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D Printer:

$245 at Walmart

$199 at Amazon

2. Best Resin 3D Printer for Beginners: Elegoo Mars 3

Amazon | $209.99

Resin generally creates a more detailed and smooth surface because it’s a liquid that gets cured during the print process rather than a filament that is layered. For resin lovers, the Elegoo Mars 3 is the best resin 3D printer you can buy as a beginner. It boasts a sleek design, and won’t take up much surface area at 22 inches long by 11 inches wide.

The Mars 3 has convenient touchscreen controls and a USB port so you can easily import your designs and start building. It’s also quite sturdy and prints designs under a shield, which may make it a better option for those with kids or pets.

$209.99 at Amazon

The Specs:

• Printing Material: Resin
• Print Volume: 5.6 x 3.5 x 6.8 inches
• Machine Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 12 inches

The Pros:

• Sleek design
• Compact
• Sturdy construction

The Cons:

• Finicky touchscreen
• Confusing instructions make it hard to troubleshoot
• Small print volume

What Others Are Saying

The Elegoo Mars 3 has over 3,300 Amazon reviews and an impressive 4.5-star rating. The printer has also received positive reviews from Tom's Hardware, All3DP, and DIY Machines.

Buy the Elegoo Mars 3:

$209.99 at Amazon

3. Best Budget 3D Printer for Beginners: Entina Tina 2 Mini 3D Printer

Amazon | $178

If you want to try out 3D printing without spending a ton of cash, the Entina Tina 2 Mini 3D Printer is an excellent starter model. With auto bed leveling and a magnetic platform, this printer is not only affordable and easy to set up, but it’s also compact, which means it’s easy to store.

The Tina 2 Mini 3D Printer can print with PLA, PLA Pro, and TPU. As an added bonus, the printer arrives fully assembled, so you won’t have to spend hours diving into the user manual before getting started. Plus, its cool design isn’t too hard on the eyes, either.

$178 at Amazon

The Specs:

• Printing Material: PLA, PLA Pro, or TPU
• Print Volume: 3.9 x 4.7 x 3.9 inches
• Machine Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.3 x 8.3 inches

The Pros:

• Compact and easy to store
• Arrives set up
• Affordable

The Cons:

• Short lifetime
• Best suited for smaller prints

What Others Are Saying

This printer is recommended as the best budget-friendly 3D printer for beginners by U.S. News and World Report 360 Reviews and one of the best kid-friendly 3D printers by 3D Insider.

Buy the Entina Tina 2 Mini 3D Printer:

$178 at Amazon

4. Best 3D Printer for Kids: 3Doodler 3D Pen

Target | $49.99

For those looking to gift a 3D printer to the creative kid in your life, a 3D pen may actually be the better option—especially if it’s the 3Doodler 3D Pen. Not only is this 3D printing tool super affordable, but it’s also really easy to use, making it a great option for kids ages 6 or older under parental supervision.

The pen works like a hot glue gun—you just feed the filament through and start “drawing.” But unlike a hot glue gun, the pen (even the nozzle) won’t get hot while in use, making it super safe for young children. It’s also chargeable, so kids can use it completely cord-free.

$49.99 at Target

The Specs:

• Printing Material: PLA or ABS
• Print Volume: Unlimited
• Machine Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 2.6 inches

The Pros:

• Kid-friendly
• Inexpensive
• Safe
• Easy to use

The Cons:

• Short battery life
• Only compatible with certain refill filaments

What Others Are Saying

The 3D pen has over 7,000 Amazon reviews and 4.3 stars. It’s also recommended by U.S. News and World Report 360 Reviews and All3DP.

Buy the 3Doodler 3D Pen:

$49.99 at Target

$49.99 at Amazon

5. Best Pen 3D Printer: MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro

Amazon | $60.71

3D pens, like the MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro, are great for kids, adults, and beginners alike. This affordable  3D pen is a low-stakes way to get hands-on with 3D printing without having to purchase an expensive full-sized machine. Once you upgrade, the MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro is great to have on hand to fill in any gaps or add features to your 3D projects.

Like the 3Doodler 3D Pen, this MYNT3D pen is cordless and user-friendly while still offering a solid amount of control. You can adjust the temperature and speed, and there’s even a small OLED display that shows the temperature. The grip of the pen itself is also very comfortable, which is important if you’re going to be attempting larger, longer projects.

$60.71 at Amazon

The Specs:

• Printing Material: PLA or ABS
• Print Volume: Unlimited
• Machine Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 2.6 inches

The Pros:

• Easy to use
• Comfortable grip
• Precise temperature controls
• Comes in three colors of plastic filament

The Cons:

• Included plastic filament can go quickly
• Short cord

What Others Are Saying

The MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro has earned more than  12,000 Amazon reviews and boasts a 4.4-star rating. It’s also recommended as one of the best 3D printing pens by All3DP.

Buy the MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro:

$60.71 at Amazon

Other 3D Printers to Consider

Photo: cookelma/Depositphotos

Anycubic Photon Mono 2

This sleek resin printer has more than 1,960 Amazon reviews and is recommended by Tom's Hardware, CNET, and All3DP. While it’s in the same price range as our favorite 3D printer, reviewers found that it’s not as intuitive to set up or use. The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is available at Amazon for $159.99.

SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen

The most enticing feature of this 3D pen is its affordable price. The model is recommended as one of the best 3D pens by Popular Science, but unlike the 3Doodler 3D Pen, this pick has a bit of a learning curve, making it neither kid- or beginner-friendly. The SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen is available at Walmart for $29.99.

AnkerMake M5 3D Printer

AnkerMake’s M5 3D Printer is super fast, operating at a speed of 250 mm per second, earning it a spot on CNN Underscored’s guide to 3D printing for beginners. It’s also compatible with PLA, PETG, TPU, and ABS filaments. However, despite its speed, the printer is hard to use and noisy, especially given its nearly $700 price tag.  The AnkerMake M5 3D Printer is available at Best Buy for $699.99.

Anycubic Kobra 2 3D Printer

The Anycubic Kobra 2 3D Printer is a very fast and reliable 3D printer that’s compatible with a large variety of printing materials, including PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG. It has also been positively reviewed by PCMag and Techradar. While the printer may be easy to assemble initially, buyers found that it can be difficult to troubleshoot problems, particularly when it comes to leveling. The Kobra 2 3D Printer is available at Walmart for $209.

Why You Can Trust Us

Photo: Reflexpixel/Depositphotos

Hi! I’m Grace, a graphic designer, freelance writer, and product tester for everything from appliances to the latest tech gadgets. My work has appeared in Gear Patrol, Apartment Therapy, and many other publications. I aim to help consumers find the best products to spend their money on.

For this guide to the best 3D printers for beginners, I researched a ton of models by reading through trusted publications and customer ratings and reviews. From there, I considered important qualities like price and easy setup to ensure each option is well-suited for beginners.

What to Know About 3D Printers for Beginners

Photo: Marina1408/Depositphotos

Things to Consider When Choosing a 3D Printer for a Beginner

From new vocabulary terms to confusing user manuals, finding a quality 3D printer can be quite a hassle for a novice. The main factors to consider when narrowing your search include bed leveling, float switches, printing material, and more.

Bed Leveling

Since 3D printing is done layer by layer, the first layer that goes directly on the heat bed must be level. 3D printers can have automatic and manual bed leveling where either you or the printer controls the levelness of the heat bed. While automatic leveling may be more beginner-friendly, it’s often associated with a higher cost.

Print Volume

Most 3D printers geared towards beginners will be on the smaller side because they’re lower in price and easier to use. However, if you have a specific design or item in mind that you’ll be using your printer for, make sure to check the volume that a printer can produce before buying. Keep in mind that 3D pens won’t have any size constraints since you’ll be designing freehand, but the bigger the design, the more unwieldy your project will likely be.

Printing Material

3D printers can come equipped to handle a variety or just one type of print material, such as resin, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU):

• Resin: Resin 3D printing can use three different types of materials: stereolithography (SLA), liquid crystal display (LCD), or digital light processing (DLP). In general, this printing material is best for pieces with fine details and smooth finishes.
• PLA: This recyclable material is usually made from cornstarch or sugar cane. It performs best in lower temperatures but is great for stronger, more dimensional pieces.
• ABS: ABS is one of the most popular forms of 3D printing. It’s great for creating plastic solid parts and a variation of temperatures.
• TPU: This flexible and elastic material is good for creations that may require impact-absorption and a soft-touch surface.

Many printers come with a small amount of printing material to get you started. Make sure that the 3D printer you’re choosing will be able to print with your desired material.

3D Pen vs. 3D Printer

While full-size 3D printers tend to be the default when people talk about 3D printing, 3D pens are a great way to fill in existing 3D printed designs, free-hand your own designs, or get kids involved in 3D printing. Consider what type of projects you want to create prior to deciding on whether you want a 3D printer or a 3D pen.

Photo: Marina1408/Depositphotos

How Do 3D Printers Work?

Like a 2D printer, 3D printers will process a design given to them and print that design layer by layer, starting at the bottom and building its way to the top. The printer heats the material put into it so that it can become malleable and shape your design. Each 3D printer has a maximum build size that your design cannot exceed as well as a specific Z resolution, or layer height, that dictates how thin features of your design can be.

How to Use 3D Printers for Beginners

The 3D printing process starts with your design, which you can create yourself using beginner-friendly 3D design software like Tinkercard. You’ll then export your design as an STL file and import it into a slicing software, which will convert it into a Gcode that your printer can read.

From there, you can start setting up your printer with the material you’ll be using and dictate the size and placement of your design. Once all of this is done, you’ll be ready to print!

Photo: miata_dad

How Much Do 3D Printers Cost?

3D printers are sold at a wide range of prices, from hundreds to thousands of dollars. For at-home enthusiasts, high-quality printer models will usually be around $500 to $1,000. However, beginners can get away with machines that cost $300 or less, with the caveat that they may eventually have to upgrade to another more costly printer.

What are 3D Printers Used For?

3D printers can be used in a variety of fields and settings, but for the home hobbyist, these machines are generally used to create items like small figurines or other small-to-moderate-sized pieces of decor for their home.

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Prices were accurate at the time of publication.

READ: The 5 Best 3D Printers for Beginners in 2024