PCL filament is the material your child will soon be drawing in the air with, safely and for hours. If you are considering a 3D pen for at home, that term comes up quickly — but what exactly is it, and why does it suit small hands so well? In this guide we explain it calmly, so you can make a choice with confidence.

What exactly is PCL filament?

PCL stands for polycaprolactone, a soft plastic that melts at a low temperature. Where many 3D materials only become liquid at around 200 degrees, PCL is already mouldable at roughly 60 to 70 degrees. That lower melting point is exactly what makes a 3D pen so pleasant for children: the tip of the pen has to get far less hot to draw nicely.

The filament comes in thin sticks that you slide into the top of the pen. The pen heats the strand, your child pushes it out as a liquid line, and within a few seconds it is firm again. That is how flat figures appear and, with a little practice, real 3D builds.

Why PCL is safe for children

The biggest worry parents have about a 3D pen makes sense: does that tip not get red hot? With pens that work on PCL it is not that bad, and that has everything to do with the material.

A low melting point means a cooler tip

Because PCL melts at a low temperature, the pen itself does not have to get extremely hot. The wireless 3D pen starter kits from Fits4Kids are designed for this and are therefore suitable for children from age 6. The tip does stay warm — so it is still sensible to keep an eye out — but the risk of a real burn is a good deal smaller with this type of pen than with high-temperature pens.

Tested against the European toy standard

The PCL filament and the matching pens we sell meet EN71, the European safety standard for toys. That standard sets requirements for, among other things, the materials used. For you as a parent that is something to hold on to: these are toys that have been assessed against the applicable European rules.

PCL or PLA: what is the difference?

With 3D pens you come across two kinds of filament, and it helps to know the difference so you buy the right refill.

• PCL melts at a low temperature and belongs with the wireless starter kits and the 3D Pen Race Kit. This is the version you want for the youngest makers. You refill with separate PCL filament in 20 colours.
• PLA melts at a higher temperature and belongs with the 3D Pen XXL Starter Kit with a cable. That pen works with PLA refills.

In short: if you have a wireless pen or the Race Kit, you use PCL. If you have the XXL starter kit with a cable, you use PLA. Mixing them up does not work, so always check which type belongs with your pen before you order refills.

Which Fits4Kids sets work with PCL?

If you want to start straight away with the child-friendly, low-melting filament, choose a set that runs on PCL:

• The wireless starter kits (in blue and pink) — cable-free, so your child can draw anywhere at the table without any fuss.
• The 3D Pen Race Kit — great for children who like building something that actually moves, such as a car with rolling wheels.
• Separate PCL filament refills to order when the colours run out.

Tips for safe and fun making with PCL

• Start flat. Let your child work on a drawing mat or tracing sheet first and let the figure cool down before lifting it off.
• Set the pen to the lowest speed. That gives your child the most control and the filament comes out steadily.
• Stay nearby with young children. Even with a cooler tip, adult supervision is always the advice for the youngest makers.
• Store the filament dry. That keeps the colour sticks nice and supple for the next drawing session.

Frequently asked questions

Is PCL filament toxic?

PCL is a plastic that is widely used in toys because it works at a low temperature. The filament and the pens we sell meet the European toy standard EN71. Of course, do not let your child put the material in their mouth; it is meant for drawing, not for eating.

From what age can my child draw with a PCL 3D pen?

The wireless Fits4Kids 3D pens that run on PCL are suitable for children from age 6. Younger children can watch and join in with an adult alongside them.

Can I use PCL and PLA interchangeably?

No. PCL belongs with the wireless pens and the Race Kit, PLA belongs with the XXL starter kit with a cable. Check which type suits your pen and order the matching refill.

Does the tip of the pen get hot?

The tip does get warm, but because PCL already melts at a low temperature the pen has to get less hot than pens that work at high temperatures. Still keep an eye out and have young children work under supervision.

Ready to let your child discover how much fun drawing in 3D is? Have a look at the wireless starter kits with PCL filament and choose the colour that suits best.