PCL vs PLA Filament — Which is Right for Your Kid's 3D Pen?
PCL (polycaprolactone) is a low-temperature filament that melts at 60-100°C — safe for kids 5+. PLA (polylactic acid) is a high-temperature filament that melts at 175-220°C — better for kids 8+ with adult supervision. Both are non-toxic and biodegradable. You cannot use PCL in a PLA pen, or vice versa — each pen is built for one filament type.
If you're shopping for refills or just trying to understand which 3D pen to buy, this guide will help you choose. We're a New Zealand 3D pen retailer, and we've watched hundreds of NZ parents make this exact decision.
At-a-glance comparison
| PCL (Polycaprolactone) | PLA (Polylactic acid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Melting temperature | 60–100°C (warm to touch) | 175–220°C (hot — burn risk) |
| Recommended kids age | 5+ with light supervision | 8+ with active adult supervision |
| Texture of finished piece | Slightly bendable, soft, rubbery | Rigid, glossy, hard |
| Best for | Soft 3D models, kid-safe drawing, jewellery, small flexible parts | Architectural builds, name tags, ornaments, anything that needs to hold its shape |
| Smell while drawing | None | Mild "warm plastic" |
| Material origin | Synthetic biodegradable polyester | Cornstarch/sugarcane-derived bioplastic |
| Non-toxic | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Biodegradable | ✓ Yes (industrial composting) | ✓ Yes (industrial composting) |
| Suitable for school use | Excellent — most kid-safe option | Good for older students with supervision |
| Pen compatibility | Low-temperature 3D pens only | High-temperature 3D pens only |
| Typical price (NZ) | $0.22–$0.36 / metre | $0.22–$0.30 / metre |
| Diameter | 1.75mm (standard) | 1.75mm (standard) |
Cannot be interchanged. PCL filament loaded into a hot PLA pen will overheat and char (smoking, blackening, ruined nozzle). PLA filament loaded into a low-temp PCL pen won't melt — it stays solid and clogs the feed mechanism.
When to choose PCL
PCL is the right choice if any of the following applies:
- Your child is 5-7 years old, even with parent supervision
- You want the safest possible kid's 3D pen
- Your child is using the pen unsupervised some of the time (e.g. quietly in their room while you're cooking dinner)
- You want finished pieces that are slightly flexible — bendable name tags, jewellery, soft 3D shapes
- You're buying a 3D pen for school holiday programmes or classroom use with younger kids
- You don't want any "warm plastic" smell at all
PCL is the standard for kid-safe 3D pens worldwide. Almost every "kids 3D pen" sold in NZ uses PCL filament for this reason.
Recommended PCL pen bundles: see our 3D Pen Bundle (20 colours, $65.99) for the most-reviewed starter, or 3D Pen Kit (30 colours + stencils, $75.99) for the next tier up.
When to choose PLA
PLA is the right choice if all of the following apply:
- Your child is 8 years or older
- You'll be supervising the first dozen sessions
- They want their finished creations to be sturdy, glossy, and hold their shape (not bend)
- They're ready for the responsibility of handling a heated tool
PLA is what most adult 3D printer enthusiasts use too — it's the standard "real" 3D printing material. The finished pieces look more professional and stand up to handling much better than PCL pieces.
Recommended PLA pen bundles: 3D Printer Pen with LCD (PLA + 20 colours, $69.99) for the entry into PLA, or 3D Pen Set with LCD (PLA + 40 colours, $89.99) for the value pack.
What about ABS filament?
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a third filament option. It melts at 200-220°C — similar to PLA — and creates extremely strong, almost-indestructible parts (Lego bricks are made of ABS).
Most modern 3D pens that accept PLA also accept ABS. Our PLA pens have a dual-mode switch: PLA mode at 175-195°C or ABS mode at 200-220°C.
For most kids' use, PLA is better than ABS. ABS prints harder but releases a stronger smell while drawing and is less forgiving with technique. Save ABS for advanced users (teens, technical builds).
Why can't I just use any filament I have?
The melting temperature is the deal-breaker.
- A PCL pen heats to 100°C maximum. Loading PLA (which needs 175°C+ to melt) means the filament softens but doesn't flow — it gets stuck in the feed mechanism, then hardens when the pen cools. You'll need to disassemble the pen to clear the jam.
- A PLA pen heats to 220°C maximum. Loading PCL (which melts at 60-100°C) means the filament hits 220°C, far past its safe processing range — it overheats, blackens, smokes, and chars. You may damage the nozzle permanently and risk inhaling fumes from burning plastic.
Always check the label on your pen (it's printed near the filament input or in the user manual) for the supported filament type. If you're unsure, message the retailer before loading anything.
Will my child's school-supplied filament work in my pen at home?
Maybe. If the school uses PCL (most NZ primary schools do), and your home pen is also PCL, yes — diameter (1.75mm) is standard so it should fit.
If the school uses PLA (more common in intermediate and secondary schools doing tech / DIY), and your home pen is PCL, no — the school filament won't melt in your pen.
The simplest rule: match the material. Filament cost is similar enough that it's not worth trying to mix.
How do I know which filament I have?
Look for:
- Label on the packaging — PCL or PLA will be clearly stated
- Touch test — PCL feels slightly waxy, PLA is dry and rigid
- Bend test — PCL bends easily and stays bent; PLA snaps if bent sharply
- Smell test (last resort) — try melting a small piece in a low-temp pen. PCL melts at 100°C and flows; PLA stays solid.
When in doubt, throw it away rather than risk damaging your pen. Refills are inexpensive ($18-$47 NZD).
Where to buy refills in NZ
For PCL refills:
- 10 colours / 50m — $18
- 20 colours / 100m — $30
- 30 colours / 150m — $36.99
- 40 colours / 200m — $46.99 (best per-metre value)
For PLA refills:
- 20 colours / 100m — $30
- 40 colours / 200m — $46.99
All ship from Auckland with NZ-wide delivery in 2-4 working days.
Frequently asked questions
Is PCL or PLA better for the environment?
Both are bioplastics and both biodegrade in industrial composting facilities. PLA is corn-derived (renewable), PCL is petroleum-derived but breaks down faster. In practice, neither is recycled in NZ kerbside collections — the small volumes from a kids' 3D pen aren't an environmental issue either way.
Can I sand or paint my finished 3D pen pieces?
PLA: yes — sand with fine paper, paint with acrylic. Looks great after finishing.
PCL: not really — it's too soft for clean sanding, and paint slides off the slightly waxy surface.
What temperature does my pen need to be set at?
This depends on the pen, not the filament. Most PCL pens have a single fixed temperature (~80°C). Most PLA pens have either a single high-temp setting (~190°C) or three speed settings ranging from 175°C (slow) to 220°C (fast). Your pen's user manual will specify.
What do I do with leftover or scrap filament?
Save short scraps in a jar — kids can re-use them for small details like eyes, dots, decorations. Truly unusable scraps go in landfill (industrial composting facilities don't process small bioplastic items in NZ).
Why does my filament keep clogging?
The most common causes:
1. Wrong filament type for your pen (PLA in PCL pen or vice versa)
2. Filament diameter too thick — must be exactly 1.75mm
3. Filament moisture — leaving filament in humid air for months can absorb moisture and clog. Store in a sealed bag with a silica packet
4. Pen needs cleaning — old filament residue in the nozzle. Most pens have an unload function to clear it
Are there other 3D pen filament types?
For kids' pens, just PCL and PLA (with some pens also supporting ABS as we mentioned). Adult pens can use PETG, TPU (flexible), wood-fibre composite, and metal-fill — but these need temperatures and skill levels beyond what a kid's pen offers.
Can I draw on different surfaces?
PCL: paper, plastic, glass, even silicone mats. Releases easily from most surfaces.
PLA: paper, drawing board (PVC), painter's tape on glass. Sticks more aggressively than PCL.
For both, the included drawing board (in our premium kits) is the best surface — clean release every time.
Bottom line
If your child is 5-7, get a PCL pen. If they're 8+ and want sturdy creations, get PLA. If you're undecided, default to PCL — it's more forgiving, safer, and the finished pieces are still impressive.
Browse our full 3D pen and filament range or message us if you'd like a personal recommendation based on your child's age and interests.
Last updated: 26 April 2026.