ScanNCut Pen Holders Compared
Author: Nicole H Date Posted:20 February 2024
The Brother ScanNCut machine is more than just a cutting device. It can also help you draw amazing designs on various materials with different styles of pens. All you need is one of the four types of pen holders that are compatible with the ScanNCut machine.
In this article, we will show you how to use each pen holder and what kind of pens you can use with them. Whether you want to use the standard pen holder, the universal pen holder, the small barrel pen holder, or the calligraphy pen holder, you will find the right tool for your creative project.
Pen Holder
The Pen Holder comes standard with selected Brother ScanNCut machines and has been designed to work specifically with Brother’s range of ScanNCut pens, including the Colour Pen Set and Erasable Pen Set.
The Colour Pen Set contains permanent ink pens suitable for drawing and tracing on paper, while the Erasable Pens are ideal for drawing seam allowances or creating temporary markings on fabric.
Compatible Pens
Incompatible Pens
- All other pen types are not compatible.
How to use the Pen Holder
- Open the Pen Holder, locate the release button on the back, and push it gently to open the top part.
- Remove the cap from the desired ScanNCut pen and insert it into the pen holder with the tip of the pen inserted first.
- Ensure the pen is fully inserted with the tip visible at the front.
- Close the Pen Holder by gently pressing the top part of the pen holder down until it clicks into place.
- Turn off the ScanNCut machine, remove the blade holder, insert the pen holder into the carriage, and lock it in place.
- Turn on the ScanNCut machine and proceed with drawing. Adjust pen pressure according to your material. Refer to your manual.
Universal Pen Holder
The universal pen holder is an optional accessory that allows you to use various cylindrical pens and writing instruments with your ScanNCut machine.
You can use your favourite felt-tip pens, markers and more to add a personal touch to your projects.
The Universal Pen Holder can hold pens with a diameter between 9.6mm and 11.4mm, and with a minimum length of 70mm. Pens need to have a smooth and even thickness in the area that is shaded grey in the image below. (Areas 1 and 2 shown in the image don't need to be the same thickness).
Compatible Pen Examples
- Pilot Frixion Colour Erasable Markers
- Tombow Dual Brush Pens
- Heat Transfer Markers
- Permanent Fabric Markers
- Pentel Energel (retractable and lid style)
- Uniball Signo Retractable
- Pilot Pop'lol Gel Pens
- Pigma Micron Pens
- Sakura Gelly Roll
- Pilot Lettering Pen
- Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen
Incompatible Pen Examples
- Brother ScanNCut Colour Pen Set
- Brother ScanNCut Erasable Pen Set
- Crayons
- Pencils
- Fountain Pens
- Faber Castell Grip Finepen
- Zebra Mildliner
- Paper Mate Flair Medium
- Staedtler Triplus Fineliner
- Sharpie Fine Point
- Uniball Signo
- Pens with an extruding part such as a clip, may not fit in the pen holder.
- Small Barrel Pens (refer to the small barrel pen holder)
How to use the Universal Pen Holder
Small Barrel Pen Holder
The Small Barrel Pen Holder is an optional accessory that allows you to use smaller cylindrical pens and writing instruments with your ScanNCut machine. It is very similar to the universal pen holder but has been designed to be used with pens that have a smaller diameter, enabling you to use your favourite gel pens, fine liners, and more to create colourful and detailed projects.
The Small Barrel Pen Holder can hold pens with a diameter between 7.8mm and 9.6mm, and a minimum length of 70mm. Pens need to have a smooth and even thickness in the area that is shaded grey in the image below. (Areas 1 and 2 shown in the image don't need to be the same thickness).
Compatible Pen Examples
- Pilot Frixion Fineliner Erasable Pens
- Sakura Gelly Roll
- Pilot Lettering Pen
- Pigma Micron Pens
- Staedtler Pigment Liner 1.0
Incompatible Pen Examples
- Brother ScanNCut Colour Pen Set
- Brother ScanNCut Erasable Pen Set
- Crayons
- Pencils
- Fountain Pens
- Uniball Signo
- Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pen
- Pens with an extruding part such as a clip, may not fit in the pen holder.
How to use the Small Barrel Pen Holder
The process of using the small barrel pen holder is the same as the universal pen holder.
Calligraphy Pen Holder
The calligraphy pen holder comes included in the Calligraphy Kit for ScanNCut SDX, available as an optional accessory to allow you to incorporate calligraphy and intricate writing styles with your ScanNCut machine.
The Calligraphy Kit for ScanNCut SDX does include 3 calligraphy pens to get you started with other Calligraphy Pen Sets available in a variety of colours. You can also try using other calligraphy markers in the calligraphy pen holder, provided they have either a 2mm or a 3.5mm tip.
Compatible Pen Examples
- Calligraphy Basic Pen Set
- Calligraphy Essential Pen Set
- Calligraphy Tropical Pen Set
- Other selected 2mm or 3.5mm tipped calligraphy marker pens.
Incompatible Pens
- All other pen types are not compatible.
How to use the Calligraphy Pen Holder
(The setting for the pen tip angle differs depending on the calligraphy font and pen tip size that will be used. Please refer to manual for more information)
In conclusion, the range of pen holders available for the Brother ScanNCut each holds a distinct place in your craft room, offering unique features and capabilities.
Ultimately, the pen holder you choose will be influenced by the type of pen you wish to use and the specific demands of your projects.