# Printing name toppers for pencils and pens with the Pen Topper Generator

> a name that pushes onto a pencil, pen, marker, stylus, straw or cord

A topper that wobbles falls off in a pencil case, and one that is too tight splits along the layers. The fit comes from two numbers: the barrel diameter and the grip clearance on top of it. The presets cover the common barrels, and calipers cover everything else.

There are two styles. **Along the name** runs the barrel through the word from end to end, so the name sits along the pencil. **On top** stands the name on the end of the barrel, held by a socket, a hole straight through or a collar.

## What you need

- A 3D printer and PLA, in two colours if you want the letters to stand out
- The pencils, pens or straws the toppers are for
- Calipers if your barrel is not one of the presets

## Step 1 - Type the names



Type one name per line under **Names**, up to 100. The preview shows the first name, and the download holds all of them laid out on one plate. Pick a **Font** and a **Letter height**, and add a **Symbol** before, after or above the name if you like.

![Two black Leo toppers with orange letters, one with an owl and one with a fruit, beside an orange Olivia topper with a heart on a yellow pencil](https://www.mylasertools.com/tool-previews/pen-topper-generator.webp)

Leo sits on top of the pen, and Olivia runs along the pencil.

## Step 2 - Pick what it fits on



- Choose a preset under **Fits on**, from **Hex pencil** to **Bubble tea straw**, or **My own size**.
- For your own size, measure the barrel. For a hex barrel, measure **Across the flats**.
- **Grip** adds clearance on top of the diameter: **Snug** 0.05 mm, **Normal** 0.2 mm, **Loose** 0.4 mm.
- In the **On top** style, choose where **The barrel goes**: **Inside** a blind socket, **Through** the name for straws and cords, or a **Collar** for thick markers.

## 3D printing

### Print settings



- The topper prints flat on the bed with no supports. The hole runs along the plate.
- Use the **3MF** to keep the plate and letter colours apart. The STL is one colour.
- No multi colour unit? The generator tells you the height to pause at and swap filament for the letters.
- Print one first and test the fit before you print a whole class. Change **Grip** if it is loose or tight.

## Make it yours

- Paste a class list into **Names** for back to school gifts, one plate for everyone.
- Use **Bubble tea straw** or **Straw** with **Through** for party cups and drink markers.
- Try the **Inspirational Palette** under the preview to pick filament colours that go together.

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Open the Pen Topper Generator: https://www.mylasertools.com/pen-topper-generator
Read online: https://www.mylasertools.com/learn/guides/pen-topper-generator