We’ve got been reviewing loads of desktop 3D printers recently, and our most up-to-date evaluation of Creality’s K1 was some of the pleasant but. The system is a well-balanced mix of high-tech options and design parts, which, whereas spectacular, include strengths and weaknesses that benefit a more in-depth look.
Out-of-the-box expertise
The unboxing and setup strategy of the Creality K1 is remarkably simple. From receiving the printer to working the preliminary check print, it took us not more than 45 minutes – a major benefit for any person, from the hobbyist to the skilled.
The printer’s glossy unibody die-cast body stands out instantly – not simply aiding in efficiency because of the power, however trying good whereas doing it too. The aesthetic attraction of the system provides a contact of luxurious to what may in any other case be a purely useful machine – lots of that are eyesores.
Pace and high quality
The K1 sequence, together with the K1 and K1 Max, boasts a professional-grade CoreXY 3D printer lineup with modern options. The light-weight printhead ensures swift motion, essential for high-speed printing. Knowledge from Creality Lab reveals that the K1 ramps as much as its prime pace of 600mm/s in simply 0.03 seconds.
Whereas this marketed pace was profitable in check prints, it presents some challenges in sensible use – with us experiencing a number of failures resulting from clogging. The 20,000mm/s² acceleration functionality is spectacular and seemingly correct, though pushing the machine to those limits requires a extremely secure setup (the robust rubber toes assist) to assist the extraordinary motion.
The K1’s hotend has a superb ‘most circulation fee’ of 32mm³/s (often reaching 35mm³/s). The ceramic heating surrounding your complete hotend heats to 200°C in about 30 seconds (generally even quicker), and facilitates the fast filament melting – a function notably helpful for individuals who worth time effectivity.
Auto leveling and software program
The system’s twin hands-free auto leveling employs pressure sensors and 1μm AI LiDAR for correct mattress leveling. This non-contact measurement methodology quickly scans the construct floor, making a extremely correct digital floor. Thus auto-leveling function is a blended bag. Whereas it provides comfort, it’s often unreliable – ensuing within the want for conducting self-checks earlier than every print, barely diminishing the function’s preliminary attraction.
Furthermore, the Creality Cloud has seen enhancements, particularly in cellular performance, but the desktop interface stays complicated. Though usable, the slicing software program is a limitation, with Creality’s proprietary software program, Creality Print 4.3, not matching as much as the capabilities of options like PrusaSlicer.
Geared up with a brand new technology of Creality OS that runs on a 2-core 1.2GHz CPU, the K1 sequence provides strong computing energy. The community connectivity permits distant management and monitoring by way of Creality Cloud, and cluster management when a number of printers are on-line.
AI digital camera and different options
The inclusion of an AI digital camera within the print chamber for real-time monitoring at 1080p decision, mixed with the much-appreciated built-in lighting, is a forward-thinking function, albeit with room for enchancment in flexibility and print failure detection. It will even be useful if was simpler to report the dwell prints in a portrait format, for sharing on cellphone screens and social media.
The G-sensors within the K1 assist get rid of ringing or ghosting patterns brought on by the high-speed printing, sustaining print high quality and dimensional accuracy – nevertheless, solely when sticking to the precise advisable filament settings on the printer itself.
Definitely worth the asking value
Creality’s K1 is an formidable step into high-speed, high-quality desktop 3D printing. As with the whole lot in life, it’s not excellent, however it’s a actually nice system in comparison with a few of its different techniques and competitor techniques.
Its superior options characterize a step in the fitting route within the evolution of desktop 3D printing know-how. For these keen to navigate its complexities (of which there are comparatively few) and optimize its capabilities, the K1 is a worthwhile printer for at-home 3D printing – particularly for the present gross sales value of $499.
