Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro 3D Printer Review Fast Multi-Color Printing Performance Tested

Description

Design and Build Quality That Stands Out

The Creality K2 Plus & Combo 3D Printer presents itself with a solid aluminum frame that feels sturdy and well-built, which immediately gave me confidence in its durability. The dimensions, roughly 26.1″ deep by 25.4″ wide and 28.7″ high, make it a sizable machine but still manageable on a standard desk. I appreciated the flexible magnetic spring steel construction plate with a PEI surface, which made removing prints easy without damaging them. The 32-bit silent motherboard was surprisingly quiet during operation, a big plus if you’re printing in a shared space or at home. Its modern look and solid construction made it clear this wasn’t just a budget printer thrown together; it has some serious thought behind its design.

Performance and Printing Speed: The Fast Lane

Testing the printer’s speed, I was impressed by its ability to hit up to 600mm/s max printing speed, which is quite fast compared to many other models I’ve tried. The newly developed direct double gear extruder, known as the sprite extruder, really pushed the filament through with force. I tried printing with flexible filaments like TPU, which often jam or fail on other printers, but this extruder handled them with ease. The high-temperature nozzle capable of reaching up to 300°C allowed me to experiment with a wider range of materials, including some specialty filaments that require higher temps. This versatility gave me a lot of freedom to test different projects without worrying about hardware limitations.

User-Friendly Features and Leveling System

One of the standout features has to be the CR-Touch 16-point automatic leveling system. Bed leveling is usually a pain point for me and many others, but this system simplified the process considerably. It provided a consistently perfectly leveled printing surface every time I used it. The touchscreen interface was intuitive, making the setup and adjustments straightforward. I also noticed the printer was quite quiet, thanks to the silent motherboard, which was a relief during longer print jobs. The printer’s software compatibility with personal computers made it easy to integrate into my existing workflow without fussing over drivers or connectivity.

Versatility and Additional Accessories

The printer came with the standard setup but promised future options like a laser engraver, liquid-cooled hotend, and a Wi-Fi box, which made me excited about potential upgrades. The build volume of 350 x 350 x 350 mm gave me ample space for larger projects, which is a nice middle ground between compact printers and industrial-sized machines. Being able to print in multiple colors and materials expanded the creative possibilities. While I didn’t test the accessories since they weren’t included, the fact that they exist shows a strong commitment from the manufacturer to keep the device evolving.

Benefits of Using This 3D Printer

• Robust aluminum frame ensures long-lasting durability
• Fast printing speeds up to 600mm/s give you efficiency without sacrificing quality
• Versatile extruder handles flexible and hard-to-print filaments like TPU smoothly
• Automatic 16-point bed leveling takes the guesswork out of print setup

My kids even got involved by designing simple toys in multiple colors, and they loved how easy it was to switch filaments and get consistent results. It made family projects much more fun and less frustrating.

Areas for Improvement

• The printer’s size may be a challenge if you have limited workspace
• Some users noted the price point might feel steep compared to entry-level alternatives
• The additional accessories like the Wi-Fi box or laser engraver are sold separately, which can add to overall costs
• While the magnetic build plate is flexible, it sometimes requires re-adjustment after multiple prints

I found the noise reduction excellent, but not completely silent. If you’re a light sleeper, the faint hum might still be noticeable during overnight prints. Also, the interface, while user-friendly, could benefit from more customization options for advanced users.

Other Options and Competitive Landscape

Comparing this printer with well-known competitors like the Prusa i3 MK3S+ and Anycubic Vyper, several differences stand out. The K2 Plus’s fast printing speed and multi-material capability give it an edge over the Vyper, which tends to prioritize ease of use but lacks the same flexibility with filament types. In contrast, the Prusa is famous for reliability and community support but comes with a higher price tag and slower maximum speeds. The automatic bed leveling on this model outperforms many budget printers but still doesn’t quite match the precision of the Prusa’s system. For someone balancing speed, versatility, and cost, this printer hits a sweet spot, but those focused solely on absolute print quality might lean elsewhere.

Value for Money Considerations

Regarding value for money, this printer offers a compelling package for its features. The combination of high-speed printing, multi-material support, and advanced leveling technology justifies its price point relative to other models in the market. However, buyers should factor in the cost of optional accessories if they want to unlock its full potential. The build volume and material versatility add to its price performance, making it a solid investment for hobbyists and small businesses alike. If you’re hunting for a printer that balances quality, speed, and expandability, this model delivers without breaking the bank.

Overall, the experience with this multi-color 3D printer has been rewarding, with enough quirks and strengths to keep things interesting. It’s a machine that encourages experimentation, whether you’re printing household items, prototypes, or creative designs.

Additional information