Published on Sun Feb 23 2020 10:17:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Creality K1C: A Comprehensive Look at the Speed Demon

The Creality K1C has arrived, and it’s making waves in the 3D printing world. This isn’t just another incremental upgrade; it’s a machine built for speed and ease of use, aimed squarely at users who want to spend less time tweaking and more time printing. Let’s dive into the specifics and see what makes the K1C tick.

Detailed Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm (8.66 x 8.66 x 9.84 inches)
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard, other sizes available)
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Supported Materials: PLA, PETG, TPU, PA, ABS, ASA, PC, Carbon Fiber filled filaments
• Maximum Nozzle Temperature: 300°C (572°F)
• Maximum Bed Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
• Maximum Print Speed: 600 mm/s
• Maximum Acceleration: 20000 mm/s²
• Layer Resolution: 0.1 - 0.35 mm
• Bed Leveling: Automatic bed leveling
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB Drive
• User Interface: 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen
• Operating System: Creality OS
• Power Supply: 350W
• Machine Dimensions: 355 x 355 x 480 mm (13.98 x 13.98 x 18.9 inches)
• Weight: 12.4 kg (27.3 lbs)
• Chamber: Enclosed chamber

Key Features and Improvements:

The K1C brings several noteworthy improvements over its predecessors.

• All-Metal Hotend: The all-metal hotend is crucial for handling higher temperatures and allows for printing with a wider range of engineering-grade filaments. This extends the lifespan of the hotend and enables printing with carbon fiber infused filaments.
• Upgraded Extruder: The extruder system has been revamped to provide more reliable filament feeding and retraction, reducing the risk of clogging and improving print quality, especially with flexible filaments like TPU.
• Built-in AI Camera: This feature provides real-time monitoring of your prints, allowing you to remotely check progress and catch potential issues before they escalate. It can also detect anomalies like spaghetti monsters and alert you, potentially saving filament and time.
• One-Click Auto Calibration: The K1C automates the calibration process, ensuring that the print bed is perfectly leveled and the printer is ready to go with minimal user intervention. This is a huge benefit for beginners and saves experienced users valuable time.
• Active Carbon Air Filtration: The K1C features an active carbon filter which removes VOCs and minimizes odors created during printing.

Usage Tips and Best Practices:

Getting the most out of your K1C requires some understanding and attention to detail:

• Filament Choice: While the K1C can handle a wide range of filaments, start with PLA for initial calibration and testing. Once comfortable, experiment with PETG, TPU, and other materials. Always use high-quality filament to minimize clogging and other issues.
• Slicing Software: Creality Print is a decent starting point, but explore other slicing software like Cura or PrusaSlicer for more advanced control over print settings. Each software offers unique features and optimization options.
• Bed Adhesion: Clean the print bed regularly with isopropyl alcohol to ensure good adhesion. For problematic filaments, consider using a glue stick or specialized adhesion enhancers.
• Temperature Calibration: Perform temperature towers for each new filament type to determine the optimal printing temperature. This will help minimize stringing, warping, and other common printing issues.
• Speed and Acceleration: While the K1C is fast, pushing the speed too high can compromise print quality. Start with recommended settings for each filament type and gradually increase the speed as you gain experience.
• Enclosure Considerations: Because the K1C has an enclosed chamber, this is especially beneficial for printing ABS or ASA filaments which tend to warp without even heating.

Detailed Scoring:

• Print Quality: 9/10 - The K1C delivers excellent print quality, especially at its high speeds. Fine details are generally well-represented, and layer adhesion is solid.
• Build Volume: 7/10 - The build volume is adequate for most projects but might be limiting for larger prints.
• Printing Speed: 10/10 - The K1C lives up to its reputation as a fast printer. It significantly reduces print times compared to slower machines.
• Material Compatibility: 9/10 - The all-metal hotend and enclosed chamber allow for a wide range of materials, including high-temperature filaments like ABS and ASA.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 9/10 - The automatic bed leveling system and textured PEI build plate provide excellent bed adhesion.
• Reliability: 8/10 - The K1C is generally reliable, but occasional clogs or minor issues can occur, especially with more challenging filaments.
• Ease of Use: 9/10 - The user-friendly touchscreen interface and automated features make the K1C relatively easy to use, even for beginners.
• Firmware and Software: 7/10 - The Creality OS is functional but can be improved with future updates.
• Connectivity Options: 7/10 - Wi-Fi and USB are standard, but lacking ethernet is a minor drawback for some users.
• Build Quality & Durability: 8/10 - The K1C feels sturdy and well-built, suggesting good long-term durability.
• Noise Level: 6/10 - The K1C can be relatively noisy, especially at high speeds.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7/10 - Regular cleaning and occasional nozzle replacements are necessary, but overall maintenance is manageable.
• Customer Support: 6/10 - Creality’s customer support can be hit-or-miss. Response times and resolution quality can vary.
• Upgradeability: 7/10 - The K1C offers some upgrade options, such as different nozzles and hotend components.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 8/10 - The K1C offers excellent performance for its price point, making it a compelling option for both beginners and experienced users.

Average Score: 7.87/10

Conclusion:

The Creality K1C is a capable and impressive 3D printer. Its speed, ease of use, and material compatibility make it a valuable tool for hobbyists, makers, and even small businesses. While it has some minor drawbacks, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-performance 3D printer.

Written by Alex