Nozzle Hub Creality K1 - Complete Guide

Published on Fri Mar 27 2020 20:05:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Creality K1: A Deep Dive into High-Speed 3D Printing

The Creality K1 has arrived, and it’s making waves in the 3D printing community with its claims of blazing-fast speeds. Designed to be a “core XY” printer with a fully enclosed build volume, the K1 promises to deliver consistent results and user-friendly experience. Let’s delve into the specifics and see if it lives up to the hype.

Detailed Specifications:

Printing Technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm (8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches)
Chassis: Fully Enclosed
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (Replaceable)
Maximum Nozzle Temperature: 300°C (572°F)
Maximum Bed Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
Maximum Print Speed: 600mm/s
Maximum Acceleration: 20,000 mm/s²
Layer Resolution: 0.1 - 0.35 mm
Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
Supported Filaments: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, PA, ASA, PC, PLA-CF, PA-CF, PET-CF
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
Display: 4.3-inch Touch Screen
Firmware: Creality OS (Based on Klipper)
Leveling: Automatic Bed Leveling
Power Supply: 350W
Dimensions: 355 x 355 x 480 mm (14 x 14 x 19 inches)
Weight: 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs)

Unpacking and Setup:

The Creality K1 comes mostly assembled, which significantly simplifies the setup process. You’ll primarily be connecting wires, mounting the spool holder, and performing the initial calibration sequence. The included documentation and on-screen prompts are reasonably clear, making the setup process relatively painless, even for those new to 3D printing.

Usage Tips and Best Practices:

Filament Drying: Given the K1’s enclosed design and material compatibility, drying your filament is crucial, especially for hygroscopic materials like nylon and PETG. Moisture can lead to stringing, poor layer adhesion, and overall print quality issues. Consider investing in a filament dryer or utilizing a dry box solution.
Bed Adhesion: Ensure the print bed is clean before each print. A quick wipe down with isopropyl alcohol can drastically improve adhesion. For particularly challenging filaments, consider using a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray. The K1’s textured PEI bed generally provides good adhesion, but preparation is key.
Slicer Settings: While the Creality Print slicer is included, experimenting with alternative slicers like Cura or PrusaSlicer can unlock even greater potential. Optimize settings for your specific filament, paying close attention to temperature, retraction, and speed.
First Layer Calibration: Even with automatic bed leveling, it’s vital to fine-tune the Z-offset to achieve perfect first-layer adhesion. Monitor the first layer closely and make small adjustments as needed.
Overhangs and Supports: High-speed printing can sometimes exacerbate issues with overhangs. Be mindful of part orientation and utilize support structures when necessary. Experiment with support settings in your slicer to minimize material usage and improve removal.
Enclosure Management: For materials like ABS, the enclosed chamber helps retain heat and reduce warping. However, for PLA, excessive heat can lead to softening and deformation. Consider leaving the door ajar or removing the top panel when printing PLA to maintain a more stable temperature.
Maintenance: Regularly clean the nozzle, check the belts for tension, and lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation and longevity.

Material Compatibility:

The K1’s heated bed and enclosed chamber significantly expand its material compatibility compared to open-frame printers. It handles PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and even more demanding materials like nylon and polycarbonate. However, successful printing with advanced materials requires careful calibration and potentially modifications such as a high-temperature nozzle.

Noise Considerations:

While the K1 is not silent, it’s reasonably quiet during printing, especially compared to older generation 3D printers. The enclosure helps dampen noise, making it suitable for use in home or office environments.

Firmware and Software:

The Creality K1 runs on a custom version of Klipper, which is known for its speed and precision. The Klipper interface is accessible via the touch screen and allows for remote monitoring and control via Wi-Fi. Creality also provides its own slicer software called “Creality Print,” which is relatively user-friendly but may lack the advanced features found in more established slicers like Cura or PrusaSlicer.

Potential Drawbacks:

Price: The K1 sits at a higher price point, which may be a barrier for some.
Upgradability: The closed ecosystem and proprietary components may limit upgrade options compared to more open-source printers.

Overall Impressions:

The Creality K1 is a compelling option for users seeking high-speed 3D printing with a focus on ease of use. The enclosed design, automatic leveling, and pre-configured settings make it relatively straightforward to get up and running. While there are some limitations, the K1 delivers impressive print quality and speed, making it a significant step forward in the consumer 3D printing market.

Category Ratings (Out of 10):