Published on Wed Dec 08 2021 18:32:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Creality Sermoon V1: A Compact Powerhouse for Beginners & Beyond

The Creality Sermoon V1 has carved out a unique niche in the desktop 3D printer market. It’s designed for those seeking a user-friendly, enclosed printer capable of producing high-quality prints without the headaches often associated with open-frame models. This article dives deep into the Sermoon V1, exploring its specifications, offering practical usage tips, and providing a comprehensive overview to help you decide if it’s the right 3D printer for you.

What is the Creality Sermoon V1?

The Creality Sermoon V1 is a compact, fully enclosed 3D printer designed for ease of use. Its enclosed chamber helps regulate temperature, improving print quality, especially for temperature-sensitive filaments like ABS. The focus is on “out-of-the-box” functionality, simplifying the printing process for beginners while still offering enough versatility for more experienced users.

Detailed Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Build Volume: 175 x 175 x 165 mm (6.9 x 6.9 x 6.5 inches)
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (Standard)
• Layer Resolution: 0.1 mm - 0.4 mm
• Printing Speed: ≤120 mm/s (Recommended 40-60 mm/s)
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Supported Filaments: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
• Bed Temperature: Up to 80°C
• Nozzle Temperature: Up to 250°C
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
• Display: 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen
• Power Supply: Input: 100-240V, Output: 24V
• Machine Size: 400 x 360 x 490 mm
• Weight: 11.5 kg
• Features: Enclosed Chamber, Direct Drive Extruder, Smart Filament Sensor, Auto-Leveling (Optional Upgrade)
• Slicing Software: Compatible with Creality Slicer, Cura, Simplify3D

Unpacking and Setting Up Your Sermoon V1:

The Sermoon V1 arrives mostly assembled, minimizing the initial setup process. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Unboxing: Carefully unpack the printer, removing all protective materials.
2. Install the Spool Holder: Attach the spool holder to the rear of the printer.
3. Connect the Power Cable: Plug the power cable into the printer and a suitable power outlet.
4. Power On: Turn on the printer using the power switch on the rear.
5. Level the Bed: The Sermoon V1 typically comes with either manual bed leveling or an optional auto-leveling kit. For manual leveling, use the touchscreen to navigate to the bed leveling menu and follow the on-screen instructions. For auto-leveling, initiate the procedure through the menu.
6. Load Filament: Follow the instructions on the touchscreen to load the filament. The direct drive extruder simplifies this process.

Key Features Explained:

• Enclosed Chamber: The enclosed chamber helps maintain a stable temperature, reducing warping and improving adhesion, especially when printing with ABS.
• Direct Drive Extruder: The direct drive extruder places the extruder motor directly above the hot end. This reduces retraction distance and provides better control over flexible filaments like TPU.
• Smart Filament Sensor: The sensor detects when the filament runs out and automatically pauses the print, allowing you to reload filament without losing your progress.
• Optional Auto-Leveling: The optional auto-leveling kit simplifies the bed leveling process, ensuring consistent first-layer adhesion.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: The Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to remotely monitor and control your prints through the Creality Cloud app.

Usage Tips for Optimal Printing:

• Bed Adhesion is Key: Clean the build plate thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before each print. Consider using a glue stick or hairspray for improved adhesion, especially for larger prints.
• Temperature Control: Experiment with nozzle and bed temperatures to find the optimal settings for your chosen filament. The enclosed chamber helps stabilize the temperature, but fine-tuning is still necessary.
• Slicing Settings: Use a slicer profile specifically designed for the Sermoon V1. These profiles provide optimized settings for print speed, layer height, and other parameters.
• Proper Ventilation: While the enclosed chamber contains fumes, it’s still important to print in a well-ventilated area, especially when using filaments like ABS.
• Maintenance: Regularly clean the nozzle, lubricate the Z-axis lead screw, and check the belt tension to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• User-Friendly: Easy to set up and operate, ideal for beginners.
• Enclosed Chamber: Improves print quality for temperature-sensitive filaments.
• Direct Drive Extruder: Handles flexible filaments with ease.
• Compact Design: Fits well in small spaces.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Convenient remote monitoring and control.
• Relatively Quiet Operation: Quieter than many open-frame printers.

Cons:

• Limited Build Volume: The build volume may be too small for larger projects.
• Manual Leveling (Without Upgrade): Can be a bit finicky without the auto-leveling kit.
• Closed Ecosystem: Limited compatibility with some aftermarket parts.
• Price: Slightly more expensive than some open-frame alternatives with similar build volumes.

Sermoon V1 Performance Breakdown (Out of 10):

• Print Quality: 8
• Build Volume: 6
• Printing Speed: 7
• Material Compatibility: 8
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 7 (8 with auto-leveling)
• Reliability: 8
• Ease of Use: 9
• Firmware and Software: 7
• Connectivity Options: 8
• Build Quality & Durability: 8
• Noise Level: 7
• Maintenance Requirements: 7
• Customer Support: 7
• Upgradeability: 6
• Price to Performance Ratio: 7

Average Score: 7.33/10

Conclusion:

The Creality Sermoon V1 is a solid choice for beginners and hobbyists seeking a user-friendly, enclosed 3D printer capable of producing high-quality prints. Its compact design, enclosed chamber, and direct drive extruder make it a versatile machine for a variety of projects. While the build volume may be limiting for some, the ease of use and consistent performance make it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing convenience and reliability. The optional auto-leveling is highly recommended for an even smoother printing experience.

Written by Alex