Published on Mon Aug 15 2022 21:23:40 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Creality CR-M4: A Deep Dive into Professional-Grade 3D Printing

The Creality CR-M4 has been making waves in the 3D printing community, particularly among users seeking a robust and reliable machine capable of handling large-scale prints and a wide range of materials. It’s positioned as a workhorse printer aimed at professionals, hobbyists with ambitious projects, and small businesses needing in-house prototyping and production capabilities. Let’s take a detailed look at what makes the CR-M4 tick.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The CR-M4 arrives well-packaged, a testament to Creality’s efforts to ensure its safe transit. The printer requires some assembly, primarily attaching the gantry frame to the base. The process is relatively straightforward thanks to clear, concise instructions and included tools. The machine immediately feels substantial; it’s a heavy and solid unit, hinting at its intended durability.

Detailed Specifications

Before we dive into performance, here are the crucial specs of the Creality CR-M4:

• Build Volume: 450 x 450 x 470 mm (17.7 x 17.7 x 18.5 inches)
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard) - replaceable
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 - 0.3 mm
• Printing Speed: Up to 120 mm/s (recommended 60-80mm/s)
• Heated Bed Temperature: Up to 100°C
• Nozzle Temperature: Up to 300°C
• Supported Filaments: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, ASA, Carbon Fiber-Filled, Wood-Filled, and more
• Leveling: Automatic Bed Leveling via CR Touch
• Filament Sensor: Yes, run-out detection
• Power Loss Recovery: Yes
• Connectivity: SD Card, USB
• Operating System: Creality Firmware (based on Marlin)
• Slicer Compatibility: Cura, Simplify3D, Creality Slicer
• Frame: Sturdy metal frame with full enclosure options (available separately)
• Power Supply: Industrial Grade 800W Power Supply
• Motors: High-precision stepper motors
• Cooling System: High-Performance Cooling System
• Dimensions: 655 x 690 x 830 mm
• Weight: Approx. 31.5 kg

Usage Tips and Best Practices

Getting the most out of the CR-M4 requires a bit of understanding and some best practices:

• Leveling is Key: Even with auto-leveling, double-check the Z-offset. A perfectly leveled bed is essential for good adhesion, especially on such a large print surface. Consider using a feeler gauge for fine-tuning.
• Temperature Control: Experiment with temperatures, especially when using materials beyond PLA. Find the sweet spot for each filament to optimize layer adhesion and reduce warping.
• Enclosure Considerations: While the CR-M4 can print some temperature-sensitive materials without an enclosure, adding one significantly improves results for ABS, ASA, Nylon, and other filaments prone to warping. Creality offers an optional enclosure designed specifically for the CR-M4.
• Filament Storage: Moisture is the enemy of many 3D printing filaments. Store your filaments in airtight containers with desiccant to prevent moisture absorption, particularly for hygroscopic materials like Nylon and TPU.
• Print Bed Adhesion: Clean the print bed with IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) before each print. Consider using bed adhesion aids like glue sticks or specialized build plate surfaces if you are experiencing adhesion issues.
• Slicer Settings: Take the time to dial in your slicer settings. Experiment with retraction settings, print speeds, and layer heights to optimize print quality for different materials.
• Maintenance: Regularly clean the nozzle, check belt tension, and lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation and prevent premature wear.
• First Layer Speed: Reduce first layer speed to improve adhesion. A slow, consistent first layer is the foundation for a successful print.
• Upgrading: Consider upgrading the hotend for faster printing and even wider material compatibility.

Deep Dive into Features

The CR-M4 boasts several features designed to enhance the printing experience and overall reliability:

• Massive Build Volume: The 450 x 450 x 470 mm build volume is arguably the CR-M4’s biggest draw. It allows for printing large objects in a single piece, reducing the need for assembly and post-processing.
• High-Temperature Printing: The ability to reach 300°C nozzle temperature opens the door to printing engineering-grade materials like Nylon, ASA, and PC.
• CR Touch Auto Leveling: The automatic bed leveling system simplifies the setup process and ensures a consistent first layer.
• Filament Run-out Sensor: This feature pauses the print if the filament runs out, preventing wasted time and material.
• Power Loss Recovery: If there’s a power outage, the printer can resume the print from where it left off, saving potentially hours of work.
• Stable Frame: The robust metal frame minimizes vibrations and ensures print stability, even at high speeds.
• Industrial Grade Power Supply: A reliable power supply is crucial for consistent performance, especially during long prints.

CR-M4 Evaluation

Here’s an evaluation of the Creality CR-M4 based on the provided criteria, rated out of 10:

• Print Quality: 8/10 - With proper calibration, it produces excellent results. Minor imperfections might appear on very large prints due to the large bed area.
• Build Volume: 10/10 - Outstanding! The large build volume is a major selling point.
• Printing Speed: 7/10 - Can reach advertised speeds, but optimal quality is achieved at slightly lower speeds.
• Material Compatibility: 9/10 - Supports a wide range of materials, especially with the high-temperature hotend.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8/10 - CR Touch is reliable, but requires occasional manual adjustments for optimal performance.
• Reliability: 8/10 - Solid construction and quality components contribute to overall reliability.
• Ease of Use: 7/10 - Assembly is straightforward, but mastering slicer settings and material profiles takes time.
• Firmware and Software: 7/10 - Creality firmware is functional but could benefit from further development and features.
• Connectivity Options: 6/10 - Lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, relying on SD card and USB.
• Build Quality & Durability: 9/10 - Sturdy frame and quality components inspire confidence.
• Noise Level: 7/10 - Moderate noise level, comparable to other printers in its class.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7/10 - Regular cleaning, lubrication, and belt tension adjustments are necessary.
• Customer Support: 6/10 - Customer support can be hit or miss, with varying response times.
• Upgradeability: 8/10 - Offers upgrade options for the hotend, enclosure, and other components.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 8/10 - Offers excellent value for its features and build volume.

Average Score: 7.6/10

Conclusion

The Creality CR-M4 is a capable and versatile 3D printer that offers a massive build volume and support for a wide range of materials. While it requires some tweaking and optimization to achieve its full potential, it provides excellent value for professionals and serious hobbyists looking for a reliable workhorse. It’s a strong contender in the large-format 3D printing space.

Written by Alex