Published on Mon Sep 12 2022 07:30:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro: A Deep Dive for Makers of All Levels

The Creality Ender series has become synonymous with affordable and accessible 3D printing. The Ender 3 S1 Pro takes that foundation and builds upon it with a host of upgrades designed to improve print quality, user experience, and material compatibility. Is it worth the upgrade, or the entry point for new users? Let’s explore.

What’s in the Box?

The Ender 3 S1 Pro arrives well-packaged, requiring some assembly but nothing too daunting. You’ll find:

• The Ender 3 S1 Pro frame components
• Print bed and heated bed platform
• “Sprite” direct drive extruder
• CR Touch auto-leveling sensor
• 4.3-inch color touchscreen display
• Filament runout sensor
• Tools and hardware for assembly
• Sample filament
• SD card with slicing software and test prints
• Manual and Quick Start Guide

Assembling the S1 Pro:

Assembly is relatively straightforward, taking most users around an hour. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, guiding you through the process of attaching the gantry, print head, and other components. Creality has also provided helpful videos online if you get stuck.

Detailed Specifications:

• Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 270 mm (8.7 x 8.7 x 10.6 inches)
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard)
• Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.4 mm
• Print Speed: Up to 150 mm/s (recommended 50-80 mm/s)
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Heated Bed Temperature: Up to 110°C
• Nozzle Temperature: Up to 300°C
• Bed Material: PEI Spring Steel Sheet
• Connectivity: SD Card, USB-C
• Power Supply: 350W
• Supported Filaments: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Wood, Carbon Fiber (with hardened nozzle)
• Leveling: Automatic (CR Touch)
• Display: 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen
• Extruder: “Sprite” Direct Drive Extruder

Key Features Explained:

• “Sprite” Direct Drive Extruder: This is arguably the S1 Pro’s biggest upgrade. Direct drive means the extruder motor is located directly above the hot end, providing better filament control and allowing for reliable printing with flexible filaments like TPU.
• CR Touch Auto-Leveling: The CR Touch automates the bed leveling process, a notorious pain point for beginners. It probes multiple points on the bed and compensates for any imperfections, ensuring a consistent first layer.
• PEI Spring Steel Sheet: This removable print bed offers excellent adhesion for a variety of materials and makes removing prints a breeze. Simply flex the sheet, and the print pops off.
• High-Temperature Nozzle: With a maximum nozzle temperature of 300°C, the S1 Pro can handle more exotic filaments like nylon and carbon fiber (with the appropriate nozzle upgrade).
• Filament Runout Sensor: This sensor detects when the filament spool is empty and pauses the print, preventing wasted material and failed prints.
• 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen: The touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to control all aspects of the printer.

Using the Ender 3 S1 Pro: Tips and Tricks

• First Layer is Key: Even with auto-leveling, make sure to fine-tune the Z-offset to achieve perfect first layer adhesion. A slightly squished first layer is generally desirable.
• Print Speed Matters: While the S1 Pro can theoretically print at 150 mm/s, it’s best to stick to slower speeds (50-80 mm/s) for optimal print quality, especially with more complex models or challenging materials.
• Temperature Calibration: Different filaments require different temperatures. Experiment with temperature towers to find the ideal settings for your chosen material.
• Bed Cleaning: Keep the PEI bed clean by wiping it down with isopropyl alcohol before each print. Avoid touching the print surface with your bare hands.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check for firmware updates on Creality’s website. These updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.
• Leveling Check: Even though the printer automatically levels it is recommended to manually level your print bed every few weeks.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Excellent print quality, especially with flexible filaments
• Easy to use and assemble
• Automatic bed leveling
• PEI spring steel bed
• High-temperature nozzle
• Direct drive extruder
• Intuitive touchscreen interface

Cons:

• Can be a bit noisy compared to some other printers
• Stock firmware can be somewhat limited (easily upgraded)
• Some users have reported minor issues with the Z-axis stability (easily addressed with aftermarket upgrades)

Target Audience:

The Ender 3 S1 Pro is an excellent choice for:

• Beginners: The ease of use and automatic features make it a great entry point into 3D printing.
• Hobbyists: The wide range of compatible materials and upgradeability options make it a versatile tool for a variety of projects.
• Makers: The reliable performance and consistent print quality make it suitable for creating functional parts and prototypes.

Ender 3 S1 Pro Scoring Breakdown (Out of 10):

Here’s a breakdown of the Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro across key performance categories:

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

Average Score: 7.73

Final Verdict:

The Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro is a well-rounded 3D printer that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and affordability. The direct drive extruder and automatic bed leveling are significant upgrades that make it easier than ever to achieve high-quality prints. While it’s not perfect, the S1 Pro is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into 3D printing or upgrade their existing setup. It’s a solid machine that balances user-friendliness with the ability to produce impressive results.

Written by Alex