Published on Tue Apr 11 2023 11:23:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Creality Halot One Plus: A Deep Dive into This Resin Printer

The Creality Halot One Plus is a popular entry-level resin 3D printer, known for its ease of use and ability to produce highly detailed prints. It sits comfortably in the mid-range market, offering a compelling balance of features and affordability for hobbyists and professionals alike. This article will explore the Halot One Plus in detail, covering its specifications, offering practical usage tips, and providing a thorough evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses.

Creality Halot One Plus: Detailed Specifications

Let’s start by outlining the core specifications of the Creality Halot One Plus:

• Printing Technology: MSLA (Masked Stereolithography) Resin 3D Printing
• Light Source: Integral Light Source (Proprietary Creality technology)
• LCD Screen: 7.9-inch Monochrome LCD with 4K Resolution (3840 x 2400 pixels)
• Build Volume: 172 x 102 x 160 mm
• XY Resolution: 0.04 mm (40 microns)
• Z-Axis Resolution: 0.01 mm
• Layer Thickness: 0.01-0.2mm
• Printing Speed: 1-4s/layer
• Resin Compatibility: 405nm UV Resins
• Slicing Software: Halot Box (Proprietary), Lychee Slicer, Chitubox
• Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
• Control Panel: 5-inch Color Touch Screen
• Power Supply: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Leveling: Manual with Assisted Leveling
• Filter System: Activated Carbon Air Filtration
• Machine Size: 236 x 243 x 418 mm
• Machine Weight: 8.2 kg

Unboxing and Setup

The Halot One Plus comes well-packaged, minimizing the risk of damage during shipping. The box typically includes:

• The Halot One Plus 3D Printer
• Build Plate
• Resin Vat
• Power Cord
• USB Drive (containing slicing software and test files)
• Tool Kit (scraper, Allen wrenches, etc.)
• Gloves
• Mask
• Funnel
• User Manual

Setting up the printer is fairly straightforward. The user manual provides clear instructions. Here’s a summarized process:

1. Remove Packaging: Carefully unpack all components and remove any protective film.
2. Install the Resin Vat: Place the resin vat into its designated slot on the printer.
3. Level the Build Plate: This is a crucial step. Loosen the screws on the build plate, place a leveling card (usually included) between the plate and the LCD screen, and then tighten the screws while applying gentle pressure. Follow the on-screen prompts on the touchscreen for guided leveling.
4. Connect Power and Turn On: Plug in the power cord and switch on the printer.
5. Initial Test Print: Load a pre-sliced test print from the USB drive to verify functionality.

Usage Tips and Best Practices

To get the best results with the Halot One Plus, consider these tips:

• Resin Selection: Experiment with different resins to find one that suits your needs. Consider factors like detail, strength, and color. Always wear gloves and a mask when handling resin.
• Slicing Settings: Proper slicing settings are crucial for successful prints. Pay attention to layer height, exposure time, lift speed, and retraction speed. The “Halot Box” slicer has pre-configured profiles for some Creality resins, which can be a good starting point. Lychee Slicer and Chitubox offer more advanced customization options.
• Support Placement: Proper support placement is vital for successful prints, especially for overhangs and intricate details. Use auto-support generation features in your slicer, but also manually adjust supports as needed. Consider the angle of overhangs and the density of supports.
• Bed Adhesion: Ensure the build plate is thoroughly cleaned with isopropyl alcohol before each print. A slightly rough surface on the build plate can also improve adhesion.
• Resin Handling: Always filter the resin back into the bottle after each print to remove any cured particles. Store resin in a cool, dark place to prevent premature curing.
• Ventilation: Resin printing produces fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area or use a fume extractor. The Halot One Plus includes an activated carbon filter, but it’s best used in conjunction with proper ventilation.
• Cleaning Prints: After printing, wash the prints in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for several minutes to remove uncured resin. A two-stage cleaning process, with a first wash in dirty IPA and a second wash in clean IPA, is often recommended.
• Curing: After washing, cure the prints under UV light to fully harden the resin. You can use a dedicated UV curing station or even sunlight.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep the LCD screen clean and free of debris. Replace the FEP film (the transparent film at the bottom of the resin vat) when it becomes cloudy or damaged. Periodically lubricate the Z-axis lead screw.

Halot One Plus: Print Quality Assessment

The Halot One Plus delivers impressive print quality for its price point. The 4K monochrome LCD screen provides excellent detail and resolution. Fine details, intricate patterns, and smooth curves are reproduced accurately. However, achieving optimal print quality depends heavily on proper slicing settings, resin selection, and careful attention to support placement.

Scoring the Creality Halot One Plus

Here’s a breakdown of the Halot One Plus’s performance based on the specified criteria, with scores out of 10:

• Print Quality: 8.5 - Excellent detail and resolution for the price.
• Build Volume: 7 - Adequate for most hobbyist projects, but smaller than some competitors.
• Printing Speed: 7.5 - Reasonably fast, especially with monochrome LCD technology, but slower than some higher-end printers.
• Material Compatibility: 7 - Primarily designed for 405nm UV resins, limiting material options compared to some FDM printers.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 7.5 - Manual leveling can be tricky, but assisted leveling helps. Bed adhesion is generally good with proper preparation.
• Reliability: 8 - Generally reliable with proper maintenance and usage.
• Ease of Use: 8.5 - User-friendly interface and straightforward setup make it accessible to beginners.
• Firmware and Software: 7 - Halot Box is basic but functional. Compatibility with Lychee Slicer and Chitubox expands options.
• Connectivity Options: 7.5 - USB and Wi-Fi offer convenient connectivity.
• Build Quality & Durability: 7.5 - Solid construction for its price range.
• Noise Level: 8 - Relatively quiet operation compared to FDM printers.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7 - Requires regular cleaning, resin handling, and FEP film replacement.
• Customer Support: 6 - Creality’s customer support can be inconsistent. Community forums are often a better resource.
• Upgradeability: 6.5 - Limited upgrade options compared to some open-source printers.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 8.5 - Offers excellent value for its price.

Average Score: (8.5 + 7 + 7.5 + 7 + 7.5 + 8 + 8.5 + 7 + 7.5 + 7.5 + 8 + 7 + 6 + 6.5 + 8.5) / 15 = 7.43/10

Conclusion

The Creality Halot One Plus is a solid resin 3D printer that offers a good balance of print quality, ease of use, and affordability. While it has some limitations, such as its smaller build volume and limited upgrade options, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a great choice for hobbyists, miniature painters, and anyone looking to explore the world of resin 3D printing. By following the usage tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can unlock the full potential of the Halot One Plus and create stunningly detailed prints.

Written by Alex