The Creality S1 Pro is an impressive successor to the Ender 3 series, offering considerable upgrades without a significant increase in price. Generously provided by geekbuying.com for a comprehensive review, this model promises to push the standards of affordable 3D printing.
Video review Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro
The S1 Pro keeps the same traditional design as its previous models, but is slightly taller. This is useful for people who want to print bigger items. A traditional bed slinger printer that looks nice and feels sturdy. Its solid structure and solid dimensions make it a reliable piece of hardware. The print volume is 220 x 220 x 270 mm which is enough for the majority of prints.
With its intuitive features, like the easy-to-use integrated LED light—ideal for low-light conditions—and a user-friendly display, the S1 Pro is designed for convenience. However, users should handle the LED light with care to prevent any damage, just do not lift the printer with it and you will be ok. It looks a little bit like a handle but it certainly is not.
The S1 Pro features the Sprite Pro all-metal extruder, enhanced with a dual gear feeding system capable of delivering up to 80 Newton of extrusion force. It supports higher nozzle temperatures, allowing a wide range of materials to be printed.
The heatbed, made from PEI, offers improved adhesion and can reach temperatures up to 110°C, 10°C more than the S1, thanks to additional insulation. The PEI magnetic plate, although single sided and slightly difficult to align, due to lack of any guiding elements, makes maintenance and replacement easy.
Levelling of the Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro printer is a breeze with the CR Touch automatic bed levelling sensor, accompanied by an intuitive interface that supports both automatic and manual levelling, providing flexibility to users.
The full-colour touchscreen LCD display is a significant improvement over the S1s knob-controlled interface, enhancing user control and improving overall usability.
Arriving 96% pre-assembled, the final setup involves a few simple steps, including bed levelling, making it a quick start for new users.
The calibration process is straightforward, aided by the adjustable Z offset and a combination of auto and manual levelling options. It works very well, there are no problems at all with the first layer.
The printer is compatible with a variety of common slicers that come with ready-made profiles, ensuring a smooth software integration. So you can use whatever slicer you prefer, I stuck with my favourite PrusaSlicer.
While it lacks built-in WiFi, the printer supports SD card and USB C connections. A separate purchase of a WiFi box enables remote printing via the Creality cloud box app. We would prefer to see the wifi module in the printer itself, having another box next to the printer is not entirely convenient.
The S1 Pro delivers impressive print quality across different materials, living up to its price range is expectations.
Consistency is key with the S1 Pro, with rare reliability issues reported. The filament sensor and dual Z-axis with a synchronisation belt contribute to its steady performance.
The power loss recovery feature is a safety net for those unexpected power outages, ensuring that printing can resume without hiccups.
The Creality S1 Pro offers significant value for its price, making it a compelling option for both hobbyists and semi-professionals. When compared to similar models in its price range, the S1 Pro stands out for its extruder, temperature capabilities, and user-friendly controls.
The printers advantages include a higher temperature range, intuitive levelling, and a touchscreen interface. However, the lack of WiFi and slightly higher noise levels could be potential drawbacks for some users.
The Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro is a robust and capable printer that delivers quality prints and has a user-friendly design. It is an ideal upgrade for those looking to step up from basic models without breaking the bank. For anyone seeking an affordable 3D printer with professional features, the Creality S1 Pro is a worthwhile investment.
