The Creality K1: A Speedy Enclosed Core XY Printer at an Affordable Price
Wondering what the Creality K1 is all about? The Creality K1 is the new flagship model for the Chinese manufacturer. It is a speedy enclosed Core XY printer that has been causing quite a stir among the 3D printing community. It has been compared to the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, but there are plenty of differences between the two. For one thing, the Creality K1 features a unique Creality Sprite hotend, nozzle, and notched build plate. Moreover, it is more affordable, priced at just $599. In this article, we will dive into the details of the Creality K1, including its specs, performance, price, and where you can purchase it.
Creality K1 Specs and Features
The Creality K1 comes in four colors: black, white, red, and blue. It boasts a modern design with a sleek and professional appearance. The printer is fully enclosed with a 6mm aluminum chassis and an acrylic cover. It features a 220 x 220 mm build plate, providing a build height of 250 mm. While this is a standard size for a Core XY printer, it is worth noting that the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon offers an extra-long build plate.
At the heart of the Creality K1 is the Spritte hotend, which is similar to the E3D Volcano but with its own unique features. Creality also offers hardened steel upgrades for those who want to push the limits of their nozzle. The printer has a rear-mounted spool holder, although it may not be the best option for larger spools. However, feeding filament into the extruder is still easy. One of the standout features of the K1 is its cooling system, which works exceptionally well when printing with ABS and ASA materials.
The Creality K1 offers automatic and quick leveling, as well as input shaping capabilities. This means that users can utilize the machine for basic modeling and have it remember the ideal starting point for their prints. The K1 also features a user-friendly screen and menu system. While it uses a limited version of Klipper firmware, it is still easy to navigate and offers presets for different filaments.
The Creality K1 allows for file transfer via USB, WiFi, or the Creality Cloud. If you prefer not to send files to the cloud, there are alternative options available. The printer is 99% assembled out of the box, with only three screws and the touch screen needing to be removed for plug-in. The setup process is straightforward, featuring a fully automatic leveling program and a reverse Bowden system. The K1 uses a tube to feed the filament into the top of the extruder, which helps prevent jams and simplifies usage.
Creality K1 Review – Print Quality and Speed
The Creality K1 is known for its speed, capable of producing a Benchy print in just 25 minutes. While this may be slightly slower than the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, it is comparable to other Core-XY machines such as the Ender 3. The printer comes with a sample spool of Hyper PLA, which produces high-quality prints. Users can also slice their own models using the K1's speed settings, allowing them to push the machine to its limits and speed up the printing process if needed.
Printing with the Creality K1 is smooth and clean, making it a solid performer. It can be compared to the Ender 3, which is a well-regarded printer in its own right. Creality includes their own slicer software, Creality Slicer, which is easy to use and offers presets for different filaments. This is especially helpful for users who may not be familiar with the intricacies of slicing.
In conclusion, the Creality K1 is an impressive printer that offers speed, reliability, and affordability. With its unique features and sleek design, it is a standout option in the 3D printing market. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, the Creality K1 is definitely worth considering for your printing needs.
