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Creality announced another entry into their Ender-3 S1 series, the Ender-3 S1 Plus.
Creality’s most recent line of desktop 3D printers is the Ender-3 S1 series, which has quite a different design than prior Ender-3 models. For example, all of the S1 series include direct drive extruders, rather than the Bowden type used in other models.
The S1 series also includes a compact design where power supply and electronics are neatly stowed in a well-designed base that solidly supports the Z-axis gantry.
Following on the previously announced Ender-3 S1 and Ender-3 S1 Pro, the new Ender-3 Plus inherits many of the features of the other models, and adds a unique capability: size.
Ender-3 S1 Series Features
You might wonder how the three S1 series models compare, as the features slightly differ between each. Let’s first look at all the common features found on each machine in the S1 series:
- 1.75mm filament single extruder system
- 0.4mm brass nozzle
- Creality’s “Sprite” lightweight direct drive extruder
- Automated leveling system using CR Touch optical sensor
- USB-C and SD card interfaces
- Filament-out sensor and handling
- Power-out detection and handling
- Dual synchronized Z-axis leadscrews
- Powerful 32-bit control board
- Silent stepper motor drivers for quiet operation
- Easy assembly
- Removable magnetic spring steel build plate with adhesive coating
- Integrated tool storage drawer in base
- Easy to use belt tension knobs
- Cable management wrap
That’s the main features, which are quite impressive. For more details, you might want to read our detailed review of the Ender-3 S1, which has all of the above features.
There are some optional add-ons for the S1 series, including a laser engraving toolhead for those that require etching capability. Another optional feature is a light bar that illuminates the print surface, and could be quite useful if you’re using a webcam to monitor progress. Finally, there’s the WiFi Cloud Box 2.0, which attaches to the machine’s USB-C port and connects the device to the Internet. You can then remotely manage the printer and bring content from Creality’s cloud ecosystem directly to the device.
Ender-3 S1 Series Model Differences
Now let’s look at the differences between the models so you can understand where the new Ender-3 S1 Plus fits.
Hot ends on the S1 and S1 Plus can reach 260C, while the S1 Pro can hit 300C. If you’re looking for the ability to 3D print higher temperature materials, the S1 Pro is the correct selection.
Build volume on the S1 and S1 Pro is 220 x 200 x 270, suitable for many basic 3D print jobs, while the S1 Plus is a massive 300 x 300 x 300 mm.
The added print volume should allow operators to print considerably larger objects, particularly when you consider that parts could be oriented diagonally and thus exceed 300mm in length.
The Ender-3 S1 has a color 4.3” control panel that is accessed via a single rotating knob. Meanwhile, the S1 Pro and S1 Plus have a color 4.3” touchscreen that does not use a knob.
The Ender-3 S1 series offers a great combination of convenience features that make 3D printing much easier than found on typical devices. The power failure and filament out detection both significantly reduce the possibility of wasting material on failed prints, and I’ve personally made use of these features.
The Ender-3 S1 Plus is a large device, but even so it should still be quite compatible with use in an office or schoolroom due to the extremely quiet operation. This is a result of the use of the silent stepper motor drivers, which limit noise to only 50dB. In my experience, the only thing you hear during printing is the extruder cooling fan; you can’t hear the motion system at all.
Operators will also find the automated leveling procedure extremely useful. The process takes place before each print, and ensures that the first layer is properly laid down on the print plate. This is the most critical step of any 3D print, and it must be done correctly if the print is to succeed.
Creality’s automated leveling process has worked for me each time without a problem, and I don’t think I’ve had a failed print on the Ender-3 S1 I’ve been testing. The same is likely true on the new Ender-3 S1 Plus.
The Ender-3 S1 Plus is available now at a price of US$529 at the Creality Official Store and for US$549 at Amazon.
