The Creality K1 3D printer has been reckon as a top one among its peers and boasting blazing-fast speeds, we can say its’a speed demon when it comes to printing, and in 2024’s perspective as we see it in comparison of other 3d printers has very much innovative features. You can read other popular 3D printers compared and also some of the new 3d printers we have written reviews about.
In this post I have gone through the deep knitty gritty of Creality K1 and we have broken down its specs and functionalities, along with my critical analysis
Details |
Specifications |
Features |
| Technology | FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) | Uses filament to build objects layer by layer. |
| Build Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm (8.66 x 8.66 x 9.84 in) | Standard size for hobbyist and professional use. |
| Printing Speed | Up to 600 mm/s (23.62 in/s) | Very fast printing, significantly reducing print times. |
| Typical Speed | 300 mm/s (11.81 in/s) | More realistic printing speed for most users. |
| Speed | 800 mm/s (31.49 in/s) | Fast movement between print layers. |
| Printing Accuracy | 100 ± 0.1 mm | Capable of high-quality prints with fine details. |
| Layer Height | 0.1 – 0.35 mm | Can print thin layers for smooth surfaces or thicker layers for faster printing. |
| Nozzle Temperature | Up to 300°C | Compatible with various filament types. |
| Heated Bed Temperature | Up to 110°C | Ensures good adhesion for different filament materials. |
| Auto Bed Leveling | Hands-free, strain sensor based | Automatic leveling for consistent first layers. |
| Filament Compatibility | ABS, PLA, TPU, PET, PETG, PA (Nylon), ASA, PC (Polycarbonate), PLA-CF (Carbon Fiber Reinforced PLA), PA-CF (Carbon Fiber Reinforced PA), PET-CF (Carbon Fiber Reinforced PET) | Wide range of materials supported. |
| Connectivity | USB, LAN, Wi-Fi | Multiple options for transferring print files. |
| Control | Touchscreen display, Creality Print app, Creality Cloud app/web | Various ways to control and monitor the printer. |
| Misc. Features | Dual cooling fans, self-test function, filament runout sensor, large drum fan, simulated wind tunnel | Features for improved print quality and reliability. |
| Dimensions | 590 x 530 x 650 mm (23.23 x 20.87 x 25.59 in) | Relatively large footprint. |
| Weight | 22 kg (48.5 lb) | Sturdy and stable construction. |
| Price | Starting at around $900 USD | Competitive price for a high-speed 3D printer. |
#1 Creality K1 As A Speed Demon
- Headline Speed – 600mm/s, making it 12x faster than standard FDM printers
- Reality Check – This is impressive, but it’s a theoretical maximum. Typical speeds are closer to 300mm/s, still significantly faster than most printers. However, achieving optimal speeds depends on factors like model complexity, layer height, and filament type
#2 CoreXY Structure
- Benefits – Offers high rigidity and stability, crucial for fast printing
- Drawback – The CoreXY design might require more advanced calibration compared to simpler setups
#3 Auto Leveling
- Type – Hands-free, using strain sensors for accurate mesh generation
- Analysis – This simplifies setup and ensures level prints, a significant advantage for beginners and experienced users alike
#4 Dual Cooling Fans
- Benefits – Improved overhangs and filament compatibility.
- Analysis – Essential for high-speed printing and diverse materials.
#5 Heated Bed
- Reaches 200°C in 40 seconds
- Suitable for common filaments like PLA, ABS, PETG, and more
- Verdict – Fast heating and good compatibility are valuable assets
#6 Miscellaneous
- Large touch screen – User-friendly interface
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi, LAN, and USB options for diverse workflows
- Cloud integration – Remote monitoring and printing (subscription required)
- Open filament system – Freedom to experiment with various materials
- Single extruder – Limits multi-material printing capabilities
- Smaller build volume (220x220x250mm) – Restricts the size of printable objects
- Price – More expensive than some slower FDM printers
Now, in this post comes the part where I am going to deeply analyze Creality K1’s every aspect when it comes to features and specs. Like I have said earlier, as we have entered in 2024, we can see tons of new 3d printers making inroads in the industry and being pushed by different platforms especially eCommerce ones.
#7 Speed Demon in Printing Speed
The K1’s crown jewel is undoubtedly its blazing speed when we know before 2024 almost all A-category, 3d printers were very slow. It has maximum print speed of 600mm/s (though 300mm/s is more typical), it’s 12x faster than conventional FDM printers. This translates to significantly reduced printing times, especially for larger models. However, it’s crucial to note that achieving this extreme speed might compromise print quality and require careful calibration.
#8 Auto-Leveling Champion
The K1’s hands-free auto-leveling system is a major convenience, especially for beginners. The strain sensor technology ensures a level print bed, minimizing the need for manual adjustments. This, coupled with its sturdy CoreXY frame, contributes to stable printing even at high speeds.
#9 Material Expert
The K1’s versatility is impressive. It handles a wide range of filaments, including ABS, PLA, TPU, PETG, and even some exotic options like nylon and polycarbonate. This opens up a vast array of creative possibilities for users.
#10 Cooling Mechanism
The dual cooling fans are a welcome addition, ensuring optimal filament flow and preventing warping, especially for demanding materials. This is crucial for achieving high-quality prints.
#11 Connectivity Options
The K1 offers diverse connectivity options, including USB, LAN, and Wi-Fi. This allows for flexible control and monitoring via PC, phone, or Creality Cloud, making it a truly connected printer.
While the K1 boasts impressive features, it has its limitations. The single extruder restricts users to single-material prints, which might not be ideal for complex designs requiring multiple colors or textures. Additionally, the build volume (220x220x250mm), while decent, might be limiting for larger projects. Finally, the price tag is on the higher end compared to some competitors, which could deter budget-conscious users. So, now, we can say that Creality K1 is a powerful and versatile 3D printer that prioritizes speed and convenience. Its auto-leveling, wide material compatibility, and dual cooling are valuable assets. However, the lack of a dual extruder, smaller build volume, and higher price point might be dealbreakers for some users. Ultimately, the K1 is best suited for experienced users who prioritize speed and material diversity and are willing to invest in a premium printer.