The Creality Ender 3 S1 is the latest iteration of the popular Ender 3 series, a line of 3D printers known for their affordability and user-friendliness. This new model boasts several upgrades over its predecessors, including a more robust frame, a larger build volume, and a host of new features designed to enhance both performance and ease of use. With its powerful hardware and user-friendly interface, the Ender 3 S1 promises to be a compelling option for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts.
This comprehensive review will delve into the key features of the Creality Ender 3 S1, examining its build quality, performance, ease of use, and overall value proposition. We’ll explore the printer’s strengths and weaknesses, highlighting its key advantages and potential drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision about whether this printer is the right fit for your needs.
From its upgraded print head and improved filament feeding system to its advanced features like auto bed leveling and filament run-out detection, the Ender 3 S1 offers a plethora of features that promise to make 3D printing more efficient and enjoyable. We’ll take a close look at each of these aspects and assess their impact on the printer’s overall performance and user experience.
Ultimately, this review aims to provide you with a clear understanding of the Creality Ender 3 S1‘s capabilities and whether it’s a worthy successor to the renowned Ender 3 series. Join us as we explore the features, performance, and overall value of this exciting new 3D printer.
| Name: | Creality Ender 3 S1 |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
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Creality Ender 3 S1: An Overview
The Creality Ender 3 S1 is the latest iteration of the popular Ender 3 series, a line of 3D printers renowned for their affordability and ease of use. This new model builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessors, incorporating several key improvements to enhance printing performance and overall user experience. The Ender 3 S1 boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring a fully enclosed build chamber with a tempered glass bed, a redesigned filament path, and a host of other upgrades. This model is targeted towards both beginners and experienced users alike, offering a balance of features and affordability. In this review, we will delve into the details of the Ender 3 S1, exploring its performance, build quality, and overall value proposition.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Opening the box of the Creality Ender 3 S1, you’re greeted with a surprisingly well-organized layout. Every component is neatly packed, providing a sense of quality right from the start. The printer itself sits proudly in the center, while the accessories – including the power supply, filament, tools, and instructions – are tucked away in separate compartments.
The first impression is of a solid, well-constructed machine. The Ender 3 S1 feels substantial, with a sturdy metal frame and a sleek, modern design. The build plate is a significant upgrade from the previous models, featuring a smooth, textured surface that promises excellent adhesion. The glass print bed also adds to the printer’s premium feel, replacing the older, more prone-to-warping aluminum build plates.
The control panel is easy to understand and navigate, with clear buttons and a bright LCD screen that displays all the necessary information. The nozzle and hot end are also well-protected, ensuring that they’re safe during shipping and handling.
Overall, the unboxing and first impressions of the Creality Ender 3 S1 are positive. It’s clear that Creality has put a lot of effort into designing and packaging this printer, and it feels like a significant step up from its predecessors. The build quality and design are impressive, and the included accessories are everything you need to get started.
Setting Up the Ender 3 S1
Setting up the Ender 3 S1 is a straightforward process, especially if you have experience with other 3D printers. The printer arrives in a well-packaged box with all the necessary components. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Unpack the Printer: Carefully remove the printer and all the accessories from the box.
- Assemble the Frame: The frame of the Ender 3 S1 comes pre-assembled, but you’ll need to attach the Z-axis and the print bed. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the process shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.
- Connect the Cables: Connect the power cable, the USB cable, and the control board cables to their respective ports. Make sure to secure the cables properly to avoid any loose connections.
- Level the Print Bed: This is a crucial step to ensure your prints adhere properly to the bed. The Ender 3 S1 comes with a built-in auto-bed leveling feature that makes this process much easier. However, it’s still good practice to double-check the level using a piece of paper.
- Load the Filament: Load the filament through the feeder and heat the nozzle to the appropriate temperature for the filament you’re using.
- Install the Software: Creality’s software, “Creality Slicer,” is readily available online. You can use it to slice your 3D models and prepare them for printing. Alternatively, you can use other popular slicing software like Cura or PrusaSlicer.
- Print a Test Print: It’s always a good idea to print a test print to ensure everything is working properly. The Ender 3 S1 comes with a few sample models you can try.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to start printing! The setup process is designed to be user-friendly, and Creality provides helpful resources and tutorials to guide you along the way.
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Build Quality and Design
The Creality Ender 3 S1 boasts a solid build quality that reflects its price point. The frame is constructed from sturdy aluminum, giving it a robust feel and minimizing vibrations during printing. The print bed is made of a glass-coated platform, providing a smooth and even surface for your prints to adhere to. The Ender 3 S1’s design incorporates a number of improvements over previous Ender 3 models. The printer’s overall structure is more compact and refined, with a streamlined appearance. The cable management system is more integrated, reducing clutter and making the printer look neater.
One notable feature is the inclusion of a full-color touchscreen display. The display is bright and responsive, making it easy to navigate through the menus and monitor your prints. The upgraded control panel makes setting up and managing your prints much smoother compared to older models. Overall, the Creality Ender 3 S1‘s build quality and design represent a significant step up from its predecessors. It’s a well-constructed and user-friendly 3D printer that will appeal to both beginners and experienced users alike.
Printing Performance and Accuracy
The Creality Ender 3 S1 shines in its printing performance and accuracy. Equipped with a powerful 400W heated bed, it achieves a consistent and even temperature distribution, crucial for achieving excellent print quality. The 32-bit silent motherboard and TMC2209 stepper drivers minimize noise and vibrations, resulting in smooth and precise movements.
With a 0.4mm nozzle and a layer resolution of 0.1mm, the Ender 3 S1 delivers detailed prints with sharp edges and fine features. The printer also boasts a reliable filament sensor, ensuring uninterrupted prints by pausing if filament runs out. The auto-bed leveling feature is a welcome addition, allowing for effortless bed leveling and consistent print adhesion.
In our tests, the Ender 3 S1 consistently produced high-quality prints with minimal stringing and warping. The accuracy of the printer was impressive, with intricate details and fine geometries being faithfully replicated. Even for complex prints with overhangs and bridges, the Ender 3 S1 delivered satisfactory results.
While the printing performance is commendable, it’s essential to note that achieving optimal results requires some fine-tuning. Calibration and adjustments to print settings may be necessary to obtain the best prints. However, the Ender 3 S1’s user-friendly interface and ample online resources make this process relatively straightforward.
Features and Upgrades
The Creality Ender 3 S1 boasts an impressive array of features and upgrades that set it apart from its predecessors. Let’s delve into the key enhancements:
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Direct Drive Extruder: The S1 comes equipped with a direct drive extruder, which provides increased force and precision in filament feeding, particularly for flexible materials. This results in smoother and more consistent prints, especially when dealing with intricate details or overhangs.
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Larger Build Volume: The Ender 3 S1 offers a more generous build volume compared to the original Ender 3, measuring 220mm x 220mm x 260mm. This larger platform allows you to create bigger and more ambitious 3D printed projects.
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Auto-Bed Leveling: One of the most significant upgrades is the inclusion of a BLTouch auto-bed leveling sensor. This eliminates the need for manual leveling, ensuring a perfectly level print bed every time. It automatically adjusts the Z-axis height for optimal print adhesion and eliminates uneven prints.
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Silent Motherboard: The Ender 3 S1 incorporates a silent motherboard, drastically reducing the noise generated during printing. This makes it a more pleasant experience for those working in quiet environments or who want to minimize noise distractions.
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High-Resolution Display: The S1 features a high-resolution LCD display that offers a clear and user-friendly interface. Navigating through menus and settings becomes much easier, enhancing the overall printing experience.
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Improved Filament Sensor: The filament sensor on the Ender 3 S1 provides more accurate detection of filament depletion, pausing printing when necessary and preventing potential print failures. This ensures that your prints are not interrupted prematurely.
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Magnetic Build Plate: The Ender 3 S1 utilizes a magnetic build plate that allows for easy removal of prints without the risk of warping or damage. The flexible and reusable surface makes it ideal for a wide range of printing materials.
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Power Supply Upgrade: The S1 comes with a 24V power supply, providing a more stable and reliable power source for the printing process. This ensures consistent performance and eliminates the risk of power fluctuations affecting your prints.
The combination of these features and upgrades truly elevates the Ender 3 S1 to a whole new level. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced 3D printing enthusiast, the S1 provides an excellent balance of affordability, performance, and user-friendliness.
Software and User Experience
The Creality Ender 3 S1 comes with a user-friendly software package that makes it easy to control and operate the printer. It is compatible with a variety of slicing software, including Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Simplify3D. The printer also comes with a built-in LCD screen that displays information about the print job, such as temperature, progress, and remaining time.
The Ender 3 S1 is compatible with Creality’s proprietary software, Creality Slicer, which is designed specifically for Creality printers. This software offers a range of features, including:
- Print profile library: Creality Slicer includes a library of pre-configured print profiles for different materials, which can help users get started quickly and easily.
- Automatic support generation: Creality Slicer can automatically generate support structures for complex prints, which can be helpful for ensuring that prints are successful and free of defects.
- Advanced printing features: Creality Slicer includes a variety of advanced printing features, such as the ability to set different temperatures for the hotend and bed, adjust the print speed and retraction settings, and create custom print profiles.
The Ender 3 S1’s software package is easy to use, even for beginners. The user interface is intuitive and straightforward, and the software provides detailed information about each step of the printing process. The printer’s LCD screen also provides a clear and concise display of the current printing status.
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Overall, the Creality Ender 3 S1‘s software and user experience are excellent. The printer is compatible with a variety of software options, and the software itself is user-friendly and feature-rich. The Ender 3 S1 is a great choice for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons of the Ender 3 S1
The Creality Ender 3 S1 boasts a compelling list of features that make it a standout option for both beginners and experienced users. Here are some of the major advantages:
- Affordable price: One of the most prominent strengths of the Ender 3 S1 is its budget-friendly price point. This makes it a highly accessible option for those new to 3D printing or those looking for a quality printer without breaking the bank.
- Excellent build quality: Creality has a reputation for building reliable machines, and the Ender 3 S1 upholds this standard. The sturdy frame and well-constructed components inspire confidence and longevity.
- User-friendly design: The Ender 3 S1 is known for its simple assembly and intuitive design, making it easy to set up and use even for first-time 3D printing enthusiasts.
- Impressive printing quality: The Ender 3 S1 delivers high-quality prints with excellent detail and accuracy, thanks to its advanced features like the direct drive extruder and the TMC2209 stepper motor drivers.
- Upgradeable platform: This printer is designed for customization and upgrades, allowing users to enhance its capabilities with a range of accessories and modifications.
However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks:
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- Limited print volume: The Ender 3 S1 offers a smaller build volume compared to some other 3D printers in its price range. This might limit your ability to print larger objects or complex models.
- Lack of automatic bed leveling: While the Ender 3 S1 includes a manual bed leveling system, it doesn’t have an automatic bed leveling feature, which might require more manual adjustment to achieve perfect prints.
- Basic software: The included software is functional but might lack some advanced features found in other 3D printing software packages. This could limit your control over certain aspects of the printing process.
- Potential noise: Some users have reported that the Ender 3 S1 can be relatively noisy during operation, which might be a concern for those working in quieter environments.
Comparison to Other 3D Printers
The Creality Ender 3 S1 sits comfortably within the mid-range of 3D printers, competing with other popular models like the Ender 3 Pro, the Ancyer A3, and the Elegoo Mars 2. While it shares some similarities with the Ender 3 Pro in terms of build volume and features, the S1 boasts several upgrades. Its direct drive extruder, for instance, offers improved filament handling and printing quality, particularly for flexible filaments. This sets it apart from the Ender 3 Pro, which uses a Bowden extruder.
When compared to the Ancyer A3, a direct competitor with a similar price point, the Ender 3 S1 shines with its user-friendly design and intuitive software. The S1’s auto bed leveling and filament sensor contribute to a smoother printing experience, making it a more accessible option for beginners. However, the Ancyer A3 has a larger build volume, which might be beneficial for those working on larger projects.
The Elegoo Mars 2, on the other hand, represents a different category altogether. As a resin printer, it excels in producing highly detailed and smooth prints. However, it requires a different workflow and involves working with potentially hazardous resin materials. The Ender 3 S1 remains a more versatile option for general-purpose printing with various filaments.
Ultimately, the best 3D printer for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use printer with good print quality and a direct drive extruder, the Ender 3 S1 is a strong contender. However, if you require a larger build volume or are working with resin materials, the Ancyer A3 or Elegoo Mars 2 might be better suited for your needs.
Final Verdict: Is the Creality Ender 3 S1 Worth It?
The Creality Ender 3 S1 is a fantastic 3D printer for both beginners and experienced users. It offers excellent print quality, a user-friendly interface, and a range of features that make it a top choice in its price range. If you’re looking for a reliable and capable 3D printer that delivers impressive results, the Ender 3 S1 is definitely worth considering. Its combination of affordability, performance, and ease of use makes it a standout option in the competitive 3D printing market. The Ender 3 S1 is an excellent investment for anyone wanting to explore the world of 3D printing or enhance their existing setup.
In conclusion, the Creality Ender 3 S1 is a fantastic 3D printer for both beginners and experienced users. Its ease of use, combined with its impressive build quality and features, make it a solid choice for those looking to get into 3D printing. The automatic bed leveling and filament sensor take the hassle out of setup and maintenance, while the silent motherboard ensures a peaceful printing experience.
The Ender 3 S1’s larger build volume provides ample space for projects of all sizes, and its precision makes it ideal for intricate details and fine finishes. With its exceptional performance and affordability, the Ender 3 S1 stands out as a compelling option in the crowded 3D printer market.
Although it doesn’t have some of the advanced features found in more expensive printers, the Ender 3 S1 offers excellent value for money. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to create custom figurines or a professional needing to prototype designs, the Ender 3 S1 has the capability to meet your needs.
Overall, the Creality Ender 3 S1 is a highly recommended 3D printer that delivers exceptional performance and value. Its ease of use, reliability, and impressive features make it a top contender in its price range and a great choice for any aspiring 3D printer enthusiast.
Yasmin 
Hassan