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Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
About the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is a 3D printer that was released in 2023. It is an upgraded version of the Ender 3 V3 SE, offering more premium features at a slightly higher price point. One of its standout features is the upgraded Sprite direct drive extruder, which has an all-metal hotend and a more powerful heater core. This allows for more filament throughput at high print speeds and provides more options for different printing materials. The printer also includes CR-touch auto bed leveling, which ensures perfect first layers and reduces issues with bed adhesion. The addition of linear rails on the X and Y axis, as well as dual Z axis leadscrews, provides added stability to the moving parts of the printer, allowing for higher printing speeds without sacrificing quality. The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE also comes with a touch screen and advanced firmware, making it easier to navigate the interface and configure 3D printing settings. Overall, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE offers a good printing experience at a relatively low price point. It is shipped with most of the parts pre-assembled, requiring minimal assembly and setup. The printer's direct drive extruder and auto bed leveling system contribute to smoother and more reliable printing. The inclusion of linear rails and dual Z axis leadscrews further enhance the stability and precision of the printer's motion system. While it may lack some premium features found in more expensive models, such as wireless capabilities, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE still provides a solid performance for its price. It is worth noting that the printer features a PEI Spring Steel bed, which offers excellent first layer adhesion without the need for additional treatments. However, periodic cleaning with a solvent is required to maintain the bed's adhesion. Overall, the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE is a reliable and affordable option for 3D printing enthusiasts.
Benefits of the Ender 3 V3 KE
Direct drive extruder - Direct drive extruders are mounted right above the hot end, and push the filament directly into it, as opposed to a side mounted bowden extruder setup. We prefer direct drive extruders to bowden since they are less prone to jamming and typically require less maintenance. they also are much easier to use with flexible materials
Auto bed leveling - auto bed leveling will ensure your prints have perfect first layers every time and greatly reduce issues with bed adhesion. When using an auto-leveling system, the probe allows better tolerances for slightly warped print beds by measuring and compensating for any inconsistencies. Without this feature, you'll need to adjust the bed level manually using nuts on each corner of the print bed.
Easy to assemble - This 3D printer is shipped with most of the parts pre-assembled, and you will only need to attach a few components and connect a couple cables in order to get the machine ready to print.
Linear rail motion system - Linear rails provide added stability to the moving parts of the printer, allowing higher printing speeds without sacrificing quality. Keep in mind that the most important factor to consider when optimizing for print speed is the flow rate of filament, which depends on the hot end and nozzle size moreso than the motion system.
Affordable - This printer does not include a lot of frills, but offers a good experience for a low price point. While this low price means you won't be getting the most premium features, you can still get a lot out of these machines if you are willing to put up with some missing quality of life features.
Has touch screen - having a touch screen isn't a deal-maker or breaker, but it is a convenient feature that makes it easier to navigate the interface when you are printing files and configuring 3D printing settings.
PEI build surface has good balance of adhesion and part removal - PEI beds are one of the more premium build surface options, and for good reason. They offer great first layer adhesion with no spraysor other treatments, and can be flexed to quickly remove parts. You'll need to clean the bed with a solvent like acetone or IPA every so often to maintain the bed's adhesion.
Where to buy the Ender 3 V3 KE
Brand Summary: Creality
Creality is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of consumer 3D printers across all price points, from budget to higher end models. The Ender 3 is credited with originating the budget 3D printer market. While other brands now produce lower cost clones of the Ender 3, Creality remains the most established Chinese manufacturer of 3D printers. Creality uses off-the-shelf components and standardized aluminum extrusions on many of their printers to reduce costs, making their printers easy to repair and upgrade. Their official online community forums and manufacturer support are limited, but support can be found on communities on Reddit and Discord.