Creality Ender 5 S1: The New Powerhouse of 3D Printing

9.3

The Ender 5 S1 is a formidable 3D printer, offering a host of attractive features such as the high-speed printing capabilities, the ability to handle a wide range of materials, and the stability of its new frame design. It demonstrates Creality's continued dedication to improving the user experience with the inclusion of a touchscreen interface, automatic bed leveling.

However, it's not without its drawbacks. Maintaining the bed level over extended periods may prove challenging and frequent adjustments might be required. Moreover, the build volume, while sufficient for many users, might be somewhat restrictive for those looking to print larger models. Finally, to consistently print advanced materials, additional costs for necessary modifications should be factored in.

In summary, the Ender 5 S1 proves to be a well-rounded 3D printer, performing admirably in terms of speed, print quality, and user experience. Although there are some considerations to be mindful of, particularly regarding build volume and potential extra costs, the Ender 5 S1 is a strong contender in its price range. It's a fitting choice for those looking to venture beyond basic 3D printing without breaking the bank. It delivers advanced features and solid performance, offering excellent value for money, whether you're a hobbyist or a small business owner.

• Features 9
• Build Quality 9
• Print Quality 8.5
• Ease of Use 10
• Value 10
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A brief introduction to the Ender 5 S1 3D printer

The Ender 5 S1 is an advanced 3D printer model from the highly respected manufacturer Creality. Building on the successes of its predecessors, the Ender 5 S1 introduces significant upgrades that refine its printing performance, stability, and material versatility.

The printer features an enhanced frame and bed suspension for improved stability, a newly developed direct extruder, and a print head capable of handling exotic materials at temperatures up to 300 °C. It boasts impressive print speeds, achieving high-quality results without compromise, courtesy of a dual-shroud part cooling fan.

With a default print speed of 120 mm/s that can be pushed up to 250 mm/s for some materials, the Ender 5 S1 represents a robust choice for hobbyists and professionals. It may require fine-tuning for consistent output of advanced materials. Still, its capability to print materials like PC and nylon sets it apart.

Offering a build volume of 220 x 220 x 280 mm and priced at $479, the Ender 5 S1 is a high-performing, cost-effective 3D printer that is a worthy addition to any creator’s toolkit.

Overview of the Ender 5 S1

Description of the Ender 5 S1’s key features and specifications

The Ender 5 S1 3D printer comes packed with notable features and specifications designed to elevate the 3D printing experience. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Improved Frame and Bed Suspension: The Ender 5 S1 offers an enhanced frame and bed suspension, adding stability to the printing process.

2. New Direct Extruder and Print Head: This model boasts a new Sprite direct extruder used across many of Creality’s 3D printers. It also carries a high-temperature print head, capable of printing exotic materials up to 300°C.

3. Enhanced Print Speeds: With its upgraded motion system, the Ender 5 S1 can print at default speeds of 120 mm/s, which can be cranked up to 250 mm/s for certain materials.

4. Automatic Bed Leveling: Equipped with Creality’s CR Touch automatic bed leveling system, the printer ensures a consistently flat print surface for high-quality results.

5. Capable of Printing Advanced Materials: The printer can handle industrial-type materials like PC and nylon. However, consistent output might require minor modifications, such as a metal nozzle and an enclosure.

6. Build Volume: The Ender 5 S1 offers a build volume of 220 x 220 x 280 mm.

7. PC-Coated Spring Steel Print Sheet: This component is admired for its strong adhesion qualities. However, it may cause difficulties in removing some prints.

This printer, priced at $453, presents a mix of advanced features and fast printing capabilities that many users will find attractive.

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Creality Official Store – Ender 5 S1

Comparison to other models in the Ender 5 series

The Ender 5 S1 is a significant upgrade over its predecessors in the Ender 5 series in several key aspects. First, it introduces an enhanced direct extruder, the new Sprite Pro, capable of reaching up to 300°C. This enhancement enables it to handle a broader range of materials, including more challenging, engineering-grade filaments such as polycarbonate.

Unlike previous models, the Ender 5 S1 boasts superior speed, defaulting to 120 mm/s and reaching up to 250 mm/s with some materials. This increased speed, while theoretically cutting print times by half, in practice, only reduces print times by a couple of minutes from around two-hour prints. This speed, however, does come with a slight trade-off in build volume. The Ender 5 S1 offers a slightly smaller build volume of 220 x 220 x 280 mm compared to the Ender 5 Pro or its Ender 3 S1 sibling, both of which provide larger build volumes.

Another notable upgrade in the Ender 5 S1 includes the CR Touch automatic bed leveling system, simplifying the process of achieving a flat, consistent print surface. However, users should note that maintaining the bed level over prolonged periods has been flagged as a potential issue.

Although the Ender 5 S1 is competitively priced, similar to earlier models and other budget 3D printers on the market, it delivers remarkable value with its enhanced speed, improved part cooling, and ability to handle a more excellent range of materials. This makes it a sound investment for those seeking advanced capabilities without stretching their budget.

 Discussion of the printer’s build volume and print quality

The Ender 5 S1 has a slightly reduced build volume compared to previous models, at 220 x 220 x 280 mm. This reduction may seem restrictive, especially for those accustomed to larger print volumes such as the Ender 5 Pro or the Ender 3 S1 Plus. However, the printer’s enhanced speed and superior material handling capabilities justify the trade-off.

While the smaller build volume might limit some larger printing projects, the printer remains versatile for various uses, from prototyping to making complex models or parts. For most hobbyists, small businesses, or educational uses, the Ender 5 S1’s build volume should be more than adequate.

In terms of print quality, the Ender 5 S1 shines, particularly when printing at what they refer to as “half speed.” Introducing the new dual-shroud part cooling fan significantly ensures consistent cooling and, thus, better precision. This new feature, combined with the upgraded Sprite Pro extruder, delivers higher accuracy and detail, even when using more exotic materials.

The printer can reach incredibly high print speeds, up to 250 mm/s for some materials, a commendable feat for a Cartesian-style 3D printer. However, print quality slightly diminishes at these maximum speeds. This is not uncommon and depends on the complexity and material of the printed model.

Despite these minor trade-offs, the Ender 5 S1 offers superb print quality and a reasonable build volume, positioning it as a competitive choice in its price range.

Unboxing and Setup

Step-by-step guide on unboxing and setting up the Ender 5 S1

Here’s a general guide for unboxing and setting up the Ender 5 S1 3D printer. It’s important to remember that you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions included in the package, as some details might vary:

Unboxing the Printer

Open the package carefully, and remove all parts and components. These should include the base unit, gantry, touch screen, power supply, cables, screws, and other accessories. Be sure to check that everything listed in the manual is present.

Assembling the Printer

Start by attaching the gantry to the base unit. There should be pre-drilled holes in the frame that align. Use the screws provided to secure it.

Connecting the Cables

Connect all the cables as indicated in the instruction manual. These should include connections from the power supply to the base unit, the wires for the stepper motors, end stops, and the heated bed.

Make sure the voltage switch on the power supply matches your local mains supply (110V or 220V).

Installing the Extruder and Bed Leveling System

To set up the 3D printer, you simply need to install the X-axis carriage on the gantry. This carriage already comes pre-equipped with the new Sprite extruder and the CR Touch automatic bed leveling system, simplifying the assembly process. 

As always, it is essential to carefully follow the instructions provided in the manual to ensure a successful setup.

Leveling the Bed

Although the Ender 5 S1 has automatic bed leveling, you might need to manually level the bed the first time or if the printer was shipped over long distances.

To perform the bed leveling, simply navigate the printer’s menu to the manual option. This feature will guide the extruder to five points on the bed. Adjust the bed height at each end until a piece of paper can slide between the nozzle and bed with slight friction. This simple process ensures a level bed and improves the quality of your prints.

The automatic bed leveling system will take over from there, adjusting for any slight unevenness in the bed during each print.

Loading the Filament

Preheat the nozzle to the temperature recommended for your filament.

Insert the filament into the extruder, and push it through until it starts coming out of the nozzle. You’re now ready to start printing!

First Print

For your first print, it’s recommended to use a model that’s been pre-sliced and is known to print well. This is often included on the SD card that comes with the printer.

Once you’ve got that first successful print, you can start experimenting with slicing your models.

Remember that these are general guidelines, and the specifics might vary depending on the exact model or any changes made by the manufacturer. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Evaluation of the included accessories and their quality

The Ender 5 S1 comes packaged with various accessories designed to aid you in your 3D printing journey. Upon evaluating these, here’s what we found:

1. Sprite Direct Extruder: This new feature in the Ender 5 S1 provides exceptional performance. It’s an all-metal hot end with a titanium alloy heat break, capable of reaching 300°C. This makes it suitable for printing with various materials, including more demanding engineering-level filaments.
2. CR Touch Automatic Bed Leveling System: This accessory works very well to provide a consistently flat print surface. It’s a notable improvement over manual leveling systems. It adds a level of convenience and accuracy that significantly improves the overall printing experience.
3. PC-Coated Spring Steel Print Sheet: This is another standout feature of the Ender 5 S1. It offers strong adhesion for prints, sometimes making removing finished prints tricky. Personal preference plays a part here, but this inclusion is an upgrade over standard print beds.
4. 4.3-Inch Touchscreen: A large, color touchscreen on the Ender 5 S1 enhances the user interface, making navigation and printer control more intuitive and straightforward. However, menu organization has room for improvement, which can sometimes frustrate users.

In general, the included accessories and options for upgrades with the Ender 5 S1 are of high quality, and they contribute to making the printer a reliable, versatile, and user-friendly machine.

Advantages of the Ender 5 S1

1. Enhanced Speed: The Ender 5 S1 boasts much faster printing speeds than many other models in its class, with default print speeds of 120mm/s and the option to go up to 250mm/s for specific materials.
2. Quality Print: The improved direct extruder and dual-shroud part cooling fan provide better print quality even at higher speeds.
3. Materials Variety: The ability to handle a range of materials, including PC, nylon, and other advanced materials, opens up numerous possibilities for complex and high-strength print jobs.
4. Improved Stability: The new frame design and bed suspension provide enhanced stability compared to its predecessor.
5. User-Friendly Features: With the new touchscreen interface, and an automatic bed leveling system, the Ender 5 S1 offers a user-friendly and intuitive 3D printing experience.

Disadvantages of the Ender 5 S1

1. Leveling Maintenance: Although the printer features automatic bed leveling, maintaining the level over extended periods can be challenging and may require frequent adjustments.
2. Speed and Time Efficiency: While the Ender 5 S1 can reach up to 250 mm/s, theoretically decreasing print times by half, in real-world applications, it only shaves off a couple of minutes from around two-hour prints. 
3. Restrictive Build Volume: While adequate for most projects, the 220 x 220 x 280 mm build volume might be limiting for those needing to print more prominent models.
4. Additional Costs for Advanced Material Printing: Modifications are necessary to print consistently with industrial-type materials. These include replacing the brass nozzle and adding an enclosure to maintain optimal temperatures, potentially increasing the overall cost.
5. Print Quality at High Speed: High-speed printing could compromise print quality, particularly for intricate models.

Conclusion

Creality’s Ender 5 S1 sets a new milestone in 3D printing. It advances the company’s objective of producing high-quality 3D printers while remaining affordable by incorporating innovative capabilities. This 3D printer seamlessly combines high-speed printing, outstanding print quality, and all-around performance, resulting in a product that stands out in a sea of 3D printers.

Its revolutionary design and upgraded frame provide greater stability, making it a versatile piece of equipment for novice and experienced users. The faster print speed and improved cooling mechanism compensate for the print capacity, which may appear slightly limited compared to other models.

Creality’s commitment to pushing the frontiers of 3D printing is demonstrated by introducing a new direct extruder and an increased print head capacity to handle exotic materials up to 300°C. This provides many opportunities for users to explore various materials and approaches.

Incorporating the CR Touch leveling probe, which probes the bed after manual alignment and ensures a level and even print surface, is one characteristic that stands out. Although this automated tool occasionally necessitates print re-adjustments, it does enhance the overall user experience and the end product.

Moreover, the Ender 5 S1 is compatible with materials made for industrial use, like PC and nylon. This functionality sets the Ender 5 S1 apart from its rivals in the same price range, even though it calls for additional tweaks for consistent output.

A minor drawback is that you need to spend more money on a metal nozzle and a warm baking chamber if you frequently intend to print with these sophisticated materials.

Finally, Ender 5 S1 represents a tremendous advancement in the Ender series. Its upgraded features, improved design, and versatility with various materials justify its slightly higher price point. It embodies the perfect 3D printer for individuals who want to enhance their printing without going crazy with their spending.

The Ender 5 S1 may be a valuable addition to your toolset, whether you are a beginner learning about 3D printing or an expert wishing to enhance your machinery. Its capabilities and adaptability promise infinite creativity and invention in 3D printing. The Ender 5 S1 is evidence of Creality’s dedication to the 3D printing sector’s pursuit of excellence and ongoing expansion.

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