The Creality Ender 3 and its offspring, the Ender 3 V2, have become almost a rite of passage for DIY enthusiasts creating personalized ESPHome projects. However, the soon-to-be-launched Ender 3 S1 promises to be a game-changer, offering a more user-friendly experience. If you've ever balked at the prospect of spending an entire weekend assembling a 3D printer before you can even start your project, this new addition to the Ender 3 lineage could be the answer to your prayers.
Why we know about the unannounced Creality Ender 3 S1
The Ender 3 S1 is yet to be officially launched, and while a firm release date remains elusive, it's anticipated to hit the market just as the New Year bells begin to chime. The information contained in this article was gleaned from a video posted by the 3D printing shop AzureFilm and a related written article. Although the video has since disappeared, possibly due to a violation of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), the article remains accessible, for reasons that remain a mystery.
Set-up simplicity with the Ender 3 S1
In case you're not familiar with the Ender 3 and Ender 3 V2, they don't arrive at your abode fully assembled. This allows Creality to offer these printers at a more affordable price point. However, you'll need to dedicate a few hours to assembly before you have something that resembles a 3D printer. And the effort doesn't stop there. Once assembled, you'll need to level the bed to achieve good-quality prints.
In contrast, the Ender 3 S1 promises a ten-minute assembly process. It also comes pre-equipped with a CR Touch, Creality's automated bed leveller. While this feature isn't exclusive to the S1, and can be retrofitted to the Ender 3 and Ender 3 V2, it's a time-saving bonus for those opting for the S1.
Bowden bows out in favour of direct drive on the Ender 3 S1
The extruder is the heart of a 3D printer, pushing filament towards the heated nozzle where it melts and is extruded. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printers typically use one of two types of extruder: Bowden or direct drive. While Bowden extruders are commonly used in lower-priced 3D printers due to their affordability, direct drive extruders, with their shorter filament path, are generally superior in terms of quality and resolution.
The Ender 3 S1 marks a departure for Creality, swapping the Bowden extruder found on the Ender 3 and Ender 3 V2 for a direct drive extruder. This upgrade is anticipated to enhance the print quality of the Ender S1. While it's possible to retrofit a direct drive extruder onto the Ender 3 and Ender 3 V2, choosing the Ender 3 S1 eliminates this extra step.
No more CR Touch retrofitting
One noteworthy enhancement is the incorporation of the CR Touch, a smart device that allows your 3D printer to automatically level its bed, ensuring optimal setup before leaping into the printing process. Unlike its plastic-tipped counterparts, the CR Touch boasts a more robust metallic probe and an optical sensor, making it not only more durable but also more efficient.
Not to be overlooked is the inclusion of another handy sensor that keeps an eye on your filament supply. The infamous 'out of filament' situation, which often leads to restarting a print from square one, is now a thing of the past. Thanks to the filament run-out sensor incorporated in the Ender S1, the printer will halt the moment it senses the filament supply has run dry. This allows for a quick spool replacement and a seamless resumption of the print process.
A dual motor upgrade for Ender 3 S1’s Z-axis
The role of Z-motors in a 3D printer is pivotal, as they preside over the vertical movement of the print head. A considerable number of budget-friendly 3D printers have a single Z-motor, leading to a one-sided setup. The downside of this single Z-motor arrangement, as exhibited in the existing Ender 3 printers, is the inevitable sagging of the axis. However, the Ender 3 S1 with two motors, each controlling a threaded rod, promises to bypass such issues.
The printing base of the Ender 3 S1, which includes the build plate ensuring firm print adhesion, has seen an upgrade with a PEI sheet. PEI claims to be ready-to-use without any pre-preparation, and boasts of all desirable features in a build plate: resistance against radiation, stability against high and low temperatures, and high wear resistance.
Availability and pricing details for the Ender 3 S1
The forthcoming Creality Ender 3 S1 is expected to grace the market by late this year or early next year. The indicative price for the Ender 3 S1 is €359, which may convert approximately to US$350. Given the Ender 3 V2’s occasional selling price of as low as US$250, the Ender 3 S1 is a step up in terms of price. However, a comparative analysis of upgrading an Ender 3 V2 to match the specifications of Ender 3 S1 reveals a similar price point.
The Home Assistant community is a diverse blend of individuals, united by a shared affinity for crafting and personalizing hardware. ESPHome has emerged as a popular introduction to the realm of inexpensive electronics and bespoke builds. A 3D printer not only lends a professional touch to these creations, but also broadens the horizons of possibilities.
