The Creality Ender 3 and its successor, the Ender 3 V2, have become standard choices for DIY enthusiasts working on personalized ESPHome and other electronics projects. The forthcoming Ender 3 S1 is expected to offer a more streamlined experience by reducing the assembly complexity and effort.
Contents
Unveiling the Creality Ender 3 S1
The Ender 3 S1 has yet to be officially launched. It is projected to be available around the New Year, according to sources, including a video from the 3D printing company AzureFilm and a surviving written review. The video has been removed, possibly due to contractual restrictions, but the written content continues to provide insights into the printer’s capabilities.
Streamlined Assembly
Unlike its predecessors, which arrive in kit form to maintain affordability, the Ender 3 S1 offers a drastically simplified assembly process, taking approximately ten minutes to set up. This improvement not only makes the setup process less daunting but also accelerates the initial start-up phase for new users.
Advanced Sensing Capabilities of the Ender 3 S1
The Ender 3 S1 is equipped with sophisticated sensors that significantly enhance the printing process:
- CR Touch: An automated bed levelling sensor that uses a deployable metal probe to touch multiple points on the bed. This probe, combined with an optical sensor, accurately measures bed variations and automatically adjusts the print head's position. This critical feature ensures the bed is perfectly levelled before printing, substantially reducing manual setup time and minimizing errors.
- Filament Run-Out Sensor: This sensor detects if the printer runs out of filament, automatically pausing the print. This feature prevents print failures due to material shortages, allowing for a quick filament change and resuming the print seamlessly, saving both time and resources.
Mechanical Advancements of the Ender 3 S1
Direct Drive Extruder
The transition from a Bowden to a direct drive extruder in the Ender 3 S1 offers a more direct and shorter path for the filament to the hotend. This change enhances control over filament retraction, reduces issues like oozing and stringing, and is especially beneficial for printing with flexible materials. The direct drive system provides better push force, requires less motor force for extrusion, and significantly elevates print quality.
Enhanced Stability with Dual Z-Motors
The Ender 3 S1 features a dual Z-motor setup, each motor controlling an individual threaded rod. This configuration ensures balanced and precise vertical movement of the print head, which is pivotal for high-quality printing. It effectively eliminates the axis sagging issues prevalent in single Z-motor setups found in budget-friendly models.
Upgraded Build Platform
The printing base of the Ender 3 S1 is enhanced with a PEI sheet, known for its robust properties including radiation resistance, thermal stability, and high wear resistance. This sheet does not require any preliminary surface preparation, offering a ready-to-use, reliable, and consistent printing surface.
Expected Pricing and Availability of the Creality Ender 3 S1
The Creality Ender 3 S1 is anticipated to be released late this year or early next year, with a price tag of around €359 (equivalent to roughly US$350). This is a modest increase from the Ender 3 V2, especially when considering the integrated enhancements that would otherwise require additional investment.
