Creality Ender-3 V2 Reviews, Specs, Price & Photos: The Creality Ender-3 V2 is available at a great price from Cafago for €199.99 – a voucher is not necessary.
- modernized version of the Creality Ender-3 V2 presented here
- auto leveling
- metal extruder
- PC coated magnetic print bed overlay
Wow, it was about time! Many 3D printers are currently being tested here in parallel and one of the most exciting is definitely the Creality Ender-3 V2. Not because it has outstanding features, but because it is a worthy continuation of the Creality Ender-3. The Ender-3 for ~130-150€ is probably the best-selling 3D printer from China at the moment. But what actually makes version 2 different?
Creality Ender-3 V2 Reviews, Specs, Price & Photos
- Creality Ender-3 V2 3D Printer
- at Cafago for €199.99 | Activate Amazon for 286€ – 20€ coupon
- Creality Ender-3 V2 Neo 3D Printer:
- at Geekbuying for 210€ ( EU warehouse ) _ voucher NNNFDV2NEO
- Creality Ender-3 vs. Ender-3 V2 – the differences
Before we start with the actual test, I would like to go into the differences at this point. Some are obvious, e.g. B. can be read directly on the paper, while others only show up later in the test.
- 4.3-inch color screen instead of the typical 12864 LCD: There is more space for information on the larger display, it looks more contemporary, but can still only be operated using the rotary or push button.
- Belt tensioner: The X and Y axes can be easily tensioned or released at any time. i.e. loosening cable ties is a thing of the past. We already had a similar principle with the Creality CR-6 SE.
- Coated glass bed: For better adhesion to almost all printing materials. However, this should become the standard in the future.
- Small tool drawer for storing Allen keys, memory cards, etc. We have already seen that with the Creality CR-6 SE.
- 32-bit mainboard, which reduces the volume when printing properly, but is now also standard. (Or implemented via pluggable stepper drivers)
As you can see: The upgrades are not “highlights” in 2021, but of course they are a significant improvement compared to the Ender-3 V1. I like that Creality is collecting the improvements of the other 3D printers here in the Ender-3 V2. But let’s start at the beginning.
Packaging, Shipping & Accessories
We ordered from Cafago and after 15 days the package was here in good condition. But it should be even faster from the Germany camp. There was no damage on the outside and the individual components are securely packed on two foam layers inside.
I still like to include the packaging in my test, since many a 3D printer manufacturer from China (*cough* e.g. Anet *cough*) still doesn’t get it baked, the individual components for sure to wrap.
All other small parts are sensibly packed in bags, including labeling, so that you can make purposeful progress step by step during assembly. Once all the individual parts have been unpacked, you can quickly get to the assembly.
All the tools required for assembly are included, so we can get started right away.
Creality Ender-3 V2: Construction & Quality
I have hardly anything to complain about in terms of quality. We also have to keep the slim price in mind. So I would only wish for an all-metal feeder, a metal deflection roller solution and component cooling on both sides. The rest is very consistent. The aluminum profiles have no scratches, the accessories are complete, the assembly instructions are easy to understand.
In contrast to some other 3D printers from China, the construction here takes a little longer because the construction still consists of individual parts. With other kits, this only has to be screwed onto the base with four screws and the plugs inserted.
With the Ender-3 V2, you need about 20-30 minutes as a practiced 3D printer nerd, and maybe even an hour as a beginner. Completely manageable, in my opinion (while thinking of the first 3D printers with 4-5 hours of assembly time …. oh the Anet A8 *swarm*).
What is striking, especially in direct comparison to the Ender-3 V1: the cable management looks better, the cables are routed more neatly, there are covers here and there, which leads to a more “professional” impression.
Oh! Small drawer (bada-bum-tss!): The Ender-3 V2 has a drawer in the base in which the tool can be stowed. That may not sound spectacular, but for someone like me who “misplaces” his stuff everywhere (and maybe also has a “few” more 3D printers), this is a great idea. Just stupid: The spatula, aka. “Filament Scratch” doesn’t fit in.
Back on topic, let’s get to the most important section – the actual printing!
Printing with the Ender-3 V2
Unfortunately, the new Ender-3 only comes with about 30-50m of filament, which is enough for a few small test prints. i.e. It is best to order filament right away, but from Germany (ordering from China is usually not worthwhile).
I can e.g. B. recommend the filament from GIANTARM (belongs to Geeetech) – it delivers good results, is available in many colors and can be purchased directly from Amazon.DE. In my article, you will also mention other good filament alternatives in the comments.
If you want to insert the filament now, the “tinkering” starts. Unfortunately, Creality failed to install a better feeder here (I would have preferred a full metal version). The remedy is to cut the filament to a point (I always recommend anyway) to push the filament into the Bowden tube.
Leveling is still manual, ie there is no built-in auto level sensor. I don’t really find that tragic and it’s fixed with the four large rotary wheels.
There are two test print files on the included microSD card. On the one hand great, so that I don’t have to slice and (hopefully) get perfectly sliced files “ex works”, on the other hand the test prints are not Benchy, Testcube, but the “familiar dog and cat”. I can work with that, but e.g. B. the Benchy just a common benchmark, from which I can read a lot more. Well, I’ll slice this myself later.
What I immediately noticed when using the menu and hasn’t changed to this day: It’s not intuitive! Either I’m already too used to the 12864 LC display and touchscreens, or it’s really not optimal to use.
So I expect “shutting down” when shooting, which doesn’t work with a 2×3 matrix. i.e. it is first moved to the right, and then at the end of the line it jumps down one level. In addition, the active menu item is only highlighted in a slightly different color (grey), which is hardly visible in bright rooms, especially from the side.
OK, so let’s start printing with “dog-2h.gcode” now. The volume is pleasant, but I have noticed it being even quieter with around 10 other 3D printers. The fan in the case, which could be replaced, is likely to be “to blame”.
The first print went through cleanly and achieved good results. The dog on the ice disc (why?!) looks cute! The prints jump off immediately after the heating bed has cooled down – great.
After I reduced the speed again minimally to 50 mm/s in the slicer, selected a different filament and the optimal temperature, a 1A Benchy works.
The print quality is really good! Overhangs are printed properly – despite only one fan outlet. Up to 60 mm/s I was able to achieve good to very good results across the board, at higher speeds a hotend with better component cooling would certainly be an advantage. You can of course print it yourself, but it is not included out of the box. Top!
Conclusion: Buy Creality Ender-3 V2?
You have to say: Creality usually just delivers. In general, all well-known 3D printer manufacturers usually deliver in the last 2 years. The print quality is now always above grade 3 on my scale, as is the case here with the Ender-3 V2, which I would give a 1-. Now who is the Ender-3 V2 for? Let’s circle that:
The installation space of 220 x 220 x 250 mm is not enough for you? Then take the Creality CR-10 V2 with 300 x 300 x 400 mm. This is a working machine that still prints, prints and prints for me today. The print quality is not enough for you (for whatever reason)?
Then you won’t get any further with FDM 3D printers and you should consider SLA 3D printers (here is my guide to 3D printing technologies ), such as B. the Longer Orange 30, also for about 200 €. Jens tests this with us and the resolution is awesome.
~200€ for a 3D printer is not free either. If the budget is tight and/or you don’t know if the 3D printing hobby is right for you, you could also get started with the Ender-3. It costs another 80€ less, the community around it is very large and there are many extensions for self-printing.
The Ender-3 V2 is a great 3D printer. You get a lot of features for the money. Above all, the print quality, the simplicity (“it just runs”), the community and the lack of gimmicks convinced me. Creality Ender-3 V2 Reviews video below:
