Introducing: Creality K1C 3D Printer – C for Carbon!

With the Creality K1C, the advancement in 3D printing has now reached a milestone where industrial-grade solutions have become available to home users.

Introductory

3D printing technology has evolved tremendously over the past decade. From the initial DIY-looking machines with metal frames, we have now reached the point where we have complete, closed-system printers. Creality, a company that has been a dominant player in the market since its founding in 2014, has now come up with a device that combines the needs of professional and hobby users at an affordable price.

Creality's high-speed K1C printer not only processes traditional PLA and ABS materials, but also handles special carbon fiber filaments. This feature was previously only available in much more expensive industrial printers. The closed print bed and automatic calibration offer features that make everyday use much easier.

The direct extruder system and improved nozzle enable precise material feeding even at high speed printing. The device is capable of working at speeds of up to 600 mm/s, which significantly shortens production time compared to traditional 3D printers.

The K1C is not just another model in Creality's portfolio - it is a response to user needs. Building on the experience of the previous K1 model, improvements have been implemented, such as a built-in AI camera for remote monitoring of printing, or an improved air filtration system.

The device's price – just $419 with coupon – makes it particularly competitive with printers in its class. This price makes it accessible to not only professional users but also enthusiastic hobbyists.

3D printing is no longer just a tool for prototyping. The K1C opens up areas of application such as the production of custom parts, educational aids, or even the production of small series products. The high quality prints and reliable operation set a new standard in this price range.

Creality K1C – Modern design meets practicality

The Creality K1C is a compact, fully enclosed 3D printer that, with its external dimensions of 355 x 355 x 482 millimeters and a weight of 12,4 kilograms, is an ideal choice for even a smaller desk. The device has a clean, professional appearance with a smoked glass door and transparent acrylic side walls.

The front of the printer features a 4,3-inch color touchscreen, which not only allows you to control the device, but also provides real-time information about the printing process. The display interface is responsive, the menu system is logically structured, and it also has a Hungarian-language user interface. The door is equipped with new, improved hinges and a magnetic closure, which significantly increases durability and user comfort.

The build area is 220 x 220 x 250 millimeters, which is an ideal compromise between size and usability. The print bed is a PEI-coated, flexible steel plate that can be heated and automatically calibrates itself. Under the bed are three precision guide spindles that provide a stable base even during high-speed printing.

The back of the device contains the connection points: power connector, USB port for pendrive, and LAN connector for network communication. The built-in WiFi module also enables wireless connection. The filament holder, which is located in the rear position in the standard configuration, can be optionally moved to the side, for which the manufacturer also includes a printable bracket.

The innovative development of the K1C is the built-in AI camera, which not only allows remote monitoring of printing, but also can detect printing errors. In addition to the camera, there is an improved ventilation system with a built-in activated carbon filter, which effectively handles fumes and odors generated during printing.

The print head design is also unique: the tri-metal nozzle (a combination of copper, titanium and steel) called “Unicorn” is specifically optimized for printing abrasive carbon fiber materials. The direct drive extruder system allows for precise material feeding, while the advanced cooling system uses dynamically controlled fans for perfect cooling.

The device's cable routing is also well thought out: the higher cable channel not only provides a more aesthetic appearance, but also reduces the risk of breaking the Bowden tube. The machine's feet are pre-installed, screwed rubber feet that effectively dampen vibrations generated during high-speed printing.

Creality K1C – Cutting-edge technology in terms of specifications

The Creality K1C has outstanding technical specifications, the first of which is the printing speed. The device is capable of working at speeds of up to 600 mm/second, while accelerating to 20.000 mm/second². This performance allows it to produce a standard-sized test model in up to 13-14 minutes, compared to the 50-60 minutes of traditional printers.

The print head temperature can be raised to a maximum of 300°C, allowing the processing of virtually all popular filament types. The heated print bed can be heated to 100°C, which is enough even for proper adhesion of special materials such as nylon or ABS. The closed print chamber can maintain an internal temperature of 38°C, providing an ideal environment for processing temperature-sensitive materials.

The printer's layer thickness can be adjusted from 0,1 mm to 0,35 mm, providing a wide range from detailed to fast printing. The standard 0,4 mm nozzle works with 1,75 mm filament, and the device supports PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, PA, ASA, PC materials, as well as their carbon fiber versions.

The electronics are powered by a 350W power supply, which provides sufficient reserve even under the highest load. The device's universal power supply is compatible with both 100-120V and 200-240V mains voltages, at 50/60Hz. The built-in filter system can handle particles and odors generated during printing.

The K1C's software support is also noteworthy. The device is compatible with Creality Print software and Cura 5.0 or later. It can process STL, OBJ and 3MF file formats, and the finished G-code can be sent to the printer via USB flash drive, WiFi or LAN connection. The user interface supports 10 different languages, including Hungarian.

The printer includes many automatic features, such as automatic bed leveling, filament run-out detection, and power-off resume printing. The built-in AI camera provides 1080p resolution, allowing you to remotely monitor your printing and create time-lapse videos.

The CoreXY motion system enables precise positioning, further refined by the built-in input shaping technology. The printing accuracy is in the range of 100±0,1mm, which is an outstanding value in this price category. The direct extruder system and improved cooling guarantee consistent material flow and proper layer cooling even during the highest printing speeds.

Creality K1C – Software ecosystem for perfect printing

The Creality K1C’s software support is built on three main pillars: the Creality Print desktop app, the Creality Cloud smartphone app, and the built-in Klipper-based CrealityOS system. This triple combination ensures that users can manage their printer and track their progress as easily as possible.

The Creality Print software is a comprehensive solution that combines the functions of a slicing program with remote control of the printer. The program comes with preset profiles for different material types, so even novice users can get started easily. The software can handle STL, OBJ and 3MF file formats, and provides direct access to the Creality Cloud online model library. The user interface is logically structured, although there may sometimes be minor inconsistencies in the display.

The Creality Cloud mobile app allows you to remotely access and control your printer. Through the app, you can monitor the printing process using the AI ​​camera image, adjust printing parameters, and receive notifications about the printing status. The app can also create time-lapse videos of the printing process that you can share later.

The printer’s built-in operating system, CrealityOS, is based on the popular Klipper firmware. The system allows for detailed printer configuration, including input shaping settings and detailed temperature control. Users also have access to “root” privileges, which allows for full firmware customization for advanced users.

The touch screen interface is intuitive and easy to use. The main menu provides quick access to the most important functions, such as heating control, calibration or file management. The system supports real-time print speed adjustment and provides detailed information on the print status. Hungarian is also included among the installed language packs.

There are several ways to transfer files: you can use a USB flash drive, send files directly via WiFi or LAN, or via the Creality Cloud service. The system retains data from previous prints, which can be especially useful for repetitive manufacturing tasks.

It is important to note that while the software is essentially a closed system, Creality is open to the development community. The printer is also compatible with other popular slicing programs, such as Cura 5.0 or later, although these may require the creation of separate profiles. Users are free to experiment with different firmware settings, which allows for further optimization of the printer's performance.

Creality K1C – User and tester experiences

Overall, the Creality K1C experience has been positive, although testers found room for improvement in a few areas. The high-speed printing capabilities were particularly impressive: in our tests, a standard Benchy model was completed in just 13 minutes and 53 seconds, significantly faster than the 55 minutes required for traditional printers.

In terms of print quality, the device performed well with a variety of materials. PLA printing produced acceptable results at speeds of 300 mm/s, although quality compromises were noticeable at the maximum speed of 600 mm/s. Testers highlighted that carbon fiber materials such as PLA-CF and PA-CF worked particularly well with the hardened steel nozzle.

Tests with ASA and ABS materials showed outstanding results. The enclosed print chamber was able to maintain an internal temperature of 35-40°C, which was sufficient to minimize warping. The built-in activated carbon filter effectively dealt with the odors of these materials, although some testers noted that the filter design could be more sophisticated.

Printing TPU (flexible) materials was initially challenging. Testers discovered that to successfully print TPU, they had to remove all PTFE tubing from the filament path and feed the material directly into the extruder. This solution is not included in the official documentation, which has drawn some criticism.

The polypropylene (PP) printing tests yielded interesting results. With the use of a suitable adhesion promoter (such as Magigoo PP), the printers were able to produce waterproof containers, a rare feat among hobbyist 3D printers. The tests with nylon materials were also successful, although they required the use of a wider rim.

The software experience was mixed. While Creality Print works well overall, testers identified a number of minor issues: occasional white flashes on the screen, hard-to-read gray text on a gray background, inconsistent loading times, and occasional unexpected program freezes. The zoom function was also criticized for being overly sensitive and the fact that “one-click printing” actually required multiple clicks.

The automatic bed leveling and Z-offset adjustment worked particularly well. Testers highlighted that the system worked reliably and that the first layer adhesion was consistently good across a variety of materials. Heat-up times are also impressive: the nozzle reaches 44°C in 200 seconds and 82°C in 300 seconds, while the bed heats up to 2°C in 10 minutes and 60 seconds.

In testing, prints made with carbon fiber materials proved to be particularly strong and smooth. Models made with satin-finish filaments presented an aesthetic appearance, although slight Z-axis variations were observed in some cases. Stability of large-scale prints was good, which was attributed to the triple-screw bed movement system.

Creality K1C – Final Review and Recommendation

The Creality K1C is a significant step forward in the hobbyist 3D printer market. At a price point of around $500, it offers features and capabilities that were previously only available in significantly more expensive, professional devices. The high-speed printing capability, enclosed print area, and the ability to handle carbon fiber materials make the device particularly attractive.

The printer's strengths include excellent build quality, reliable auto-calibration, and versatile material handling capabilities. The built-in AI camera and advanced software support further enhance its usability. However, it is important to mention a few weaknesses: occasional software inconsistencies, the special requirements of TPU printing, and room for improvement in the air filtration system.

The device is particularly recommended for users who regularly work with carbon fiber materials or frequently create functional prototypes. It can also be an ideal choice for educational institutions and workshops that produce small series. However, novice users should consider whether they need all of the device's special capabilities, as there are simpler and cheaper alternatives for basic printing tasks.

Overall, the Creality K1C is a well-made product that successfully combines professional features with an affordable price. The current price-to-performance ratio of the device is extremely favorable, making it a competitive choice in the mid-range 3D printer market. Despite a few minor shortcomings, the K1C is a reliable and versatile device that can serve users' needs in the long run.

It remains to be seen how the recently announced four-color K2 series will impact the K1C's market position, but for those looking for a reliable, high-speed, monochrome printer now, the K1C remains an excellent choice.

If you want such a printer, you can now buy it at a very friendly price, with a discount of 36 thousand forints, for 166 forints. 8OGZH5B168 with coupon code. When ordering, it will be shipped from a Polish warehouse, so you don't have to worry about any additional costs.

To buy, click on the link below:

Creality K1C 3D printer

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Frequently Asked Questions about Creality K1C

Q: How suitable is the Creality K1C for beginner users?
A: The device is very user-friendly, with automatic calibration and an easy-to-use interface, however, due to its price and special capabilities, it is more recommended for advanced users.

Q: What materials can be printed with the Creality K1C?
A: The printer can handle PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, PA, ASA, PC materials, as well as their carbon fiber versions. The hardened steel nozzle is especially suitable for processing abrasive materials.

Q: What is the printing area of ​​the Creality K1C?
A: The usable printing area is 220 x 220 x 250 mm, which provides an average sized workspace for most applications.

Q: Is special ventilation required to use the Creality K1C?
A: The device has a closed printing chamber and a built-in activated carbon filter that manages odors generated during printing, however, when printing ABS or other materials with strong odors, it is recommended to ventilate the room.

Q: How can I monitor printing remotely on the Creality K1C?
A: The built-in AI camera and Creality Cloud app allow you to remotely monitor your print and send notifications about the print status.

Q: How long does it take to assemble the Creality K1C?
A: The printer comes practically fully assembled, with only a few parts, such as the display and filament holder, to be installed, which takes about 30 minutes.

Q: How often should the Creality K1C print bed be calibrated?
A: The device automatically calibrates before each print, but this feature can be turned off. Experience has shown that manual intervention is rarely necessary.

Q: Is Creality K1C compatible with other slicing programs?
A: Yes, although it is primarily optimized for Creality Print software, it can also be used with Cura 5.0 or later, although separate profiles may need to be created for these.

Q: What if we want to print with TPU with the Creality K1C?
A: To print TPU, you need to remove the PTFE tubes from the filament path and feed the material directly into the extruder for best results.

Q: What is the manufacturer's warranty for the Creality K1C?
A: The device usually comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty, but this may vary by country and retailer, so it's worth checking before purchasing.