Creality CR-30 Unboxing and Printing

Introduction to Creality CR-30 Belt Printer

The Creality CR-30, also known as the 3DPrintMill, is a unique addition to the 3D printing market with its conveyor belt design allowing for continuous printing and the production of infinitely long prints. This feature sets it apart from traditional 3D printers, opening up new possibilities for creators, designers, and hobbyists looking for more versatility in their 3D printing projects.

Unboxing and Setup

Upon unboxing, the CR-30 package includes an assortment of accessories and tools necessary for assembly, such as a mini spool of filament, spare nozzles, an SD card, and more. The assembly process is described as manageable for one person, though it can be somewhat awkward due to the printer's size and weight. The printer's components, including its diagonal frame pieces and carriage, are well-thought-out, ensuring a sturdy and stable structure upon completion. Following the assembly, it's crucial to check the printer frame for squareness and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best printing results.

Initial Calibration and Bed Leveling

Bed leveling on the CR-30 involves manually adjusting the nozzle height and setting hard stops to prevent the nozzle from damaging the belt. Additionally, fine-tuning is done using a photoelectric sensor for the Y-axis and screws in the corner of the bed. This process might differ from what many users are accustomed to, highlighting the unique aspects of using a belt printer.

First Impressions and Testing

The CR-30's user interface and operation bear similarities to traditional 3D printers like the Ender 3, making it somewhat familiar to those with 3D printing experience. However, there is a learning curve, particularly with the belt system and the 45-degree printing angle, which may affect the printing quality and support structure requirements for certain designs. Initial tests reveal a range of printing capabilities, from simple cubic structures to more complex shapes, indicating the printer's versatility. Despite some challenges and noise levels during operation, the CR-30 presents itself as a robust machine capable of handling a variety of printing tasks.

Slicing Software and Creality Belt Printer Specific Features

The slicing software for the CR-30 shares similarities with Cura, making it accessible for users familiar with that platform. Additionally, the software includes specific settings for belt printers, streamlining the setup for prints that capitalize on the CR-30's continuous printing capabilities. This ease of use in software is a positive point for those looking to explore the extended capabilities of their 3D printing projects, such as printing longer objects that wouldn't be possible on a standard 3D printer.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

While the Creality CR-30 introduces an innovative approach to 3D printing with its belt system, it might not be the best choice for beginners due to its unique challenges and setup requirements. However, for those with experience in 3D printing or enthusiasts looking to expand their printing capabilities beyond the constraints of traditional print beds, the CR-30 offers exciting opportunities. The possibility of endless printing and creating large, continuous objects is a significant draw for users looking to push the boundaries of their creative projects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Creality CR-30 Belt Printer poses as a solid choice for experienced 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals seeking to explore new printing possibilities. Despite its learning curve and the need for adjustments in operation and maintenance compared to more conventional 3D printers, its robust design, continuous printing capability, and compatibility with familiar slicing software make it a valuable tool for those aiming to tackle large-scale prints or batch production efficiently.