Creality Ender 5 S1 3D Printer Review - WildRoseBuilds

Overview

The Ender 5 S1 by Creality marks a notable improvement over its predecessors, continuing the trend of enhancements seen in the Ender series. With an easy setup time of under 30 minutes and thoughtful cable management, this 3D printer demonstrates Creality's commitment to user-friendliness and efficiency. The printer arrives with a polycarbonate build plate, which, while noted for its strong material adhesion, has been critiqued for its susceptibility to damage. An alternative preference for a PEI textured build plate, known for its durability and ease of use, was expressed, hinting at the printer's customizable nature to suit various user preferences.

Design and Features

The Ender 5 S1 showcases an upgraded cooling system with an aggressive part cooling fan and fan duct, aimed at improving performance during high-speed printing. Its cube-style frame enhances rigidity and includes convenient carrying handles. However, unlike some of the more advanced models available, it operates on a traditional Cartesian motion system, which could affect the gantry's weight and, subsequently, the printer's speed and performance under certain conditions. The inclusion of a direct drive extruder and hot-end capable of reaching temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius, along with the CR-touch probe for leveling, underscores Creality's efforts to combine high-quality components with user-friendly advancements.

Printing Performance

Initial tests using the included PLA filament and preloaded print files demonstrated the Ender 5 S1's capability to produce prints with excellent surface finish, no stringing, and minimal artifacts, suggesting little need for immediate tuning or adjustments. When experimenting with different models and slicing profiles, the printer continued to exhibit reliable and high-quality printing results, even with challenging prints like a foldable R2D2 model and an articulated dragon. These prints underscored the effective retraction and adhesion properties of the machine, attributes further enhanced with the use of a PEI textured build plate for easy print removal post-cooling.

Value Proposition

The Ender 5 S1 is positioned at a competitive price point, closely approaching the cost of Creality's more advanced K1 series, which boasts features like an enclosure, Clipper core XY kinematics, and significantly faster print speeds. This price comparison raises important considerations for potential buyers, especially those evaluating the Ender 5 S1 against the latest innovations in 3D printing technology. For individuals already invested in Creality's ecosystem, especially with enhancements like clipperization for other machines, the Ender 5 S1 might still present a viable option. Nonetheless, the printer's value is best assessed in the context of current market offerings and individual user needs.

Conclusion

The Ender 5 S1 stands out as a solid iteration within Creality's Ender series, offering improvements in setup, design, and print quality. Its performance, particularly in terms of print quality and user-friendly features, makes it a strong contender for hobbyists and enthusiasts looking for a reliable 3D printer. However, with rapid advancements in 3D printing technology and the upcoming release of more advanced models, potential buyers may find themselves weighing the benefits of the Ender 5 S1 against the promise of newer, faster, and possibly more cost-effective options on the horizon.