Creality HI Combo Multi-Color 3D Printer - Full Review with Unboxing & Assembly

Introduction

The Creality Hi printer, available as a standalone unit or bundled with the CFS color-changing device, aims to deliver versatility and quality in the world of 3D printing. This review is based on personal experience with the printer over an extended trial period, which includes extensive testing with various types of filaments and prints.

Printer Overview

The printer sports a build volume of 260 x 260 x 300 mm, allowing for sizable prints, such as helmets commonly used in cosplay projects. Notably, the setup can support multicolor printing through the CFS unit, which permits connections for up to four color-changing filaments, providing a total of 16 color options.

Assembly and Setup

Out of the box, the Creality Hi arrives mostly pre-assembled, requiring only minimal effort—approximately eight screws—to complete setup. The printer's components are designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to both novices and experienced users. The assembly instructions are straightforward, allowing a quick setup process.

Key Features

The printer is equipped with advanced capabilities such as:

• Auto bed leveling for enhanced accuracy
• A filament runout sensor integrated into the extruder for immediate notifications
• A responsive 3.2-inch touchscreen that can be tilted for adjustable viewing angles
• Wi-Fi connectivity for convenient operation and monitoring
• A flexible magnetic print bed for easy removal of completed prints

Print Quality and Performance

Print quality has been a standout feature. The Creality Hi produces impressive prints with minimal layer lines at standard settings, making post-processing considerably easier. Users can achieve clean, high-detail outputs, whether working with single-color or multicolor prints. Notable tests involving items such as cosplay helmets have affirmed the printer's capability in delivering quality results efficiently.

CFS Color-Changing Unit

The CFS unit offers an innovative method for producing multicolored prints, utilizing RFID tags for filament identification. However, while its functionality is commendable, challenges may arise when attempting to manually input filament settings, as the software does not always recognize generic filaments accurately. This could lead to confusion in mapping filament colors during multicolor printing tasks.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent print quality with minimal adjustments needed
• Robust build quality with a quiet operation
• Impressive multicolor printing capability with the CFS unit
• User-friendly assembly process

Cons

• Debris collection under the print bed may affect print performance
• Software limitations regarding the management of generic filament

Conclusion

The Creality Hi printer, complemented by the CFS color-changing unit, stands out as a solid option in the 3D printing market, especially for those interested in multicolor prints. With efficient construction, quality output, and generally user-friendly features, it is positioned well for both enthusiasts and serious creators. The minor setbacks noted can likely be resolved with further updates or user experience adjustments.