Creality K2 Plus 200 hour + update. Worth the hype?

Overview

The 3D printer under review boasts impressive features including a substantial build area of 350 x 350 x 350 mm, which is particularly appealing for a core XY printer. The inclusion of a multi-color printing system with the CFS (Color Filament System) allows for creative projects, further enhancing its versatility.

Build Quality

One notable improvement from earlier models is the build plate, which is constructed from thick aluminum, addressing previous warping issues experienced with high bed temperatures. Users report that this thick plate manages heat efficiently, allowing successful prints with ABS and other materials.

First Layer Performance

Initial experiences suggest that the first layer may vary between perfect adhesion to some inconsistencies. This is compared favorably against other brands noted for reliable first layer performance. Users noted a minor hump in the bed mesh, indicating some imperfections, yet overall bed leveling seems feasible with manual adjustments.

Printing Experience

A major selling point is the heated chamber, which aids in printing challenging filaments like ASA and ABS, minimizing issues related to warping and ensuring a smoother print experience.

Software and User Interface

The user reported challenges with the Creality Print software, which has been criticized for being buggy and sluggish compared to alternatives like Orca. Users are encouraged to utilize Orca, although this may require manual adjustment of certain settings each time a print is initiated.

CFS Functionality and Print Quality

The CFS worked adequately in practice, with the flexibility to accept non-standard spools. However, there were occurrences where the RFID chips in Creality spools failed to read properly, necessitating manual input of filament types.

That said, while the printer shows promise in delivering high-quality prints across a variety of materials, the performance in multi-color printing reveals some significant challenges, particularly with color bleeding issues in lighter colors. The user indicated that while they achieved decent results with darker colors, achieving clean transitions in lighter shades remains problematic.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the printer performs well, demonstrating excellent quality, particularly with standard PLA and ABS materials. Users considering this printer for multi-color prints might want to remain cautious until further firmware updates address the noted challenges with color bleeding and software functionalities. The broad capability and thoughtful design make it a compelling option for those looking to expand their 3D printing capabilities, notwithstanding the current hiccups in multi-color printing execution.