Creality K2 Plus Combo Review - The GIANT Bambu We've Been Waiting For?

Overview of the Creality K2 Plus

The Creality K2 Plus is a notable addition to the consumer-level 3D printer market, positioned as a successor to the K1 Max. With a print volume of 350 x 350 x 350 mm, it boasts one of the largest capabilities in its category, making it suitable for ambitious projects requiring considerable build space.

Design and Features

One of the standout features of the K2 Plus is its fully enclosed design with a heated chamber, allowing for printing with materials that require stable thermal conditions, such as ABS. The heated bed can reach up to 120°C, while the nozzle temperature can reach 350°C, accommodating a variety of filaments including carbon fiber reinforced PLA.

The printer is equipped with an improved extruder system and an intuitive user interface, reminiscent of its predecessor, the K1 Max. The build quality appears robust, but the printer's weight at 34 kg indicates a solid construction that may require assistance for relocation.

Printing Performance

Initial print quality evaluations suggest that the K2 Plus performs well, producing acceptable results for standard prints out of the box. The printer’s automatic features, including self-checks and bed leveling, facilitate a smoother setup experience. While the outputs from single-color prints are commendable, the results of multi-material prints using the Creality Filament System (CFS) showed both potential and some initial hiccups.

Creality Filament System (CFS)

The CFS is designed to function similarly to AMS systems present in competing models, providing the ability to handle multiple materials through automated filament swapping. Users have noted that while the CFS has improved ease of use and maintenance, issues such as print pausing unexpectedly during multi-color jobs were encountered.

Despite these drawbacks, the CFS showcased distinct advancements over earlier systems in its maintenance access and usability, indicating that Creality has learned from previous iterations to deliver a more user-friendly multicolor printing experience.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Creality K2 Plus stands out as a capable core XY 3D printer, particularly for those seeking to delve into the realm of large format and multi-material printing. Its combination of features and user-friendly setup makes it appealing to enthusiasts looking for an upgrade or a versatile addition to their printing arsenal. However, potential buyers should weigh their options, particularly if the size and capacity align with their intended projects.

While the printer’s price point is slightly higher than some alternatives, it offers significant capabilities that may justify the investment, especially for users dedicated to multi-color projects. As updates and additional features continue to improve the K2 Plus, it could reaffirm its place in the competitive 3D printing landscape.