CreatBot F160 In-Depth Review: A High-Precision Fast FDM 3D Printer

Overview of the Createbot F-160 PEAK 3D Printer

The Createbot F-160 PEAK 3D Printer stands out for its simple, practical design and capability to handle difficult printing materials such as PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone). This printer draws attention with its direct-drive extruder, H-bot kinematics, and a construction robust enough for industrial applications. The packaging includes several essentials, among them a special adhesive to enhance bed adhesion when dealing with tricky polymers prone to warping.

Design and Features

Equipped for convenience and efficiency, the Createbot F-160 features carrying handles for easy movement, a USB Type B port for data transfer, and an internal power supply. The back panel supports a filament spool holder, reflecting the printer's focus on user-friendliness. Inside, the printer employs NEMA 17 stepper motors and utilizes cylindrical guide rods and an MXL toothed belt, signifying a build poised for precision.

Building Chamber and Print Bed

The heated building chamber and print bed are designed to achieve and maintain high temperatures necessary for PEEK printing. Thick cylindrical Z-axis guides, a trapezoidal lead screw, and a capable heating element are noticeable features. The construction foregoes extensive thermal insulation to balance cost and performance, a common trade-off in this printer category. The printer's hotend can reach up to 420 degrees Celsius, equipped with a steel nozzle to withstand the rigors of high-temperature printing.

Operation and Usability

Operationally, the Createbot F-160 boasts a familiar display interface for users of Createbot products, a responsive touchscreen, and a straightforward preheating process for the filament. The manual bed leveling process is simplified due to the bed’s compact size, while the choice of a carbon fiber sheet or glass plate offers flexibility in printing surfaces. Additionally, a notable inclusion is the unique glue stick for enhanced bed adhesion, critical for successful PEEK prints.

Printing Capacity and Performance

The printer’s testing with PEEK material highlighted its solid filament feeding mechanism, adjustable for optimized extrusion. The detailed package includes an array of tools and accessories for maintenance and handling various printing scenarios. Print quality is commendable with good interlayer adhesion and mechanical reliability, crucial for industrial-grade parts. Though color variations indicated uneven curing, the overall geometric fidelity was preserved.

Conclusion

Considering its features, design, and performance, especially with challenging materials like PEEK, the Createbot F-160 positions itself as a noteworthy option in the affordable industrial-grade 3D printer market. It demonstrates a good balance between price and capability, catering well to those in need of a practical, reliable machine for high-temperature plastics. Its ease of use, coupled with the solid build quality, makes it a viable tool for both educational and professional settings.