The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE is very good. There, I said it!

Introduction

The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE, despite its somewhat confusing nomenclature, proves to be a compelling option for those venturing into 3D printing. As a budget-friendly I3 style printer, it incorporates several modern features aimed at simplifying the 3D printing process for beginners. However, the printer is not without its flaws.

Assembly and Set-Up

The Ender 3 V3 SE arrives securely packed, with its assembly process being considerably easier and quicker compared to the original Ender 3. Featuring two main assemblies and requiring minimal effort to put together, it aims to streamline the initial setup experience. The included quick start guide further eases this process, providing clear instructions, unlike the somewhat cumbersome assembly of its predecessor.

Design and Build Quality

The printer sports a more sleek and streamlined look than earlier versions. Creality has maintained a minimal use of injection molded parts, opting for a design that includes a single stepper motor for the Z-axis, accompanied by a belt to ensure synchronicity and squareness. This design decision addresses some of the accuracy issues found in the original Ender 3.

Specifications

Boasting a print volume of 220x220x250 mm, the Ender 3 V3 SE offers the same build space as the original model but features upgrades such as a color screen with a click-wheel interface, USB-C connectivity for more durability, and a direct drive extruder. It also features a 32-bit control board with silent stepper drivers, which significantly reduce printing noise.

Performance and Print Quality

The printer stands out for its print quality and ease of use, especially with the addition of automatic mesh bed leveling, a direct drive extruder, and silent stepper drivers. However, its print surface has been noted for causing prints to adhere too strongly, which might require adjustments in bed temperature or the use of a different surface for materials like TPU. Compatibility with various slicers and the process of dialing in the perfect settings can enhance its performance further, showing its capability to produce quality prints even at higher speeds.

User Experience

While offering several modern features such as a color screen and automatic bed leveling, the Ender 3 V3 SE has some limitations. The screen, not being a touchscreen, relies on a jog wheel for navigation, which can be less intuitive for some users. Additionally, the absence of filament outage detection could be seen as an oversight, considering the prevalence of this feature in contemporary 3D printers.

Comparison and Conclusion

When comparing the Ender 3 V3 SE to both its predecessors and competitors, it clearly offers significant improvements and a more user-friendly experience. It represents a strong option for beginners due to its budget-friendly price point, ease of assembly, and quality of prints. However, for those able to extend their budget slightly, there are other printers in the market offering additional features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, faster printing speeds, or even a more comprehensive user experience for beginners. Regardless, the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE stands as a solid entry point into the world of 3D printing, striking a balance between affordability and functionality.