3D printing has gained enormous traction recently. This is mainly because desktop 3D printers are now cheaper and more readily available for ordinary people. Creality is a business that glows out when talking about 3D printing. With their Ender series of 3D printers, they are an important participant in this market. We will particularly discuss the Ender 3 S1, Ender 3 S1 Pro, and Ender 3 S1 Plus from their Ender 3 line in this article.
- Ender 3 S1
Ender 3 S1: Image Source: amazon
The Creality Ender 3 S1, the introductory model in the S1 series, follows in the footsteps of the Ender 3 V2. The S1 sports a fresh, modern look that distinguishes it from its predecessors.
Regarding features, hardware, and overall build quality, the Ender 3 S1 takes a big leap forward compared to the Ender 3 V2. However, it retains some familiar elements like the LCD screen, belt tensioners, and storage drawer from the V2.
One notable upgrade is the new direct drive extruder called the Sprite. It promises greater reliability and makes printing with flexible materials a breeze. The addition of the CR-touch auto bed leveling sensor removes the need for manual bed leveling, simplifying the printing process.
The dual Z-axis design enhances print quality and supports the extra load from the direct extruder. The powder-coated flexible magnetic print bed enhances bed adhesion and includes a filament sensor on the printer’s top, which stops the print if the filament runs out.
The Ender 3 S1 also boasts an upgraded 32-bit motherboard with TMC 2209 stepper drivers, reducing stepper motor noise. These enhancements are designed to make 3D printing smoother for newcomers to the technology. However, it’s worth noting that some advanced features are reserved for the higher-end S1 series models due to their baseline nature.
- Ender 3 S1 Pro
Ender 3 S1 Pro: Image Source: amazon
On the Ender 3 S1 Pro, the printing part (the print head) is made of all metal, which is different from the S1’s plastic-lined one. This lets you print at higher temperatures, up to 300°C. That means you can use different materials, like Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Nylon, and Carbon fiber.
The print bed, to which your print sticks, is distinct as well. It has something called PEI in place of a powdered coating. As a result, your prints adhere better while you’re printing and peel off with ease after cooling. Also, little lights are on top so you can watch activities even at night!
The Ender 3 S1 and the S1 Pro have limitations, too. They’re not very big; they can only make things up to 220 x 220 x 270 mm in size. So, if you want to make huge 3D stuff, you’d need to check out the Ender 3 S1 Plus, which has a much bigger build area.
- Ender 3 S1 Plus
Ender 3 S1 Plus: Image Source: amazon
The Ender 3 S1 Plus stands as the roomier sibling within the Ender 3 S1 family, bridging the gap between the standard Ender 3 and the more advanced S1 Pro. Its special feature is the generous 300 x 300 x 300 mm build space, making it a formidable option for those seeking substantial printing capacity.
In terms of core functionality, the S1 Plus mirrors its S1 counterparts. It employs the same PTFE-lined hot end, paired with the Sprite direct drive extruder, just like the Ender 3 S1. This consistency extends to the powder-coated build plate, dual Z-axis motors, CR-Touch bed leveling, and a 32-bit motherboard, all shared with the Ender 3 S1.
Yet, it also borrows a couple of key elements from the S1 Pro, namely the touchscreen interface and the sturdy metal housing for the Sprite extruder. Notably absent are the LED light panel and the bed handle, distinguishing it from the S1 Pro.
In essence, the Ender 3 S1 Plus caters to those who require a spacious 3D printer with the hallmark features of the Ender 3 S1 series, fitting snugly between the standard Ender 3 and the Creality CR-10 line-up.
Comparing Ender 3 S1, S1 Pro and S1 Plus
- Build Plate
The Ender 3 S1 series significantly upgrades their build plates, making 3D printing easier and more convenient. Here’s a breakdown of these improvements:
- Magnetic Spring Steel Print Bed:
In the S1 series, every 3D printer features an adjustable magnetic spring steel print bed. This design change is aimed at making it simpler for users.
- Contrast with Ender 3 V2:
Unlike the Ender 3 V2, which sports a Carborundum glass bed, the S1 series opts for flexibility. While glass is flat, it can be tricky to ensure good print adhesion and remove prints. The S1’s flexible beds allow you to remove prints without needing additional accessories.
- S1 and S1 Plus – Powder-Coated Spring Steel:
The standard S1 and S1 Plus models come with powder-coated spring steel build plates. However, be cautious when using them. If your Z-offset is incorrectly set and the first layer is too close to the print surface, you might encounter difficulties when removing prints.
- S1 Pro – PEI-Coated Build Plate:
In contrast, the S1 Pro features a PEI-coated build plate. This surface is highly durable and doesn’t wear out quickly. It provides excellent adhesion, and once your large print job is done, the prints easily come off when the build plate cools down after printing.
These enhancements in the S1 series’ build plates make 3D printing more user-friendly and efficient, catering to various user preferences and needs.
- Build Volume
- The Ender 3 S1 and S1 Pro share a build volume of 220 x 220 x 270 mm, suitable for most 3D printing needs, considering cost and usability.
- Compared to the original Ender 3 series, they offer a modest 20 mm height increase, helpful for specific projects but not game-changing.
- If upgrading from an older Ender 3, the S1 series easily integrates into your existing setup, saving you from buying new furniture or enclosures.
- The Ender 3 S1 Plus boasts a larger 300 x 300 x 300 mm build volume, which is particularly useful for printing larger items or multiple smaller ones without dividing them.
3. Extruder
The Ender 3 S1 series introduces fresh changes to its direct drive extruders, setting it apart from the Bowden extruders seen in the original Ender 3.
- Flexible Filament Compatibility:
Unlike the Ender 3’s Bowden extruders, the Ender 3 S1 series boasts revamped direct-drive extruders that are tailor-made for handling flexible filaments.
- Enhanced Sprite Extruder:
The new Sprite extruder comes equipped with a dual-metal gear setup sporting a 1:3.5 gear ratio. This design results in increased extrusion force, and the direct drive configuration makes it a breeze to print with TPU and TPE materials.
- Cost-Efficiency and Weight Considerations:
The Sprite extruder of the Ender 3 S1 opts for a plastic filament loading handle and housing to keep production costs and assembly weight lower. However, it’s worth noting that these plastic components may wear out more quickly over extended periods of use.
In contrast, the Ender 3 S1 Pro steps it up with the Sprite Pro extruder, boasting enhanced capabilities:
- Higher Temperature Printing:
The Sprite Pro printhead is equipped with an all-metal hot end, enabling you to print at higher temperatures, pushing the limits up to 300°C.
- Durability Boost:
With a metal housing and filament loading clip, the Sprite Pro extruder is engineered for increased durability, promising a longer-lasting printing experience.
4. User interface
For the Ender 3 S1 series:
1. Ender 3 S1 has an LCD screen controlled by a rotary knob, similar to the Ender 3 V2’s interface.
2. It’s practical and user-friendly for navigation.
For the Ender 3 S1 Pro and S1 Plus:
1. They come with a 4.3-inch touchscreen.
2. This touchscreen makes printer functions more accessible.
3. It adds a modern look to the printer’s design.
Regarding language support:
1. Ender 3 S1 supports only English and Chinese.
2. Ender 3 S1 Pro and S1 Plus support up to nine languages.
3. Consider the language needs of your users when choosing a model.
- Hot End
- The Ender 3 S1 series has upgraded its 3D printer hot end, integrating it with the Sprite direct drive extruders.
- The Ender 3 S1 and S1 Plus models feature a PTFE-lined hot end with a maximum temperature of 250°C, suitable for printing PLA, ABS, and PETG.
- In contrast, the Ender 3 S1 Pro model includes the Sprite Pro extruder with an all-metal hot end and a titanium alloy throat tube.
- The all-metal hot end on the Ender 3 S1 Pro can reach a maximum nozzle temperature of 300°C.
- This high-temperature capability makes the Ender 3 S1 Pro ideal for printing with filaments like Nylon, HIPS, and Polycarbonate, which require temperatures above 250°C.
- Price
Standard Ender 3 S1 (Price: $379.00):
1. It Costs $120.00 more than the older Ender 3 V2.
2. Offers a direct drive extruder.
3. Features an automatic bed leveling system.
4. Comes with an upgraded motherboard for better build quality.
Ender 3 S1 Pro (Price: $479.00):
1. Priced $100.00 higher than the standard Ender 3 S1.
2. Includes an all-metal print head.
3. Equipped with a PEI print bed.
4. Features a user-friendly touch screen.
5. Comes with an LED light bar and a bed handle.
6. Offers support for additional languages.
Ender 3 S1 Plus (Price: $529.00):
1. Slightly more expensive than the S1 Pro.
2. Provides an expanded build area.
3. Features a touch screen.
4. Includes a metal extruder casing.
5. Otherwise, it closely resembles the standard Ender 3 S1.
SelfCAD: Best 3D Printing Software of 2023
SelfCAD is a powerful 3D modeling software ideal for beginners and professionals. Its one-stop capability, which combines technical skills, artistic, and 3D printing tools in a user-friendly package, differentiates it. SelfCAD answers your demands whether you are just starting or an expert in 3D design.
One standout feature is its built-in slicer, eliminating the need to switch to different software for 3D printing preparation. This slicer seamlessly supports the most commonly available FDM 3D printers. You can easily estimate print times and material requirements, making SelfCAD a great choice for 3D printing enthusiasts in 2023.
SelfCAD offers an intuitive interface, making it ideal for those new to 3D design. However, it’s not limited to beginners; professionals can harness its advanced features for complex designs. The software streamlines your workflow by grouping tools by purpose, ensuring easy access to the right tool when you need it. Plus, it boasts sculpting tools for organic shapes, animation capabilities, rendering software, and architectural tools like freehand drawing and sketching.
In short, SelfCAD is a time-efficient and user-friendly solution for 3D modeling, catering to both beginners and professionals, and it simplifies the 3D printing process, ensuring high-quality results.
3Dilemma Ends Here!
The Ender 3 series by Creality offers three great 3D printers, each with its strengths. The Ender 3 S1 is budget-friendly, the S1 Pro adds useful features, and the S1 Plus is for big projects. Choose the one that fits your needs and start creating amazing 3D prints!