Creality CR-10 Max 3D Printer Review

Updated Oct 31, 2020 5098

The market for large-volume FFF/FDM 3D printers is rather large and has various costly and affordable solutions. Most of us are after machines with a decently sized build volume and barebone functionality. We need well-balanced devices that offer useful high-tech features, ease of use, and the ability to output large prints. Many of them are quite affordable.

One of such solutions is the Creality CR-10 Max, offered by Chinese brand Creality. This addition to the CR-10 series of 3D printers proves that the highly functional and versatile large-format machine doesn’t have to be expensive.

About Creality

Source: creality.com

Creality 3D Technology Co., Ltd is a 3D printer and scanner manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China. Founded in 2014, the company produces several lines of 3D printers. The Ender series has been enjoying its popularity for a couple of years: the brand’s Ender 3 was the device that launched the company’s success. The vast majority of the company’s 3D printers come as the DIY kits that need to be assembled.

Another popular series of Creality’s machines is called the CR-10. These 3D printers come mostly partially assembled and offer decently-sized build volumes. The CR-10 Max takes it a step further with its ability to produce really massive prints.

Creality CR-10 Max Overview

The CR-10 Max is a personal large-format FFF/FDM printer, featuring an open design. The machine is easy to assemble and it looks similar to the CR-10 Pro, enhanced dimensions aside. The base of the device is sturdy and is directly connected to the control box. The frame is sturdy and its stability is further improved by triangular braces that connect the top and the base — the manufacturer calls this solution the ‘Golden Triangle’. It does a good job eliminating the Z-wobble.

The Creality CR-10 Max features automatic bed leveling. The manual option is also available, and the large knobs make the process even easier. Aside from the standard nozzle with a diameter of 0.4 mm, there’s a larger 0.8 mm for faster prints. Double belts make it easier to manipulate a large print bed.

The list of features doesn’t end here: the machine boasts the filament runout sensor and a print recovery function. The rapid heating bed (thanks to the machine’s ability to supply the power directly to the build plate) speeds up the process, while Capricorn tubes improve the resistance to high temperatures.

The minimum layer height of the resulting prints is 100 microns. That’s more than enough to output high-quality results, although surface finishes will not be as smooth as of the prints done by more expensive devices.

Technical Specifications

Technology: FDM
Assembly: Pre-assembled
Mechanical arrangement: Cartesian-XZ-head
Frame: Aluminum
Bed leveling: Fully automatic
Temperature controlled print chamber: No
Print bed details: Heated
Enclosed print chamber: No
Build volume: 450 x 450 x 470 mm
Max extruder temperature: 250 °C
Max heated bed temperature: 100 °C
Extruder type: Single
Feeder system: Bowden
Nozzle size: 0.4 mm, 0.8 mm
Accuracy: X/Y - +/-12 Micron, Z - 1 Micron
Layer height: 100 – 400 Microns
Connectivity: SD card
Display: 4.3-inch touchscreen
Dimensions: 735 x 735 x 305 mm
Price: $999.00

What’s in the Box?

The device comes in a relatively large box with everything neatly packed inside.

Source: youtube.com

The contents include:

Base assembly
Vertical frame
Golden Triangle braces
Tools for the assembly of the Creality CR-10 Max
Some spare parts
Spatula for removing the print from the bed
Fine point needle to clean ends
Sample of filament
Coil holder
SD card and USB adapter
USB power cable
AC cable
User manual

For some items, package contents may change. In case of any questions, please get in touch.

Preparation

The CR-10 Max doesn’t come pre-assembled but it’s easy to put together. The first step is to place the control unit underneath the base.

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The next step is to attach the gentry to the base. Just place the frame on the base and screw the bolts in to connect the parts.

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Connect the cables and check the wheels: they shouldn’t move with too much resistance, but being too loose might be a problem as well.

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Connect the ribbon cable to the side part of the frame.

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Attach the filament spool holder, install the filament spool, and start feeding the filament.

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Keep pushing the filament through until it stops going any further.

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Install the T-brackets.

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Assemble the brackets for the supporting rods.

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Attach them to the sides of the CR-10 Max.

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Tighten the screws.

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Turn on the machine and Auto-Home everything. You will need to go to the main menu, go to ‘Settings’, click ‘Move’ and click the ‘Home’ button.

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The last step is to preheat the filament. Go to the ‘Temp’ menu in the main one, click ‘Automatic’, and choose between ‘ABS’ and ‘PLA’ depending on what filament you’re going to print with.

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After that, the printer is ready to do its job.

Software

The Creality CR-10 Max can work with various slicing solutions, as long as those programs support OBJ, STL, or G-code formats. Cura is a usual choice, although other slicers will work just as fine. Various slicing profiles can be found online and will come pre-installed with programs in the foreseeable future, since the machine is relatively new.

Applications

Boba Fett Samurai Helmet by sashidasage

This is a simple model that nevertheless showcases smooth surface finish and a nice level of detail.

Source: instagram.com

Sith Acolyte Mask by jegg3d

This Star Wars-inspired model is impressively detailed.

Source: instagram.com

Pros and Cons

Pros

Affordable
Large build volume
Easy to assemble
Low levels of noise
Rapid heating print bed
Automatic leveling
Sturdy build
Good quality of printing for its price

Cons

There were reports of some issues regarding the LCD screen
The print plate is too sticky

Conclusion

The Creality CR-10 Max is a great offer to those who need a combination of good quality of printing, useful modern features, and large build volume without paying a lot of money. This affordable machine does everything that’s needed and even more than expected from the device of its class. Automatic bed leveling, various safety features and the ‘Golden Triangle’ structure that does a great job eliminating Z-wobble are only a part of the long list of the device’s abilities.