Creality Ender-3 V2 3D Printer Review: Specs, Features and More

Hi everyone. This is Top 3D Blog, and in this article, we will tell you everything there is to know about the Creality Ender-3 V2 — an outstandingly cheap FDM 3D printer that guarantees reliable performance, provides decent prints, and comes with a variety of quality features for smooth 3D printing journey, ideal for entry-level makers and even small businesses. Throughout the article, we will be highlighting the main features, pros, and cons of this incredible device. Along with the breakdown, we are going to show you some of the models printed with the machine. Let’s dive right in.

 

About Creality

Creality is one of the main players in the contemporary additive manufacturing market. It is a Shenzhen-based company that specializes in the manufacturing of state-of-the-art value-engineered 3D printers. Their first creation was the renowned CR-3 that came out in 2014 and made a splash on the affordable FDM 3D printing market. Nowadays, the company counts more than twenty-five quality 3D printers in its lineup and constantly strives to create even more powerful and refined machines.

If you’d like to read more about Creality, please click here.

 

Creality Ender-3 V2 Overview

The Creality Ender-3 V2 is a value-engineered Cartesian-style desktop DIY 3D printer kit. Employing the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printing technology, it consecutively lays one layer of melting plastic atop another one, thus building a three-dimensional object using thermoplastic printing materials called filaments. Designed to be a game-changer in the low-price sector, the Ender-3 V2 does precisely that and even more, setting the bar in the affordable 3D printing segment higher than ever before, just like its predecessor the Ender 3. 

Source: Instagram.com

For starters, the device boasts its massive build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm (8.6 x 8.6 x 10 in), which is magnificent for a 3D printer of its price. Such a build volume allows you to create a single large model or simultaneously produce several medium-sized ones. It weighs just 8 kg (17.6 lb), making for effortless transportation when in a disassembled state. The machine can be controlled by navigating through a neatly-looking LCD screen with crystal clear logic behind the UI options using a rotary knob. 

The Creality Ender-3 V2 is equipped with a print bed with tempered (carborundum) glass coating with a textured surface. It can heat up to 100 °C (212 °F), broadening the range of printable materials, improving layer adhesion, and facilitating print removal. Besides, its nozzle can heat up to 250 °C (482 °F) and print with ABS, PLA, TPU, and a variety of other 1.75 mm filaments. The device has a robust all-metal body that guarantees reliability, minimizes wobbling, and eliminates unnecessary vibrations during printing, granting additional precision and allowing the models to be built with the utmost degree of accuracy. 

Source: Instagram.com

The Creality Ender-3 V2 features a brand new 32-bit mainboard with extra-silent stepper motors that provide a noiseless printing experience, allowing for late-night printing sessions that won’t interfere with one’s sleep. Additionally, the printer offers a toolbox built inside its body, providing quick access to the most needed tools during printing. The Ender-3 V2 is a highly upgradable 3D printer that can be modified with a laser engraving head, BLTouch probe for automatic leveling, full enclosure, and much more. Please navigate here if you’d like to read more about enclosures and find out the reasons behind their usage.

 

Specs

• Assembly: DIY Kit
• Bed leveling: Manual
• Built-in camera for monitoring: No
• Closed print chamber: No, an open structure
• Connectivity: SD card
• Display: LCD
• Extruder type: Single
• Feeder system: Bowden
• Filament runout detection: No
• Firmware: Open-source
• Frame: Aluminum
• Manufacturer: Creality
• Manufacturer country: China
• Max extruder temperature: 250 °C
• Max heated bed temperature: 212 °F / 100 °C
• Mechanical arrangement: Cartesian-XZ-Head
• Nozzle size, mm: 0.4
• Operating system(s): Windows, Mac OSX, Linux
• Outer dimensions millimeters (xyz): 475 x 470 x 620 mm
• Print recovery: Yes
• Slicing Software: Cura, Simplify3D
• Weight kg: 8 kg
• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Layer height: 100 - 400 Microns
• Technology: FFF/FDM
• Price: $259.99

 

What’s in the Box

• Creality Ender-3 V2 main units
• Filament spool holder
• Filament sample
• SD card
• Toolbox
• Scraper
• Power cable
• Spare parts
• User manual

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

 

Setting Up the Printer

The Creality Ender-3 V2 is a modular DIY 3D printer kit that ships in a semi-assembled state, meaning that the main units have already been factory assembled. All that’s left to do is to connect the remaining parts and level the print bed. The device comes with a detailed user manual that will be of great help during the assembly and leveling processes. Additionally, you may want to refer to the manufacturer’s youtube channel for a thorough step-by-step video guide.

Source: youtube.com

Begin the assembly by installing and screwing in right and left Z-axes profiles.

Source: youtube.com

Then, loosen the coupling screw and remove the coupling, install the Z-axis motor.

Source: youtube.com

Put back the coupling and install an adjustable T-shaped screw.

Source: youtube.com

After this, install the Z-axis limit switch kit and screw it in.

Source: youtube.com

Then, you’ll have to install the XE components onto the X-axis.

Source: youtube.com

Wrap the X-axis belt on the X-axis profile and install the nozzle kit against the belt according to the profile’s direction.

Source: youtube.com

Install the Z-axis slider, X-axis tensioner, and tighten the tensioner nut. Then, align the pulleys at both ends of the X-axis with the Z-axis profile rail and rotate the screw coupling to make the X-axis descend in a parallel fashion.

Source: youtube.com

Install the top profile and its covers.

Source: youtube.com

Navigate to the base and install the backplane inside according to the user manual. Then, connect the display wiring and install the display.

Source: youtube.com

Finally, install the filament spool holder atop the device, finish connecting the extrusion system, motor lines, and connect the power cord.

Source: youtube.com

Now it’s time to level the print bed, which is really easy. Place the A4 paper piece between the nozzle and the build platform, adjust the nuts located below the platform one by one. Load the filament, run a couple of test prints, and print to your heart’s content!

Source: youtube.com

 

Slicing Software

The Creality Ender-3 V2 is compatible with Simplify3D and Cura — the most popular and very powerful slicings software solutions that transform 3D models into instructions your 3D printer understands. They allow you to edit 3D models, make preset profiles, automatically add support structures, provide a thorough analysis of a 3D model, identify its cons, and fix them in advance. Even though these slicers are extremely easy to use, you can always fine-tune your printer with a plethora of advanced features if necessary. 

Credit: Teaching Tech

The machine features SD card connectivity, so you can print your models by interacting with the display.

 

Use Cases

Would you like to create a uniquely designed flowerpot? With the Ender-3 V2, you’ll be able to build a variety of household goods, souvenirs, and other items.

Source: Instagram.com

How about a 3D printed candle holder?

Source: Instagram.com

As you can see, the device can be successfully used to build a variety of neatly-looking items. It can also be used to create tabletop models, miniatures, toys, props, accessories, and much more.

Source: Instagram.com

 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Outstandingly large build volume
• Built-in toolbox
• Silent operation

Cons

• No USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet connectivity
• No touchscreen

 

Bottom Line

The Creality Ender-3 V2 is an affordable FDM 3D printer kit that lets you create astonishingly large objects. The device offers a steep yet enjoyable learning curve and is genuinely fun to use. It is compatible with 3rd party materials, allowing you to benefit from a wide filament choice. It is equipped with an all-metal frame that guarantees reliable operation and consistent outputs. The Ender-3 V2 would be perfect for both entry-level and more experienced makers. Besides, it can fulfill the needs of most small business owners.

You can purchase the Creality Ender-3 V2 from Top 3D Shop. This remarkable value-engineered device comes with the manufacturer’s warranty. Besides, our team will make sure to provide the best service possible, just like we always do.