creality is a company that has dominated the budget 3D printer industry since the release of the popular ender 3 series, which has seen many iterations that demonstrate the demand for these machines, including the Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro, one of the latest models. With that said, it seems that history is about to repeat itself, as the company has announced the Neo series, which is an update to the Ender-3, Ender-3 V2, and Ender-3 Max. This time we want to focus on the latest model, which now goes by the name of Creality Ender-3 Max Neo and brings substantial improvements to the formula.
Going into details, the Creality Ender-3 Max Neo it comes with a CR touch probe which brings auto leveling to the whole but that’s not all, it also adds dual Z axis complete with a timing belt and a few minor upgrades to the display and power supply but are these improvements enough to justify their existence? Well, that is what we will discover in this review.
Technical specifications of the Creality Ender-3 Max Neo
CREALITY ENDER-3 MAX NEO | |
---|---|
Brand | creality |
Model | Ender 3 Max Neo |
Technology | Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) |
Year | 2022 |
Assembly | Partially assembled, DIY |
mechanical arrangement | Cartesian, spindle in XY axes |
Filament diameter | 1.75mm |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
filament materials | PLA, ABS, PETG, PC, TPU, Wood |
building space | 300x300x320mm |
nozzle temperature | 260°C |
hot bed max temperature | 110°C |
connectivity | SD card, USB-C |
Print Recovery | Yes |
Supported programs | Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier-Host, Creality Slicer. |
Operating systems | Windows, Mac, OS X, Linux |
Structure dimensions | 516 x 582 x 590mm |
Weight | 10.3KG |
Package content | Creality Ender-3 Max 3D Printer, User Manual |
A familiar 3D printer
If we go by the subject of the design and construction of the Creality Ender-3 Max Neo, there are few relevant things that we can say, since the machine looks just like any other Ender 3 series 3D printer especially if we take the original Creality Ender-3 Max as a benchmark.
In this sense, the design is practically the same, but there have certainly been improvements and the most notable is the double Z axis with screws and timing beltwhich aids in calibration and avoids single-axis print drift, leading to more defect-free models.
Likewise, the screen is also updated. Now it’s a 4.3-inch LCD panel in full color with a custom user interface instead of a monochrome one with Marlin UI. However, it is still non-touch – it is controlled via the knob – and the user interface is only available in Chinese and English, so not everything is rosy.
It’s worth noting that the power source is discreetly integrated into the bottom of the machine, along with the other electrical components, rather than being exposed on the gantry. Similarly, the manufacturer mentions the use of a Extremely quiet 32-bit upgraded motherboard.
The Creality Ender-3 Max Neo is also a few millimeters smaller than its predecessor, but otherwise it’s exactly the same machine, which isn’t a bad thing, as the Ender-3 Max has always been a solid 3D printer for its price. Naturally, this 3D printer ships pre-assembled and is ready for service in a 3-step, 20-minute process.
3D printing and features
The Creality Ender-3 Max Neo offers a 300 x 300 x 320mm build volume, which is more than good in the range to which it belongs, although it seems strange to us that it is 20mm smaller than that offered by the original model; It’s not a huge difference, but it’s certainly a bit of a setback. Be that as it may, this 3D printer can work with filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG, PC, TPU and wood without any problem and print at a speed of up to 120mm/s.
One aspect that hasn’t changed from the previous version (but we’re glad it’s back) is the heated bed with carborundum glass surface. The advantages of this material can be summarized as follows: excellent model adhesion when hot and easy model removal once cool.
Secondly, the CR touch probe this time is included in the packageso we have automatic package leveling, unlike the original Creality Ender-3 Max, whose probe is sold separately.
With that said, the machine recycles the Bowden metal extruder typical of this series And the same goes for cooling fans. Similarly, the Creality Ender-3 Max Neo has a filament sensor to warn the user if there is a problem with the supply of material and supports print resumption in the event of a power outage.
Connectivity and software
In this section there have been no changes, which means that the Creality Ender-3 Max Neo continues to offer only connection via USB and Micro-SD slot to print offline. Likewise, it is compatible with the most used cutting programs on the market, including Creality Slicer, Cura, Repetier-Host and Simplify 3D.
Availability and price of the Creality Ender-3 Max Neo
Without a doubt, there are substantial improvements in the Creality Ender-3 Max Neo to justify its existence, but perhaps not enough to justify its purchase if you already have the previous model. However, if you’re just starting out in this hobby or just looking for a new affordable 3D printer to add to your collection, the Creality Ender-3 Max Neo won’t let you down, as its features and print quality are commendable for a machine that usually costs less. of 350 euros.
With all that said, the Creality Ender-3 Max Neo is available for purchase. through the Geekbuying.com online store for an affordable price.
- automatic leveling
- Dual Z axis
- heated bed with carborundum glass
- timing belt
- Build volume is smaller than its predecessor
- The screen is not touch
- The interface is not in Spanish