Creality K1C, test of the enclosed 3D printer

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The Creality K1C is an evolution of Creality’s K1 series, released at the beginning of 2024, a CoreXY under-body printer. This new generation of printer offers faster, more accurate and more reliable 3D printing, thanks to Creality OS, which is based on Klipper. After testing the Creality K1 a few months ago, today I’d like to introduce you to its big sister (twin?), the Creality K1C.

Why the Creality K1C?

The Creality K1C is ideal for hobbyists and professionals alike, thanks to its many advanced features. With its 600 mm/s print speed and 300°C nozzle, it can print a wide variety of materials. What’s more, its intuitive touch screen, WiFi connectivity and integrated camera make it easy and efficient to use.

Creality K1C technical specifications

• Printing technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
• Print volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm (interchangeable nozzles available)
• Printing accuracy: ±0.1 mm
• Layer thickness: 0.1-0.4 mm
• Printing speed: up to 600 mm/s
• Nozzle temperature: up to 300°C
• Heating plate temperature: up to 100°C
• Compatible materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, CF
• Connectivity: USB, WiFi
• Software: Creality Print, compatible with Cura, Simplify3D
• Screen: 4.3″ color touchscreen
• Integrated camera: Yes, for remote control and timelapse

Unboxing the Creality K1C

Unpacking the Creality K1C reveals a carefully packaged machine. All components are well protected, with foam pads and sturdy fasteners to prevent damage in transit. This printer has the advantage of being totally pre-assembled, so in just a few minutes it will be fully operational.

Box contents:

• Creality K1C 3D printer, pre-assembled
• A spool of PLA filament
• Instruction manual
• Tool kit (wrenches, screwdriver, pliers)
• USB key with preloaded models

Commissioning and calibration of the Creality K1C

Before you start printing, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to ensure optimum print quality, and remove the safety screws that hold the platen in place during transport. When the printer starts up, a Wizard mode will ask you to select the language and automatically launch a full machine check.

A few tips :

1. Platen levelling: The K1C features automatic assisted levelling, but it is advisable to check levelling manually for greater accuracy.
2. Z-axis adjustment: Make sure the distance between the nozzle and the platen is correct to avoid sticking or clogging problems.
3. Nozzle test: extrude a small amount of filament to check that the nozzle is clean and working properly.

First test print: a benchy

For our first test, we’ll simply print out a benchy, the famous boat model used to test 3D printers, already present on the USB key supplied with the printer. This model can be used to check a number of aspects, such as the precision of details, adhesion to the platen, and the quality of curves and flat surfaces.

Result: the Creality K1C does very well, with precise details and a smooth surface. Printing took just 17 minutes, which is considerably faster than previous-generation printers (Ender 3 like).

Other test models are also available on the USB key supplied with the Creality K1C, and the result is just as clean. So far, the Creality K1C has been able to produce quality prints without any difficulty and without having to spend hours setting up the machine.

Creality Print slicer settings and WiFi configuration

Creality has developed its own Slicer called Creality print, optimized for their new 3D printers. I tended to use Prusa Slicer before, but since my test of the Creality K1, I’ve found their slicer pretty easy to get to grips with, and with very good print results… What’s more, it’s very easy to start printing remotely via WiFi.

Steps to use Creality Print :

1. Software installation: Download and install Creality Print from the official website.
2. Machine configuration: Add the Creality K1C by selecting the model in the printer list.
3. Print parameters: Set the parameters according to the material used and the model to be printed.
4. WiFi setup: Connect the printer to your WiFi network for easy remote control and file transfer. Simply follow the instructions on the printer’s touch screen.

Printing from Creality Print

With Creality Print, printing is child’s play. Once the parameters have been configured, simply drag and drop your STL files into the software, slice them and send them to the printer via WiFi or USB key. Personally, I prefer to use WiFi!

The result of our first print is really very good, in white PLA (Creality brand) with a layer height of 0.20mm. I didn’t change any settings on the default profile.

Various print results

We tested various models to assess the Creality K1C’s capabilities:

• Detailed figures: Fine details are well reproduced, without burrs or distortion.
• Mechanical parts: Dimensions are respected with great precision, enabling perfect assembly.
• Complex objects: The K1C handles overhangs and support structures well, making it easy to remove supports after printing.

I used different filaments from different brands: Creality (white), Elegoo (black) and Gratkit (green)

Long prints with Creality K1C

After printing small models, I also made several tests of much longer prints, on a larger printing surface (the white pad 22cm in diameter), and almost the full height with support (the Jordan is 20cm high).

These prints went off without a hitch, the supports were easily removed without a trace, and the details are perfect!

Using the camera to monitor prints and make timelapses

The Creality K1C’s built-in camera is an interesting feature. It lets you monitor your prints in real time via the Creality Print app. What’s more, you can create timelapses of your projects, which is perfect for sharing your creations on social networks.

Here’s a preview of printing in progress, directly integrated into Creality Print, it’s also possible to activate “AI” functions that will detect problems to stop printing, I didn’t activate this function for my tests.

Here’s an example of the videos automatically generated with the Camera, which can be downloaded via Creality Print and stored in the printer’s memory.

This feature was automatically activated by default, so each video is only a few megs in size. A very practical feature!

Advantages and disadvantages of the Creality K1C

After 1 month’s use, what do I think are the advantages and disadvantages of the Creality K1C?

Advantages of the Creality K1C :

• Ease of use thanks to touch screen and WiFi connectivity
• Excellent printing precision
• Integrated camera for remote control and timelapses
• Automatic platen levelling
• High printing speed

Disadvantages of the Creality K1C :

• Medium print volume, sufficient for most projects, but perhaps limited for very large objects

Comparison between Creality K1 and Creality K1C

The Creality K1 and Creality K1C are two 3D printers from the same series, offering similar features but with a few notable differences. The main difference lies in the K1C, which includes a built-in camera for remote monitoring and timelapse creation, a function absent on the K1. In addition, the K1C offers higher print speeds, up to 600 mm/s versus 300 mm/s for the K1. These improvements make the K1C a more advanced option for users looking to optimize their workflow.

Promo code for Creality K1C

Use promo code NNNCRK1C via Geekbuying to purchase your Creality K1C! Go to the official Creality website and enter this code when making your purchase.

Opinion on this machine

In conclusion, the Creality K1C proves to be a versatile, high-performance 3D printer, ideal for beginners and more advanced users alike. Its ease of use, combined with high-quality print results, makes it an excellent choice for anyone wishing to get started with 3D printing or upgrade their current equipment.

I really appreciate the printing speed of this K1C, as well as its WiFi functionality. It would seem that bambulab-like machines have become very popular, but having not yet been able to test bambulab machines, I can hardly make an objective comparison, but this Creality K1C is a very good machine in my opinion, if you’re looking for a plug&play printer. A machine to recommend without hesitation!