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The TwoTrees SK1 3D printer is designed to meet the needs of 3D printing hobbyists and professionals alike, combining performance, speed and cutting-edge technology. In this article, we’ll explore its features, strengths and drawbacks in depth, and compare it with two other popular printers: the Creality K1 and the Bambulab X1 Carbon.
Buy TwoTrees SK1
TwoTrees SK1 CoreXY data sheet
Key features
- Print volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm
- Maximum print speed: 700 mm/s (300 mm/s recommended)
- Firmware: Klipper
- Extruder: Dual Gear Direct Drive
- Flow rate: Up to 32 mm³/s
- Maximum nozzle temperature: 300°C (reached in 30 seconds)
- Heating plate: Yes, with a maximum temperature of 120°C
- Leveling: Automatic with Z-Tilt system
- Display: 4.3″ color touchscreen
- Connectivity: WiFi for remote control
- Linear rails on X, Y and Z axes
- Price: €419.00
TwoTrees SK1 Core XY 3D printer highlights
Printing speed
The TwoTrees SK1 stands out for its printing speed, reaching up to 700 mm/s. This speed is made possible by the Klipper firmware, which optimizes the printer’s movements. This allows projects to be completed more quickly, which is particularly useful for prototypes or mass production. It is still recommended to print at a speed of 300mm/s like most CoreXY printers; many manufacturers indicate maximum speeds of between 500 and 700mm/s, but it is quite rare to succeed in printing complex models at this maximum speed without any loss of quality. in most cases, 300mm/s will be fast enough.
High nozzle temperature, up to 300°C!
With a maximum nozzle temperature of 300°C, the SK1 is capable of printing a wide range of materials, including technical filaments such as nylon, ABS and polycarbonate. This ability to reach high temperatures in just 30 seconds is a significant advantage for users wishing to diversify their printing projects. It’s worth noting, however, that the TwoTrees SK1 is not a cabinet printer (as standard), which won’t make it any easier to print filaments such as ABS, which will be easier to print in an enclosed environment. Fortunately, TwoTrees offers an optional Enclosure SK1 kit for around €150, so you can take full advantage of your SK1 for printing certain materials!
Z-Tilt automatic levelling
The Z-Tilt automatic levelling system guarantees a perfectly flat first layer, reducing the need for manual adjustments. This not only improves print quality, but also makes the machine more accessible to beginners.
Intuitive touch screen
The 4.3″ color touchscreen makes it easy to navigate menus and settings. It offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to adjust printer settings, launch prints and monitor the process.
TwoTrees SK1 vs Creality K1 comparison
Creality K1 features
- Print volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- Print speed: up to 600 mm/s
- Maximum nozzle temperature: 260°C
- Heated platen: Yes
- Special features: Reset function, end-of-filament sensor
- Price: Approx. €380
Advantages of the SK1 over the K1
Larger print volume
The TwoTrees SK1 offers a print volume of 256 x 256 x 256 mm, i.e. a slightly larger print area for the creation of voluminous parts than the Creality K1, which offers a volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm. The advantage therefore goes to the TwoTrees SK1 when it comes to print volume.
Superior print speed
With a maximum print speed of 700 mm/s, the SK1 outperforms the K1, which reaches 600 mm/s. This difference means that prints can be completed much faster, optimizing production time. On the data sheet, therefore, the advantage is still with the TwoTrees SK1 when it comes to maximum print speed, but it’s advisable for these 2 printers to limit print speed to 300 mm/s, so it’s a draw for this point in real-life situations!
Higher nozzle temperature
The SK1’s ability to reach 300°C enables the use of more varied and technical materials than the K1, which is limited to 260°C. This flexibility is crucial for users looking to experiment with different types of filament. In this respect, the TwoTrees SK1 will be more interesting, but you’ll still need to consider purchasing the enclosure kit if you really want to exploit this printing temperature (note that the Creality K1 already comes with an enclosure)
Automatic levelling
The SK1’s Z-Tilt automatic levelling system is more advanced than the K1’s manual levelling, ensuring a uniform first layer and reducing the need for adjustments before printing.
Disadvantages of the SK1
- Higher price: The SK1 costs around €419, a little more than the K1, but its extra features justify the investment. You’ll also need to add €150 to the price of housing the Twotrees SK1, for an overall price of around €570 to match the Creality K1.
- Potential complexity: although the SK1 performs well, it may require more in-depth learning to optimize all its parameters. The Creality community is much larger than the TwoTrees community, so you’ll find it easier to find tutorials for the K1, and Creality’s “in-house” Slicer is pretty well optimized, so you’ll need to do more test printing with the SK1.
TwoTrees SK1 vs Bambulab X1 Carbon comparison
Bambulab X1 Carbon features
- Print volume: 256 x 256 x 256 mm
- Print speed: up to 500 mm/s
- Maximum nozzle temperature: 300°C
- Heated platen: Yes
- Special features: AI camera, self-leveling, multi-material printing
- Price: Approx. €1,200
Advantages of SK1 over X1 Carbon
Competitive price
The TwoTrees SK1 is offered at a much more affordable price of €419, compared with around €1200 for the Bambulab X1 Carbon. For those looking for a CoreXY printer without investing a lot of money, the SK1 is an interesting alternative.
Disadvantages of the SK1 vs X1 Carbon
Fewer advanced features
The SK1 lacks some of the advanced features found on the X1 Carbon, such as the AI camera and multi-material printing. However, for many users, these features are not essential, and the SK1 remains a very competitive machine. Nor is there an AMS (multi-color) system available for the TwoTrees SK1
Conclusion on the TwoTrees SK1
The TwoTrees SK1 is a relatively interesting CoreXY 3D printer in terms of its technical specifications. In theory, the SK1 combines speed, precision and versatility. It looks more attractive than the Creality K1 in terms of performance and print volume, while offering excellent value for money compared to the Bambulab X1 Carbon. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first 3D printer or an experienced user looking to improve your production, the SK1 is an option to seriously consider.
Buy TwoTrees SK1
