Creality K1 Max Review: Worth It Or Not?

In our previous review, we reviewed the flagship K1 model from Creality 3D. If you’re interested in understanding the specific differences between Creality K1 and K1 Max, you can find the details in this article Creality K1 Vs K1 Max-Which Is The Better 3D Printer? Today, we’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the K1 MAX, covering its design, machine installation, print testing, feature analysis, and important considerations. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the K1 Max is the ideal choice for your needs.

Unboxing the Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

The packaging box of the K1 Max is similar to that of the K1, and upon opening it, you’ll first notice a glass top cover. Unlike the K1’s PC material, the K1 Max features a sturdy and transparent glass cover. This allows for better observation from the top during printing and helps reduce printing noise. After removing the surrounding foam, you’ll find the main body of the printer, which weighs approximately 18kg.

Upon unwrapping the plastic bags from the printer, the overall appearance closely resembles that of the K1 Max. Personally, I find the design quite fashionable and appealing. In summary, you will receive the following items:

• Printer body
• Power cord
• Printer screen
• 1 roll of 1kg high-speed consumable filament
• Tool kit
• Spare hotend
• Filament spool holder
• Nozzle cleaning needle
• USB cable
• Lubricant
• 4 anti-slip pads
• Stickers
• User guide
• After-sales service card

Overall, the K1 MAX includes an additional spare hotend. It’s speculated that this addition may address any previous issues with the K1 hotend, demonstrating thoughtful consideration. Now, let’s move on to the installation process.

Specification:

• Printing Technology: FDM
• Build Volume: 300*300*300mm
• Product Dimensions: 435*462*526mm
• Package Dimensions: 508*508*608mm
• Net Weight: 18kg
• Gross Weight: 23kg
• Printing Speed: ≤600mm/s
• Acceleration: ≤20000mm/s²
• Printing Accuracy: 100±0.1mm
• Layer Height: 0.1-0.35mm
• Extruder: Dual-gear direct drive extruder
• Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm（compatible with 0.6/0.8mm）
• Nozzle Temperature: ≤300℃
• Heatbed Temperature: ≤100℃
• Build Surface: Flexible build plate
• Leveling Mode: Dual hands-free auto leveling
• File Transfer: USB drive, Ethernet, WiFi
• Display Screen: 4.3″ color touch screen
• AI Camera: Yes
• AI LiDAR: Yes
• Power Loss Recovery: Yes
• Filament Runout Sensor: Yes
• Input Shaping: Yes
• Lighting Kit: Yes
• Sleep Mode: Yes
• Rated Voltage: 100-240V ~, 50/60Hz
• Rated Power: 1000W
• Supported Filaments: PLA, PETG, PET, TPU, PA, ABS, ASA, PC, PLA-CF, PA-CF, PET-CF
• Printable File Format: G-Code
• Slicing Software: Creality Print; compatible with Cura, Simplify3D, PrusaSlicer
• File Formats for Slicing: STL, OBJ, AMF
• UI Languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, Turkish, Japanese, Chinese

Installation:

Screen installation

The machine is highly assembled, with minimal manual installation required. Let’s start by securely installing the screen. Align the slots on the back of the screen with the small flat cable protruding from the machine’s base. Then, insert the screen into the slot on the base. Pay attention to ensuring that the slots on the back of the screen match the shape of the cable. Installing it incorrectly may cause damage to the chip.

Filament spool holder and filament installation

Once the screen is installed, you can power the machine. The filament spool holder installation is straightforward. Simply insert the holder into the designated slot at the back of the printer and tighten it from the right side. Hang the provided filament directly onto the spool holder. Slowly insert one end of the filament into the PTFE tube until it can no longer be fed.

Top cover installation

Carefully place the glass top cover on top of the machine. It is suggested that if you’re printing with PLA or non-high-temperature filament and the temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius, you may opt not to use the glass cover. However, for high-temperature filament printing, using the cover will yield better results. Since the ambient temperature here is around 20 degrees Celsius and I’m printing with hyper PLA filament, I decided to cover the printer with the top cover.

Next, select your preferred language mode on the screen. The system will prompt you to remove three screws from the machine, which are clearly marked with yellow arrows.

Check if there are any remaining sponges inside the machine. If there are none, you can proceed to the next step.

Power on

Before starting a print, let’s prepare by configuring a few settings. First, select the network connection on the screen and choose your Wi-Fi network name. Confirm the time zone and then scan the provided Creality Cloud app to bind it. Once completed, the machine will enter the self-check mode, similar to the K1 MAX, which includes:

• Nozzle heating
• Bed heating
• Fan
• Mainboard cooling fan
• Input shaping
• Auto bed leveling

The entire self-check process will take approximately 17 minutes for the first run. Once it’s complete, you can proceed to the next step, which is printing.

By the way, Creality offers a one-year Creality Cloud membership where you could enjoy some nice benefits like up to 250 paid STL files. Here is the process of claim the 1 year free Creality Cloud membership:

1. Download Crealitycloud APP from the Apple Store or Google Play
2. Go to the machine settings and select “system.” From there, click on “Connect with Creality Cloud.”
3. Open the Creality Cloud app that you downloaded and scan the QR code displayed on the printer screen to link them together.
4. Launch the Creality Cloud workspace, and in the machine binding section, click on the settings located in the top right corner. Select “device information” and make a copy of the device ID.
5. Paste the copied device ID on this page to redeem your membership benefits.

Design

Frame:

The entire body of the K1 Max utilizes a sturdy aluminum alloy monocoque construction, crafted through CNC machining. Even during high-speed movements, this rigid frame ensures smooth and quiet printing motion.

Moreover, the K1 Max is a CoreXY 3D printer, where the X and Y axes are integrated with two stepper motors and synchronous belts. Adjacent to the motors are individually adjustable belt tensioners, which control belt tension to prevent slippage or tooth skipping. This structure reduces the weight of moving parts, resulting in lower inertia and enabling higher acceleration with the same driving force.

The Z-axis of the K1 Max consists of three lead screws and linear shafts, connected to the same motor through a belt at the bottom of the chassis. Similar to the X and Y axes, there is a belt tensioner here as well. Additionally, the chassis houses a switching power supply and features a brand-new circuit board equipped with a dual-core 1.2 GHz CPU, 8GB of storage memory, and Klipper firmware.

Enclosed Chamber:

The K1 Max features a fully enclosed chamber design, with plastic panels secured by screws on both sides of the machine. At the front, there is a glass panel that allows easy observation of the internal operations, attached through a magnetic strip. The top is a flat glass cover that can be easily lifted, particularly useful when printing with PLA materials.

The machine’s overall appearance combines a gray frame with enclosed black translucent panels, exuding a sleek and futuristic aesthetic. The enclosed printing space helps maintain stable internal temperatures, which is particularly important for materials with high shrinkage rates, like ABS, preventing premature cooling and potential print failures.

In addition to the rear-mounted chassis fan for temperature control, the K1 Max also features an 18W auxiliary turbo cooling fan on the right-side panel of the machine. This fan is specifically designed to blow air onto the current printing layer, further enhancing model cooling and effectively reducing stringing and warping issues.

Build Plate:

The K1 Max incorporates an aluminum alloy heated bed that ensures uniform heat distribution, reaching 60°C in just 180 seconds. The flexible panel with a single-sided PEI coating offers excellent adhesion and allows for easy removal and flexing of the print surface after cooling, ensuring effortless detachment of printed models. Moreover, the PEI coating on the K1 Max’s bed surface provides a smoother bottom surface for printed objects, which is pleasantly surprising. Additionally, the magnetic print bed has two small screw positions at the back, allowing the panel to be easily aligned and secured in place.

Furthermore, the K1 Max’s heated bed features an array of sensors that enable multi-point detection and compensation for bed leveling. As a result, there is no need to manually adjust screws beneath the bed or rely on the traditional “A4 paper method” to set the nozzle-to-bed distance.

Extrusion System and Nozzle:

The K1 Max employs a dual-gear direct drive extruder, ensuring better control over filament extrusion and retraction. Additionally, the compact and lightweight extruder, weighing only 190 grams, opens up possibilities for high-speed 3D printing.

The hotend of the K1 MAX Max is equipped with a newly developed circular ceramic heater, reaching a temperature of 200°C within 37 seconds. The all-metal hotend can withstand temperatures up to 300°C, enabling compatibility with a wide range of materials.

Internally, the nozzle incorporates a built-in vibration sensor, automatically compensating for machine resonance during high-speed printing and effectively eliminating surface artifacts caused by vibrations.

The nozzle housing is equipped with a cooling fan and features a simulated air duct design, directing the airflow directly towards the model, further enhancing the cooling effect and meeting the demands of high-speed 3D printing.

AI Radar:

In the ever-evolving world of 3D printing, Creality has once again raised the bar with the revolutionary K1 Max, equipped with its AI-powered LiDAR technology. With the K1 Max’s 1 μm resolution LiDAR, worrying about the first layer of your prints becomes a thing of the past. Let’s delve into the remarkable features of this groundbreaking LiDAR system and explore how it enhances your 3D printing experience like never before.

Seamless First Layer Scanning: Imagine a 3D printing experience where you no longer have to fret over leveling the build plate or adjusting the first layer settings. With the AI LiDAR of K1 Max, it automatically takes charge, scanning the first layer with unparalleled precision. Gone are the days of manual calibration; the AI LiDAR ensures your print starts off on the right foot every time.

Real-time Error Detection: Nothing is more frustrating than hours of printing only to discover a mishap halfway through the process. The K1 Max’s AI LiDAR eliminates this headache by monitoring your print job continuously. The moment it detects an issue, such as an adhesion problem or a shift in the print, it pauses the printing and alerts you immediately. This proactive approach saves both time and material, giving you the confidence to run long and intricate prints worry-free.

Simplified User Experience: The K1 Max’s AI LiDAR is not just a high-tech addition; it’s designed with user-friendliness in mind. The setup process is straightforward, and the interface is intuitive, making it accessible to both seasoned 3D printing enthusiasts and newcomers to the field. Embracing this advanced technology doesn’t mean sacrificing ease of use; in fact, it streamlines your entire 3D printing journey.

Enhanced Print Quality: When it comes to achieving impeccable print quality, precision matters. The AI LiDAR of K1 Max ensures that every intricate detail is reproduced faithfully. The 1 μm resolution enables accurate measurements and precise adjustments, resulting in a stunning final product that meets and exceeds your expectations.

Empowering Problem-solving Capabilities: The AI LiDAR’s capability to detect issues promptly not only saves failed prints but also empowers users to identify potential problems with their 3D models or printing settings. By providing immediate feedback, it becomes a valuable learning tool, allowing users to refine their design and printing techniques to achieve better results with each iteration.

As an avid 3D printing enthusiast who has personally experienced the game-changing features of Creality K1 Max’s AI LiDAR, I can confidently say that this technology has transformed the way we approach 3D printing. From effortless first-layer scanning to real-time error detection, the K1 Max’s AI LiDAR elevates the user experience to new heights. Embrace the future of 3D printing and let the AI LiDAR handle the intricacies, while you focus on bringing your creative visions to life.

AI Camera:

With the Creality K1 AI camera, you have the power to keep a close eye on your 3D printing process. The camera delivers high-quality videos that capture every detail and movement with accuracy. It also has an AI detection system that ensures that printing is smooth and uninterrupted. The real-time monitoring feature enables you to monitor the printing process from anywhere and avoid costly mistakes. The automatic time-lapse feature creates appealing video masterpieces, showcasing the precision and detailing that goes into 3D printing. The Creality K1 AI camera is a must-have accessory for anyone serious about 3D printing.

Read: Creality K1 AI Camera: The Innovative Accessory For A Smooth 3D Printing Experience

Touchscreen Interface:

Notably, the K1 Max is equipped with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen for interaction with the printer. The touchscreen boasts an appealing design, responsive touch capabilities, and a clean and intuitive interface. Through the touchscreen, users can easily navigate axis movements, control temperature and fan settings, and perform operations like filament loading or unloading with just a few taps. Additionally, the touchscreen provides a visual preview of the printed models. Furthermore, the K1 Max offers a print history feature, allowing users to view past prints and choose favorites for reprinting.

In terms of details, the K1 Max has undergone various optimizations. For instance, the design of the cable chain ensures better fixation of the PTFE feeding tube. Moreover, there is a movable switch above the extruder, placed on the right side, allowing for convenient manual filament loading or unloading. Particularly, when the nozzle is clogged, it can be easily cleaned using a needle without the need for disassembly.

The machine is equipped with plastic foot pads on all four corners, which absorb vibrations during printing and further reduce noise generated during high-speed printing. Additionally, the K1 Max provides the option to use the included 16GB USB drive for printing, conveniently located at the front of the machine. Furthermore, upon careful observation, one will notice that after each print, the nozzle remains positioned next to the auxiliary fan for accelerated cooling. Moreover, the K1 Max features practical functions such as lighting, filament runout detection, power failure recovery, and more, enhancing the overall user experience.

Print Testing

Inside the printer, four pre-sliced test models are provided, including a first-layer leveling model, a 600mm/s thin-wall printing model, a movable cat model, and a Benchy boat model. The final print results of these models are exceptionally perfect. It’s not an exaggeration to say that achieving a printing speed of 600mm/s is feasible in practical applications.

Taking the popular Benchy boat as an example, conventional 3D printers typically require over an hour to complete the print, while the K1 Max accomplishes it in a remarkable 13 minutes and 43 seconds. Even at such high speeds, the printed boat maintains exceptional quality without any visible artifacts, and the fine details are flawlessly reproduced.

Software

Creality Print Slicing Software

The K1 Max comes with the proprietary slicing software, Creality Print. This software is based on the open-source Cura software and has been optimized specifically for Creality 3D printers. It simplifies parameter configuration and provides optimized profiles for different materials. Users can easily slice and print by selecting their machine and material of choice.

The default printing speed of the K1 Max is set to 300mm/s, with infill and inner wall speeds at 300mm/s, outer wall and top/bottom speeds at 200mm/s, and travel speed at 500mm/s. Although it falls short of the advertised maximum printing speed of 600mm/s, this speed is already quite impressive and surpasses most similar machines on the market.

Network Connectivity

Additionally, Creality Print supports LAN printing, allowing users to send files directly to the printer over a local network for convenient one-click printing. Also, K1 Max is equipped with a camera, so you can also monitor the printing process in real-time and even enable time-lapse photography.

Print Speed and Material Settings

Another advantage of this software is its integration with the Creality Cloud model library. Users can simply log in and download desired models directly within the software. These features are also available in the Creality Cloud mobile app, which provides a community platform for users to share and communicate.

In our testing, we divided the filament spool into upper and lower sections to achieve precise filament alignment. After printing, the sections can be accurately joined together, and the surface of the printed object is exceptionally smooth.

• Material Used: White High-Speed PLA Filament
• Printing Speed: 300mm/s
• Nozzle Temperature: 210°C
• Bed Temperature: 60°C
• Layer Height: 0.2mm
• Infill: 15%
• Printing Time: 4 hours and 24 minutes

In comparison, a traditional 3D printer at a speed of 50mm/s would take 10 hours and 49 minutes for the same print.

Under the same parameters, only changing the filament color from white to gray, we printed five articulated dragons, which took 8 hours and 24 minutes. Although there were some minor stringing artifacts on the surface, with adjustments to the retraction settings, better results can be achieved.

It is worth noting that the high-speed 3D printing filaments used in these tests are specifically designed for fast melting and high flow rates. If using regular materials and aiming to achieve the same quality at high speeds, corresponding adjustments to print parameters, such as increasing the printing temperature and calibrating the retraction settings, would be necessary.

Creality K1 Max Review: Worth It Or Not?

In conclusion, the Creality K1 Max is a game-changer for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its larger build volume, enhanced print quality, and impressive speed set it apart from its competitors. The quieter printing experience ensures a peaceful working environment, while the user-friendly interface and webcam add a touch of convenience and connectivity to the overall package.

Whether you’re a hobbyist, designer, or engineer, the K1 Max opens up new possibilities for creative expression and functional prototyping. It’s a reliable workhorse that delivers consistent results, providing the foundation for your 3D printing journey.