Creality K1C Troubleshooting Guide in 2024: Addressing 8 Common Issues

Creality has launched the K1C, the third 3D printer in their K1 series, which appears to be an upgraded version of the K1, specifically designed for Carbon Fiber 3D printing. While the K1C is a high-quality printer, you may encounter some troubleshooting issues. To assist, we have compiled a comprehensive list of potential problems and their solutions, enabling you to quickly identify and resolve any issues you might face with the K1C. Let’s get straight to the eight Creality K1C troubleshooting and solutions.

1. OTA Online Upgrade Issue

If you are experiencing issues with OTA online upgrades on your Creality K1C 3D printer, there are a few possible causes and troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem.

Phenomenon Description

When attempting to upgrade firmware online, you may receive a prompt stating “You are currently on the latest version.”

Cause Analysis

1. The machine is not connected to the network.
2. Creality Cloud has not released the latest firmware version.

Troubleshooting and Solution

• Check Network Connection: Confirm that your K1C printer is successfully connected to the Wi-Fi network. You can do this by navigating to the Network Settings interface and verifying that the machine has connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Please note that the K1C series machines can only connect to a 2.4G frequency Wi-Fi network.
• Check for Latest Firmware: Visit the official Creality website to check if the latest firmware version has been released. If Creality Cloud has not released the latest firmware for your machine, the OTA server will not be able to detect the latest firmware for an update.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can ensure that your Creality K1C 3D printer is connected to the network and that the latest firmware is available for online upgrades. This will allow you to take full advantage of the latest features and improvements for your printer.

2. Hotend Clogging after Printing ABS

One common issue that users may encounter with the Creality K1C 3D printer is hotend clogging after printing with ABS filament. This can be frustrating, but there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.

First, it’s important to understand the potential causes of hotend clogging. Filament can become blocked in several areas, including the front shell of the extrusion kit, the Teflon tube under the extrusion kit, and the nozzle throat. By identifying the specific location of the clog, you can effectively address the problem.

To begin troubleshooting, you will need to remove the motor cover and the extrusion kit. Carefully inspect each area for any filament blockages. If you find a clog in the front shell of the extrusion kit, use pliers to remove it and clean the area.

If the clog is in the Teflon tube, you can try using a hot air gun to blow hot air through the tube and clear the filament. If the Teflon tube cannot be removed, you may need to disassemble the hotend kit to access and clean the clogged area.

It’s important to note that if you encounter a clog that prevents filament removal and the filament is stuck, do not force it. Instead, follow the disassembly steps outlined in the troubleshooting guide to safely remove the clog.

Once you have cleared the clog, reassemble the extrusion kit and perform a test print to ensure that the filament is feeding properly. Monitor the extrusion process and listen for any unusual noises. If you notice any issues with extrusion or uneven filament flow, further troubleshooting may be required. You can refer to the extruder assembly troubleshooting steps or consider replacing the extruder motor if necessary.

3. Filament Feeding Issue/Clogging Issue

Dealing with filament feeding issues and clogging is a common challenge when using the Creality K1C 3D printer. These issues can disrupt the printing process and lead to poor print quality. However, with the right troubleshooting steps, you can easily resolve these problems and get back to printing smoothly.

Check for Filament Entanglement

One possible cause of filament feeding issues is entanglement in the spool position. Before attempting to print, always check the backside of the machine for any filament spool entanglement at the filament spool or PTFE tube inlet. If you find any entanglement, carefully untangle the filament to ensure smooth feeding.

Troubleshooting the Filament Blockage

If there is no filament entanglement, the issue may be a filament blockage. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

1. Enter the control interface and click “OFF” to release the motor.
2. Remove the blue locking clip and gently pull out the PTFE tube from the top of the extruder, exposing the filament.
3. Set the nozzle temperature to the recommended printing temperature and wait for it to stabilize.
4. Use some force to quickly pull out the filament by hand.

If the Filament Can Be Pulled Out

Check the end of the filament for any umbrella-shaped protrusion. If you notice a protrusion, it indicates a problem with the PTFE tube, and it should be replaced.

If the filament can be inserted into the hot end successfully and the extrusion is working properly, turn the extruder handle to the closed position and select “Auto Feed.” Monitor the filament extrusion and the rotation status of the extruder gears. If the automatic extrusion works without any issues, the problem is resolved.

If the extruder gears do not rotate during automatic extrusion, there might be an issue with the extruder motor or the connection board. Inspect the extruder motor’s wire connections to ensure they are secure. If necessary, consider replacing the extruder motor for further troubleshooting.

If the Filament Cannot Be Inserted into the Hot End

If you cannot insert the filament into the hot end, quickly remove the filament and use the included probe from the tool kit to push any remaining filament debris in the extrusion channel towards the hot end:

• If the remaining filament debris in the extrusion channel can be pushed completely out through the nozzle and out of the extruder, retract the probe quickly. This prevents molten filament from adhering to the inner wall of the throat tube and extrusion gear. Repeat this process to resolve the filament feeding issue.
• If the remaining filament debris in the extrusion channel cannot be pushed through with the probe, the issue may be a hot end clog. Proceed with the clog resolution process.
• If you cannot retract the filament, it might be a front cover clog. Refer to the front cover clog/filament jam process for further troubleshooting steps.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively resolve filament feeding issues and clogging with your Creality K1C 3D printer. Remember to always check for entanglement and address any blockages to ensure smooth and successful printing.

4. Leveling Issue Resolution

When it comes to 3D printing, achieving a level print bed is crucial for successful prints. If you’re experiencing leveling issues with your Creality K1C 3D printer, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the problem.

Check Your Leveling Data

Before diving into the troubleshooting process, it’s important to check if your leveling data is normal. Connect your machine to the network and enter the machine’s IP address into your browser to access the web control interface. From there, you can check whether the leveling data is within the normal range. If the data trend is abnormal, you may need to relevel your build platform.

Re-Level the Build Platform

To re-level the build platform, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your printer and navigate to the “Settings” menu.
2. Click on “System Self-check” and select “Auto Leveling.”
3. Click “Start Detecting” to begin the leveling process.

During the leveling process, it’s important to avoid any environmental disturbances. Make sure your printer is placed in a stable environment, free from external vibrations that could interfere with the leveling process.

Inspect the Z-Axis Assembly

If re-leveling the build platform doesn’t solve the issue, it’s time to inspect the Z-axis assembly. Start by dismantling the machine base and checking if the Z-axis assembly is functioning properly. Look for any signs of damage or looseness in the components. If you notice any issues, such as lead screw backlash or loose screws, tighten or replace the affected parts as necessary.

Monitor the Heated Bed Levelness

Another potential cause of leveling issues is a tilting or uneven heated bed. Check the levelness of the heated bed and make sure it is properly aligned. If you notice any tilting or unevenness, adjust the bed as needed to ensure it is flat and parallel to the X-axis.

Address Z-Axis Component Issues

If you’re still experiencing leveling problems, it’s possible that there are issues with the Z-axis components. Check for any loose screws securing the Z-axis motor and make sure they are properly tightened. Additionally, inspect the lead screw for any signs of deformation or damage. If necessary, replace the lead screw to ensure smooth and accurate movement.

5. K1C Camera Not Detected

One of the common issues that users may encounter with the Creality K1C 3D Printer is the camera not being detected. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on the camera for monitoring your prints. However, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this issue.

Firstly, check the physical connection of the camera. Ensure that the camera is securely plugged into the designated port on the printer. If it is not plugged in properly, it may not be detected by the system. Try unplugging and re-plugging the camera to ensure a secure connection.

If the physical connection is not the issue, you can try restarting both the printer and the camera. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve any temporary glitches or conflicts that may be preventing the camera from being detected.

Another troubleshooting step you can take is to check the camera settings in the printer’s interface. Access the settings menu and navigate to the camera settings. Ensure that the camera is enabled and that the correct camera model is selected. If the camera is disabled or the wrong model is selected, it may not be detected by the system.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it is possible that there may be a problem with the camera itself. In this case, you may need to contact Creality customer support for further assistance. They will be able to guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or provide a replacement camera if necessary.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing the issue of the camera not being detected on your Creality K1C 3D Printer, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. Check the physical connection, restart both the printer and the camera, and ensure that the camera settings are correctly configured. If the issue persists, reach out to Creality customer support for further assistance.

6. Unable to Read USB Drive

Replace the USB drive: The first thing you can try is replacing the USB drive itself. Sometimes, the drive may be damaged or malfunctioning, preventing the printer from reading it properly. By using a new USB drive, you can rule out any issues with the drive itself.

Change the USB drive adapter: If replacing the USB drive doesn’t solve the problem, the issue may lie with the USB drive adapter. The adapter is responsible for connecting the USB drive to the printer. Try using a different adapter to see if that resolves the issue.

Replace the USB drive adapter cable: If the adapter itself is not the problem, it’s possible that the cable connecting the adapter to the printer is faulty. Try using a different cable to see if that solves the issue.

Consider replacing the mainboard: If none of the above steps work, it’s possible that the issue lies with the mainboard of the printer. The mainboard is responsible for controlling the various functions of the printer, including reading the USB drive. If the mainboard is malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.

7. Memory Full Brick Issue

This problem can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can get your printer back up and running smoothly.

One of the common causes of the memory full brick issue is when the printer’s memory becomes full due to a large number of files stored on the machine. This can happen if you have not been regularly deleting old print files or other data from the printer’s memory. When the memory is full, it can cause the printer to become unresponsive and unable to perform any tasks.

To resolve this issue, you will need to clear the printer’s memory by deleting unnecessary files. Here’s how you can do it:

1. On the printer’s screen, navigate to the “Files” section.
2. Long-press on the print file that you want to delete.
3. Check the files that you wish to delete and click on the “Delete” button.
4. If you want to delete all files and restore the printer to its factory settings, you can perform a factory reset. To do this, go to the “Settings” section, select “Factory Reset,” check all the options, and click on “Restore.”

By deleting unnecessary files and performing a factory reset if needed, you can free up the printer’s memory and resolve the memory full brick issue.

In addition to clearing the memory, it’s also important to monitor the remaining memory and ensure that you leave at least 1GB of free space. This will help prevent future memory-related issues.

If you continue to experience the memory full brick issue even after clearing the memory, it could be a sign of a more serious problem with the printer’s hardware or software. In such cases, it is recommended to contact Creality’s customer support for further assistance.

Remember to regularly manage and clear the printer’s memory to avoid running into memory-related issues in the future.

8. Z-axis Noise Resolution Process

Check for Deformation: Start by inspecting the lead screw of the Z-axis for any signs of bending or deformation. If you notice any abnormalities, it may be causing the noise. In this case, you may need to replace the lead screw to resolve the issue.

Clean and Lubricate: Sometimes, debris or lack of lubrication can cause noise in the Z-axis. Clean the lead screw and apply a thin layer of lubricating oil to ensure smooth movement. This should help reduce the noise and improve the overall performance of the Z-axis.

Check for Loose Components: Loose components can also contribute to noise in the Z-axis. Make sure all screws and connections are tightened properly. Pay special attention to the motor and its mounting screws. If any screws are loose, tighten them carefully to eliminate any potential sources of noise.

Inspect the Platform: A tilting or misaligned platform can cause the Z-axis to make noise during operation. Check the levelness of the platform and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it is properly aligned. This will help the Z-axis move smoothly and quietly.

Contact Customer Support: If you have followed all the troubleshooting steps and the noise persists, it may be a more complex issue. In this case, we recommend reaching out to Creality customer support for further assistance. They have the expertise and knowledge to help you resolve any technical issues you may be facing.

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, troubleshooting common issues with the Creality K1C 3D printer can be a straightforward process with the right steps and guidance. By following these troubleshooting steps and tips, you can effectively resolve common issues with the Creality K1C 3D printer and ensure smooth and successful printing experiences. Remember to always follow proper maintenance and cleaning procedures, stay updated with firmware releases, and reach out to customer support when needed.