Recently released Creality K1C has been taken as an updated version of the Creality K1 printer. The K1C has some crucial enhancements that significantly elevate its printing capabilities on the previous Creality K1.
The "C" of K1C denoting its optimization for print Carbon Fiber filaments, and adding of AI Camera on K1C. This emphasis on carbon fiber is reflected in the revamped extruder, now boasting an all-metal hotend to withstand the abrasive nature of carbon fiber filaments, ensuring longevity and reliability in printing.
Like its predecessor, the Creality K1C operates on Klipper-based firmware and features a one-piece die-cast metal frame, a motion system with linear rods, and a synchronized z-axis with three lead screws. It operates on a CoreXY kinematic system and is fully enclosed by acrylic panels, a top cover, and a glass door. The maximum printing speed remains at 600 mm/s, with a maximum nozzle temperature of 300°C and a heated bed capable of reaching 100°C. The K1C is powered by an Ingenic X2000E 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and includes standard features such as a 350W power supply, a color touchscreen, a filament sensor, Wi-Fi printing capabilities, and offline USB drive printing. Notable upgrades from the original K1 include an all-metal gear extruder, a quick-swap tri-metal heat break, and a hardened steel nozzle for printing carbon fiber filaments out of the box. Additionally, the K1C features a built-in camera, eliminating the need for separate installation. Minor improvements include a carbon air filter on the exhaust fan, a silicone wiping strip at the back of the print bed for nozzle cleaning, and enhancements to glass door hinges, cable chains, and anti-vibration rubber feet.
Creality K1C Price
K1C, starting from 559USD, is 60USD more than its previous Creality K1, and 140USD less than Bambu P1S.
Improvements of K1C Based on K1
Looking at the K1 and K1C side by side, there aren't many apparent differences initially. However, there are some internal improvements, particularly noticeable in the hot end. Creality K1C appears to address various minor issues and enhancements, making it a more refined version of its predecessor.
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Unicorn Tri-Metal nozzle
The Unicorn Tri-Metal nozzle used on K1C, totally different from K1 and K1 Max hotend, incorporates copper for excellent thermal conductivity, a steel tip for durability, and features a titanium heat break integrated throughout the entire structure. The design allows for easy one-piece removal, reminiscent of the Revo nozzles.
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Stepper Motor Change
The stepper motors in the K1C have reverted to a more conventional-sized pulley, with smaller diameter pulley gears of approximately 20 teeth per revolution, as opposed to the larger pulley gears with about 40 teeth per revolution in the older K1 and K1 Max.
Print Test of K1C comparision with K1 from Aurora Tech
Tri-color PLA with 300mm/s print speed
The older Creality K1 and K1 Max models opt for larger diameter pulley gears which likely aimed at achieving maximum speed. However, this unconventional approach may have contributed to the issues experienced with VFA artifacting. VFAs, or visible fine artifacts, were particularly problematic on smaller parts, as evidenced by the textured surface of prints. By reverting to a more conventional pulley size on Creality K1C, seems the issue has be rectified.
Creality K1, K1 Max VAF Test from DIY PERSPECTIVE
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Extruder Latch Improvement
The extruder latching mechanism in the K1C feels significantly improved compared to its predecessor. It provides a more assured setting, resolving previous under-extrusion issues experienced with the K1.
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Build Plate Nozzle Wiper
The K1C features a one-sided engineering plate with a rubber material for nozzle wiping. It retains the magnetic build plate feature and introduces updated branding on the front.
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Front Door Hinge Design
Still remeber the accident on Uncle Jessy live of shattering the glass door of the K1 Max while unboxing it? This mishap occurred due to a minor design flaw in the K1 and K1 Max. Specifically, the door hinge was excessively loose, causing the door to swing open violently and potentially break.
The hinge design of the K1C's door is sturdier compared to the older model, addressing concerns raised by some users about the durability of the previous hinge design.
It features a magnetic closure and hinges with enhanced friction, allowing it to stay fixed at any desired angle. Furthermore, Creality has gone above and beyond by adding anti-shatter film to the glass. While primarily intended to prevent door breakage during printer maintenance, this addition significantly enhances the printer's overall premium feel.
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Cable Chain Change
In the K1C, the cable chain is spaced approximately 1cm higher than in the original K1, addressing complaints about cable chain rubbing. This adjustment also facilitates smoother movement and reduces potential pinch points for the Bowden tube.
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AI Camera
The "C" in K1C also stands for Camera. An AI Camera is added in K1C to do remote monitoring and timelapses. And the AI Camera can detect spaghetti and foreign objects. While, the camera doesn't work seamlessly in third party apps, including Klipper timelapse plugin. At present it can only work through Creality Cloud or Creality Print.
Open-source Creality OS Based on Klipper
The K1C keeps the Creality OS, based on Klipper and open source. The entire Creality K1 series comes with the capability to access root directly from the touchscreen. Instead of restricting access, Creality has opted to enable users, providing ample warning, to open up functionalities. In fact, these printers are even shipped with rooted firmware pre-installed, eliminating the need for flashing the device to unlock its full potential. You can easily install an open-source installer helper, developed by a community member, onto the main firmware branch. This allows you to install Fluidd or Mainsail, OctoEverywhere, or your own Macros seamlessly.
In contrast, the Bambu P1S may not offer the same level of openness and flexibility due to proprietary design elements or closed-source firmware and software. This can limit users' ability to customize, modify, or troubleshoot the printer independently.
Creality K1C Specifications
| Printing Technology: | FDM | Leveling Mode: | Hands-free auto leveling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Volume: | 220*220*250mm | File Transfer: | USB drive, WiFi |
| Product Dimensions: | 355*355*482mm | Display Screen: | 4.3" color touch screen |
| Package Dimensions: | 441*441*578mm | AI Camera: | Yes |
| Net Weight: | 12.4kg | Power Loss Recovery: | Yes |
| Gross Weight: | 16kg | Filament Sensor: | Yes |
| Printing Speed: | ≤600mm/s | Air Purifier: | Yes |
| Acceleration: | ≤20000mm/s² | Input Shaping: | Yes |
| Printing Accuracy: | 100±0.1mm | Lighting kit: | Yes |
| Layer Height: | 0.1-0.35mm | Sleep Mode: | Yes |
| Extruder: | Clog-free direct drive extruder |
Rated Voltage: | 100-120V~,200-240V~,50/60Hz |
| Filament Diameter: | 1.75mm | Rated Power: | 350V |
| Nozzle Diameter: | 0.4mm | Supported Filaments: | ABS, PLA, PETG, PET, TPU, PA, ABS-CF, ASA, PC, PLA-CF, PA-CF, PET-CF |
| Nozzle Temperature: | ≤300℃ | Printable File Format: | G-Code |
| Heatbed Temperature: | ≤100℃ | Slicing Software: | Creality Print, Cura 5.0 and later version |
| Build Surface: | PEI flexible build plate | File Formats for Slicing: | STL, OBJ, 3MF |
| UI Languages: | English,Spanish,German,French,Russian,Potuguese,Italian,Turkish,Japanese,Chinese | ||
What's in the Box
The setup process of the K1C is similar in size to the original K1. Upon unboxing, the machine is surrounded by laser-cut foam and cardboard. The machine ships almost fully assembled, you only need to have a small parts assembled after unboxing. Except for the machine, the package box includs: the top cover, touchscreen, filament holder, air filter, sample filament roll, and tools you need for the assembly process.
Assembly
Recommend High Speed PLA Print Settings
Printing Temperature
Nozzle Temp: 220℃
Hotbed Temp: 65℃
Layer Height: 0.1-0.2mm (0.4mm Nozzle)
Printing Speed
Infill Speed: 300mm/s
Outer Wall Speed: 200mm/s
Inner Wal Speed: 300mm/s
Top/Bottom Speed: 200mm/s
Travel Speed: 500mm/s
Initial Layer Speed: 50mm/s
Skirt/Brim Speed: 50mm/s
Acceleration
Infill: 12000
Outer Wall: 5000
Inner Wall: 5000
TOP: 5000
Travel: 12000
Initial Layer Print: 500
Initial Layer Travel: 500
Retraction
Initial Layer Travel: On
Retract Distance: 0.8mm
Retraction Retract Speed: 40mm/s
Other Parameters: default
Extrusion
Outer Wall Flow: 90%
Inner Wall Flow: 100%
Top Flow: 100%
Infill Flow: 100%
Prinme Tower Flow: 100%
Initial Layer Flow: 100%
Cooling
Fan: On
Software Default Parameters
Prints on Creality K1C
The Benchy completes in 17 minutes, showing acceptable surface quality and layer alignment, typical for fast machines. The efficient cooling system, particularly the powerful auxiliary fan, contributes to decent results.
| Filament type |
Nozzle temperature ℃ |
Hotbed temperature ℃ |
Print Speed (0.2mm layer height) mm/s |
Max Volunmentric Speed mm³/s |
Model Fan | Side Fan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyper PLA | 220 | 45 | 300 | 23 | 100% | 80% |
| Silk-PLA | 230 | 45 | 120 | 10 | 100% | 80% |
| Generic PLA | 230 | 45 | 200 | 18 | 100% | 80% |
| Generic PETG | 250 | 70 | 120 | 9 | 80% | 0% |
| Generic ABS | 260 | 100 | 250 | 20 | 70% | 0% |
| Generic TPU | 230 | 50 | 50 | 3.5 | 100% | 70% |
| Generic PLA Carbon | 220 | 50 | 150 | 14 | 100% | 0% |
| Generic ABS | 250 | 100 | 150 | 14 | 10% | 0% |
| Generic PC | 260 | 100 | 120 | 10 | 10% | 0% |
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Note:1. it is recommended to use official high-speed filaments to achprinting quality. 2. Forunofficial filaments, please select the generic filament parameters in the Creality Print software. 3. The maximum printing speed of filament, as well as the printing temperature, is related to the characteristics of the filament. Please refer to the commendations of the filament manufacturer and the official slicing softwareconfiguration. 4.It is recommended to evenly apply a solid adhesive to the printing platform before printing to improve first-layer adhesion. 5.Moisture-sensitive materials such as ABS/PETG/TPU should be dried or stored in a dry enviroment before printing. 6.IF you replace the Build Plate,you need to leveled again before print normally. 7.When using B Plate, the hotbed temperature for Hyper PLA/Silk-PLA/Generic PLA/Generic PETG/Generic TPU/Generic PLA Carbon needs to be increased by 10℃. |
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Creality K1C Firmware Update
- CR4CU220812S11_ota_img_V1.3.3.8.img
Mar 25, 2024 Download
Release Notes - Version 1.3.3.8 Update Notes:
1.Solving the intermittent clogging problem of quick-swap nozzle through the use unload filament.
2.Fix some bugs.
4.Fixed the issue where abnormal print file names did not exit the print task.
K1C Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Improved print quality compared to the previous K1.
2. Maintains a high print speed of 600 mm/s, with usable print speeds around 300 mm/s, and potential for faster speeds with improved input shaper.
3. Equipped with a tri-metal heat break and hardened steel nozzle, allowing for printing with a wide range of materials without needing to switch hot ends.
4. Enhanced screen interface provides more control, especially in expert mode, allowing for manual adjustments like Z offset.
5. Upgraded all-metal extruder ensures smoother filament extrusion across various materials.
6. Offers flexibility in printing with options for local Wi-Fi network or offline printing via USB drive, enhancing security for proprietary designs.
Cons:
1. Limiting compatibility with slicers other than Creality Print for network printing.
2. Quick swap hotend improvement still requires disassembly, hindering the efficiency of changing hotends.
3. Auto offset may be set too low for normal prints, requiring manual adjustment in expert mode.
4. The carbon filter in the printer's ventilation system may be insufficiently effective, potentially requiring upgrades for better performance.
Conclusion - Is the Creality K1C Worth It?
In conclusion, the Creality K1C represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, the K1. With noticeable enhancements in print quality and compatibility with various filaments out of the box, it strikes a balanced combination of speed and quality. Its beginner-friendly assembly and the ability to address previous issues, particularly with the extruder, make it a compelling choice. For those deliberating between the K1 and the K1C, the latter's additional features and improvements justify the slight increase in price. Therefore, the K1C deserves to replace the K1 as the recommended budget fully enclosed fast 3D printer.