Creality CR-10 S5 Review

In this Creality CR-10 S5 review, find out what kind of results you should expect from this large format 3D printer.

Although the pairing of affordable pricing with FFF/FDM technology is increasingly common, larger 3D printers typically come with substantial price tags. However, the CR-10 S5 from Creality seeks to challenge this norm by offering an expansive build volume of 500 x 500 x 500 mm at a comparatively affordable price point.

Creality CR-10 S5 Review

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Creality has some of the best large format 3D printers on the market. The best large format 3D printer from the brand is the Creality CR-10 S5. The printer comes at quite a low price tag for a big format printer.

The CR-10 S5 is the newest member of Creality’s CR-10 series of 3D printers. It looks a lot like the other printers in the family, but with some extras to handle its huge 500 x 500 x 500 mm size, making it the biggest 3D printer from Creality.

Even though it doesn’t have a ‘Golden Triangle’ brace like some other models, it still feels sturdy after putting it together. They’ve used dual lead screws and an aluminum frame to keep it stable.

Now, let’s talk about what makes it cool for its price. It has a heated print bed with a glass cover, allowing you to use different materials. It can reach 60 ℃, but it takes a bit to get there, and the heat isn’t perfectly even because it’s a big bed and an affordable printer.

But wait, there’s more! It can restart printing if the power goes out, has a sensor to tell you if you’re running out of filament, and the upgraded circuit board makes it stable for up to 200 hours of printing without a break. That’s pretty handy, especially for those long prints.

Plus, it’s not too loud when it’s working, thanks to a special bearing system. And the dual bed railing system helps the big print plate move smoothly, making your prints look good.

Creality CR-10 S5 Specs

What’s in the Box?

Just like other Creality printers, the CR-10 S5 is a DIY kit, but this one is kind of already partly put together. It’s in three parts: the bottom part, the control box, and the Z-axis, all with cables to connect them. Everything’s neatly packed in a big box.

There’s a little toolbox inside with cables, instructions, tools, some spare parts, and even a roll of PLA filament and an SD card.

Easy Setup

Setting up the printer requires some easy DIY tasks. Inside the box, you will find an SD card with the setup installation instructions. Watch the setup videos in the card to know how to properly set up this unit.

The setup simply involves bolting the aluminium frame to the base and plugging some wired connections to the motor.

By default, the power source is set to 220V. For our US 3D printing hobbyists, make sure you switch it to 110V to match our US power supply. Lastly, you’ll have to fit the filament tube onto the extruder.

Creality CR-10 S5 Bed Leveling

The biggest difference between the TAZ Workhorse and the CR-10 is that the former has auto bed leveling feature. For the CR-10, you have to manually set the bed level.  This can be quite tricky as you’ll also have to manually calibrate the printer.

Here is a video showing how to level the print bed:

However, with some patience, you should be able to set the bed level properly.

After manually setting the bed level, you will not need to do any further calibrations. To make your work even easier, you can print some large adjuster wheels to help you with leveling the bed.

The setup process should take you about one hour.

Flexible

The CR-1o’s nozzle temperature reaches 355°F to 428°F (180-220°C)  while the hotbed temperature reaches 120°F to 140°F (50-60°C). Therefore, you can print most types of 1.75mm filament, such as the TPU, ABS, and PLA with this printer.  The printer can also print exotic filaments like metal and wood.

Unfortunately, the open chassis design does not allow you to produce ABS prints as effectively as other enclosed 3D printers. To successfully print ABS filament, you’ll have to create a cover to retain heat and prevent draughts from affecting your build.

Software Compatibility

The CR-10 S5 is compatible with various slicing and host software, including popular solutions like Cura and Repetier-Host. The printer seamlessly integrates with these software options, leveraging its overall simplicity.  Check below an example of Cura’s pre-installed profile for the CR-10 S5.

Getting Ready to Print

First thing, when you open the box, switch the voltage on the control box to 110V if you’re in the USA. After that, you can put it aside because you connect the control box last after putting the printer together.

Even though it’s a DIY kit, it’s not too hard. It takes about 10-15 minutes. Connect the cables, set up the filament, and decide where to put the control box (it has a short cable).

Once it’s together, the next step is leveling the bed. This part is a bit tricky because there’s no automatic leveling. You have to do it manually by adjusting some nuts and making sure the bed moves smoothly. It might be a bit annoying, especially with such a big bed, but it’s the only tricky part.

Print Quality

It’s hard to find any fault with the models printed by the CR-10 3D printer. You are less likely to see any blobs on the final product. Resolution is also very good.

While the large printing bed takes time to heat up, once heated, the temperature spreads evenly to all the corners and maintains the heat.

Pros and Cons of the Creality CR-10 S5 3D Printer

Pros

• Large build volume: The CR-10 S5 boasts an expansive build area, allowing for the creation of large-scale 3D prints.
• Affordable price: This unit is positioned at a budget-friendly price point. This makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
• Good print quality: Delivers commendable print quality with precision. With the printer, you will get accurate and detailed prints.
• Heated print bed: The heated print bed facilitates better adhesion and enhances print reliability.
• Relatively easy to assemble: The assembly process is user-friendly. Even beginners with limited expertise can assemble the 3D printer.
• Wide software compatibility. The printer is compatible with a diverse range of 3D printing programs, offering flexibility in workflow.
• Multiple material support: The printer is compatible with multiple materials. Therefore, you can experiment with different filaments.
• Sturdy frame with anti-Z-wobble measures: The frame is robust, and measures have been implemented to reduce the occurrence of Z-wobble during printing.
• Filament runout sensor: The printer has a filament runout sensor that halts printing when the material is depleted. This way, you will not have to worry about incomplete prints.
• Power failure recovery: The printer allows printing to resume after a power failure. This reduces print disruptions.

Cons

• Manual bed leveling: The bed leveling is a manual process. This can be particularly challenging with a bed of this size.
• Limited control unit leash: The control unit has restricted mobility. Therefore, the placement options are limited on the printer.
• Ghosting occurrences: Ghosting is a phenomenon where faint echoes of the print appear. This  may be present in certain instances.
• Uneven heating of the bed: Due to its size, the bed may not heat evenly. The colder sides may potentially cause challenges when printing temperature-sensitive materials.
• Glass bed lacking adhesion: The glass bed, while providing a smooth surface, may lack sufficient adhesion for certain filaments.

Verdict

The Creality CR-10 S5 stands tall as the largest 3D printer in Creality’s lineup, and its price tag sets it apart as an affordable choice within the realm of sizable printers. Despite its impressive dimensions, it doesn’t come without its share of challenges. Uneven heat distribution across the print bed, adhesion issues, and the absence of the ‘Golden Triangle’ Z-axis brace are aspects that may give pause to potential users. However, these drawbacks are inherent to the combination of large size and budget-friendly pricing, a compromise many users are willing to make.

Addressing the concerns, adjusting temperature settings, and experimenting with different materials can mitigate some of the issues. The absence of the ‘Golden Triangle’ is noticeable, but Creality has implemented other measures to ensure stability, sturdiness, and a quieter printing experience.

Yet, the CR-10 S5 isn’t just about trade-offs. Its advantages shine through, making it an attractive choice for those craving a larger print area without breaking the bank. Boasting 100-micron accuracy, decent print speed, and compatibility with various materials and popular 3D printing programs, this printer delivers on multiple fronts. Creality’s claim of up to 200 hours of uninterrupted operation adds to its appeal.

In the end, the CR-10 S5 emerges as an excellent option for those with a penchant for large-scale 3D printing on a budget. While compromises are expected, the machine’s overall utility, modularity, and upgradeability cater to the tinkering enthusiast. The real decision, as pointed out, revolves around the need for a 500mm cubed build area. If this expansive printing space aligns with your requirements, the CR-10 S5 proves to be a worthy investment.

The resounding recommendation is affirmative, echoing the sentiment that the Creality CR-10 S5 is a remarkable printer, particularly for those who truly require its extensive build area. The luxury of such a significant printing space, coupled with confidence in reliable printing, is indeed priceless. For the best deals, sign up at 3DTechDeals is a reliable source.

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