Thinking of buying the classic Creality Ender 3? You should read this Creality Ender 3 V2 review to know whether going for the original Ender 3 or the upgraded Ender 3 V2 is worth it.
The Ender 3 has been vastly improved and presented as the Ender 3 V2. Read on for all the nitty-gritty details.
When it comes to inexpensive 3D printers, the Ender 3 from Creality has long been one of our absolute favorites. The cheap 3D printer has a large build volume is is easy to use. You can easily modify it to deliver high-quality prints.
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However, since the original Ender 3 was a bit outdated, it was time for it to be upgraded. Its successor is the impressive Ender 3 V2.
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The Ender 3 V2 comes with interesting extensions and has an improved look. But does it deliver?
Read our review to find out.
Creality Ender 3 V2 Review
The Ender 3 V2 is not a completely revised version of its predecessor. Instead, it is a new starting point for future printers from the Ender 3 series. The new equipment features, the small design upgrades and the general performance put the Ender 3 V2 on a par with its predecessor, the Ender 3 Pro.
However, the new model also gives an idea of where the journey with this device might go in the future. The Ender 3 V2 did not disappoint in our one-week test.
Below are some highlights of the new printer.
Design
The Ender 3 V2 does not have the box-shaped metal covers that were on previous models. Instead, it features neat-looking plastic covers that make it seem geared for more than just hobbyists. The printer looks more professional.
And while looks do not exactly affect the performance, it is still nice to look at – especially when you don’t have a dedicated area for the printer in the workshop.
In addition, the power supply has been moved from the side into the compartment under the printer. As a result, the printer looks much tidier and more professional.
Print Quality
After the manual leveling of the print bed, the Ender 3 V2 copes very well with a large number of objects. During our tests, no print failed.
Even with different sizes and differently complex models, the printer did confidently handled them. Prints that required supports performed just as well as those that did not. The adhesion to the textured glass print bed is excellent and the prints could be removed without any problems after they had cooled down a bit.
Our only criticism is the filament feed. We have just tested the CR-6 SE and the Ender 3 V2 is very different from it on this point. In the Ender 3 V2, the filament feed opening is placed directly next to the lead spool. That was already terrible with the Ender 3 and it has not been eliminated in Ender 3 V2. However, the issue is not there in the Ender 3 Pro.
And while the enlarged feed wheel, with which the extruder can be rotated manually, is well suited for cleaning the hot end, it was of no help in inserting a new filament.
Additional Extensions
The Ender 3 V2 has tension clamps on both axles. These tensioners allow the belts, which stretch and wear out over time, to be tightened again. This, in turn, increases the printer’s lifespan.
The V2 also has a small drawer for storing tools. Excess Allen keys and side cutters can be stored here. The drawer is quite practical as such accessories would otherwise take up unnecessary space on the shelf next to the printer.
Display
Another nice upgrade is the display, which can now be removed by simply sliding it up. To do this, two metal pins must be pulled out of the plastic holder attached to the frame. The sliding will be helpful for anyone who may have set up the printer in a slightly higher place and as a result, many no longer see the display.
In terms of dimensions, the Ender 3 V2 is similar to the Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro. However, when it comes to features, there is quite a huge difference.
Creality Ender 3 V2 Features
Tempered Glass Print Bed
The V2 has a hardened glass print bed coated with “carborundum” (silicon carbide). This is a welcome change from the removable, magnetic and heated print bed of the Ender 3 Pro, which often left residues over time and often led to unclean first layers.
The glass print bed is attached to the aluminum plate. This improves adhesion, makes the surface smoother and makes it easier to remove the finished prints.
Quieter Printing
The Ender 3 V2 comes with a “quiet” 32-bit motherboard with a 2560 chipset, which only registers noise level of 50 db. 50 db is roughly the noise level in a quiet suburb, a normal conversation at home or a large electrical transformer 30 meters away.
However, while the printer is quieter, the ventilation of the power supply unit is still noisy.
Color Display
Most budget 3D printers have a cheap built-in LCD display. With the Creality Ender 3 V2, you get a newly developed color display and a new user interface. However, the display is not touchscreen. It still works with a click wheel.
Summary of Equipment Features
- Tensioner on the X and Y axes: The printer has two rotary knobs with which the belts can be tensioned again. This is particularly useful in the long term, as it allows the straps to be adjusted if they lose tension after a long period of use.
- Meanwell power supply: Like the Ender 3 Pro, the Ender 3 V2 is equipped with a Meanwell power supply.
- Manual filament feed: Creality has attached a rotary knob to the filament feed on the Bowden extruder, with which the filament can be fed in by hand and the nozzle can be cleaned more easily. Alternatively, you can watch the button while it is being pressed while it is being turned.
- Tool drawer: In the base unit, there is a small drawer in which nozzles, needles, pliers and other tools can be stored.
- Print resume function: This feature is famous in the Prusa i3 MK3. Power failures or disconnections should not be a problem for the Ender 3 V2. The unit can resume printing at the point where it was interrupted.
| Manufacturer | Creality |
| Mechanical design | Cartesian XZ print head |
| Assembly | pre-assembled |
| Year | 2020 |
| Technology | FDM |
Materials
| Compatible materials | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU |
| Third party filaments | Yes |
| Filament diameter | 1.75 mm |
Printer Properties
| Print continuation function | Yes |
| Built-in camera | No |
| Data exchange | microSD, USB |
| Display | LCD color display |
| Print bed | Heated |
| Bed alignment | Manual |
| Closed pressure chamber | No. |
| Max. Printing speed | 180 mm / s |
| Max. Bed temperature | 100 ℃ |
| Max. Extruder temperature | 255 ºC |
| Max. Installation space | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Nozzle size | 0.4 mm |
| Extruder type | Single extruder nozzle |
| Filament feed | Bowden |
| Layer height | 0.1 mm |
| Precision | 0.1mm |
Software
| File formats | STL, OBJ |
| Operating system | Windows, Mac |
| Recommended slicers | Cura, Simplify3D |
Measures and Weight
| Weight | 7.8 kg |
| Printer frame dimensions | 475 x 470 x 620 mm |
The Ender 3 V2 easily makes it on our list of the best budget 3D printers. However, it would be nice if some of the features of the CR-6 SE will be adopted into the Ender 3 V2 in the future.
Still, we love the features, design and functions of the Ender 3 V2, which are on par with the Ender 3 Pro (and sometimes even better). If you love tweaking your printer, you want to get this 3D printer.
The new display, greatly improved user interface, 32-bit motherboard and a handful of other enhancements make the V2 an excellent printer. The printer’s performance meets all the expectations comparing it to its predecessors.
Creality Ender 3 V2 Alternatives
For more information, check out our guide to the best budget 3D printers .
Creality Ender 3 Pro
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The Creality Ender 3 Pro was our best 3D printer under $300. With a few modifications, it can certainly deliver respectable print results. However, its equipment features do a little worse than the Ender 3 V2.
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The Artillery Genius costs around $ 30 more, but has a direct drive extruder and a print bed that can be quickly heated with alternating current.
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The Creality CR-6 SE is somewhat reminiscent of the Ender 3 V2, with which it shares a number of features. However, its installation space is slightly larger at 235 x 235 x 250 mm and it has automatic bed leveling.
