The Creality Ender 3 Pro has become a popular name in the world of budget 3D printers, and for good reason. As a content creator for amazingprint.net, I’ve spent considerable time getting hands-on with this FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer to bring you a comprehensive printer review. If you’re exploring affordable 3D printing options, particularly within the ± 300 CAD price range, the Ender 3 Pro is likely on your radar. Let’s dive into a detailed examination of its features, ease of use, print quality, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right printer for your needs.
Specifications at a Glance:
- Brand: Creality
- Model: Ender 3 Pro
- Type: FDM
- Price Range: ± 300 CAD
- Build Volume: 8.6” x 8.6” x 9.8” / 220 x 220 x 250mm
- Enclosure: No (aftermarket options available)
- Print Platform: Heated bed (up to 110˚C), manual leveling, removable magnetic flexible print surface (glass recommended)
- Print Resolution: Minimum Layer Height 0.1 mm (practical minimum .12mm), 0.4mm nozzle (compatible with 0.2-0.8mm)
- Number of Heads: Single extruder
- Connectivity: Micro SD card, mini USB port
- Materials: 1.75mm PLA, ABS, TPU, and specialty filaments (PLA Wood, PLA Metal, Carbon fiber with nozzle change)
- Software: Cura (recommended)
Assembly: A DIY Experience
The Ender 3 Pro arrives as a kit, requiring assembly. While this might seem daunting to some, it’s a key aspect of its affordability and, for many, part of the appeal. The base and Y-axis come pre-assembled, but you’ll need to build the frame, gantry, extruder, and wire up the electronics. Creality provides basic instructions, but the online community is a goldmine of resources, including detailed build videos and troubleshooting guides. Inside the box, you’ll find a surprisingly decent set of tools, mostly hex keys, along with spare parts for common wear items – a thoughtful touch.
My assembly experience was positive. The hardware quality is commendable, and the overall build quality is high for a printer in this price range. Parts aligned correctly, threads were clean, and everything fit together well. The assembly process itself was educational, giving me a solid understanding of how the printer functions, which has been invaluable for maintenance and upgrades.
However, be prepared to dedicate around 3 hours for careful assembly. It’s crucial to ensure everything is square and properly tightened. While I’d rate the frustration level as low (“one beer build”), it’s not a plug-and-play device. Younger users or those unfamiliar with tools may require assistance.
User-Friendliness: Software and Operation
Once assembled, the Ender 3 Pro shines in its ease of software integration and daily operation. The printer is designed to work seamlessly with Cura, a popular and free slicing software. Loading the Ender 3 Pro profile into Cura is straightforward, allowing you to quickly prepare your 3D models for printing. Cura offers both beginner-friendly presets and advanced settings, accommodating users of all skill levels. I appreciated the ability to start with simple settings and gradually explore more intricate parameters as my understanding grew.
Operating the printer itself is intuitive thanks to its well-designed menu system, navigated via an LCD screen and a single control knob/button. It’s reminiscent of navigating older digital watches – simple and effective once you grasp the menu hierarchy. The ability to save g-code files to a micro SD card and print directly from the printer without needing a constant computer connection is a significant advantage.
Manual Bed Leveling: A Necessary Skill
One aspect where the Ender 3 Pro requires user involvement is bed leveling. Unlike some higher-end printers with automatic bed leveling, the Ender 3 Pro relies on manual adjustment. This means you need to physically adjust knobs at each corner of the print bed to ensure it’s properly aligned with the print head.
Initially, manual leveling can feel a bit fiddly. The goal is to achieve the correct distance between the nozzle and the print bed – too close, and the nozzle will grind; too far, and the first layer won’t adhere. I use a piece of paper as a feeler gauge, sliding it between the nozzle and bed until there’s a slight drag. Like adjusting valves on an engine, it requires a bit of practice.
In the beginning, I leveled frequently, even running test prints after each adjustment. However, with experience and a stable glass print surface (an upgrade I highly recommend over the stock magnetic bed for flatness), leveling became less frequent. Now, I can check and adjust the level in under 5 minutes and often go weeks or even ten prints without needing to re-level.
While digital auto-leveling kits are available as upgrades, I haven’t found them necessary. The only time re-leveling becomes essential after a longer period is if I change the nozzle, which can slightly alter the nozzle height.
Maintenance and Upgrades: Keeping it Running Smoothly
Like any machine, the Ender 3 Pro requires occasional maintenance. Over time, I’ve replaced a few parts, often opting for upgraded components. For instance, the stock plastic extruder body was replaced with an all-metal version for improved durability and filament feeding consistency. Similarly, upgrading the Bowden tube (the Teflon tube that guides filament to the hot end) with a higher quality option resolved issues with retraction and print quality. These upgrades are relatively inexpensive and readily available, reflecting the printer’s open and modifiable nature.
Noise and Environment: Consider the Location
Be aware that the Ender 3 Pro is not a quiet printer. The stepper motors and fans generate noticeable noise, especially during printing. While it doesn’t bother me in my workshop, it’s something to consider if you plan to use it in a shared living space or bedroom.
To maintain consistent print temperatures, especially during colder months, I built a simple enclosure for my printer. This helps stabilize the printing environment and reduces drafts, leading to improved print quality, particularly with materials like ABS. In hotter weather, ventilation becomes important to prevent overheating within the enclosure.
Print Quality: Impressively Detailed
Despite its budget price, the Ender 3 Pro delivers impressive print quality. Prints are typically clean, smooth, and detailed. It handles overhangs and unsupported spans better than expected for a printer in this class. My benchmark “Benchy” prints consistently come out well-formed and comparable to those from more expensive printers.
Print Accuracy: Generally Reliable
Accuracy is generally good for most hobbyist applications. I have encountered minor issues affecting accuracy, such as a loose Bowden tube or extruder slippage, but these were easily addressed with maintenance and upgrades. Currently, I’m investigating a slight dip in the bed travel in a specific area, but I’ve been able to work around it. Overall, with proper care and tuning, the Ender 3 Pro provides reliable print accuracy across various filament brands. I’ve used approximately 10-12 rolls (around 4000 meters) of filament without major issues.
Pros and Cons: Ender 3 Pro Printer Reviews Summary
Pros:
- Large Build Volume: Offers a generous 220 x 220 x 250mm build area for larger prints.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for money in the budget 3D printer category.
- Good Print Quality: Produces detailed and smooth prints.
- Active Community: Large and supportive online community providing ample resources and troubleshooting assistance.
- Upgradeability: Highly modifiable with readily available aftermarket parts and upgrades.
- Robust Build: Solid frame, motors, and mechanical components.
- Power Failure Recovery: Resumes prints after power outages.
- Decent Print Speed: Capable of reasonable printing speeds.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple and effective menu system.
- SD Card Printing: Prints directly from SD card, no computer required during printing.
Cons:
- Assembly Required: Not plug-and-play, requires initial assembly.
- Manual Bed Leveling: Requires manual bed leveling, which can be a learning curve for beginners.
- Some Budget Components: Some smaller stock parts may need upgrading for heavy use.
- Noise: Can be loud during operation.
- Size: Relatively large footprint, not ideal for small desks without an enclosure.
General Impression: A Fantastic Entry Point
Overall, I am very satisfied with the Creality Ender 3 Pro. For its price, it’s hard to ask for more. It’s an excellent entry point into 3D printing, especially for those who enjoy tinkering and learning about the technology. While it requires some initial setup and occasional maintenance, the print quality and community support make it a standout choice in the budget category. Unless you specifically need features like dual print heads or automatic bed leveling right out of the box, the Ender 3 Pro is a fantastic option to consider.
A Little Extra:
And yes, it does have a picture of a dragon on the front panel, if that adds to its appeal for you!
IMG_9940
Image showing a close-up of the Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D printer, highlighting its build plate and print head.
