Today we bring you the new series of Creality Ender 3 V3 printers of which we have up to 4 different models that we will talk about in more detail during the review although we will focus on its Ender 3 V3 version.
Creality is a proven brand, as well as being one of the ones that contributed the most to the growth of 3D printing with its different models adapted to any need/budget.
While a few weeks ago we analyzed the great Creality K1 Max, with which some of the versions of this Ender 3 V3 have a lot in common, in this case Creality opts for printers in a more traditional format without enclosure.
As always before continuing with the article, remind you that you can join 3DWork on our Telegram channel full of 3D printing deranged, or on our social networks Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.
Creality Ender 3 V3 Series
If there is a legendary printer model, it is the Creality Ender 3, probably a printer with which many people started in 3D printing helping to popularize this technology.
Creality has completely remodeled and updated this with the Ender 3 Series V3 adding very interesting improvements, as well as different versions to adapt it to each use/user. To do this, we are going to indicate the most important differences in each of them.
Kinematics
While in the V3 SE/KE versions we have a traditional Cartesian structure and kinematics where each axis has independent motors to perform the movements, in the V3 and V3 Plus a CoreXZ kinematics are used.
- Print volume, in the case of the V3 and V3 SE both share the same print volume 220*220*250 mm being in the case of the V3 KE somewhat smaller 220*220*240 mm. On the other hand, the V3 Plus goes up to 300*300*330 mm.
- Screen/Interface, in the V3 SE we have a 3.2″ screen to monitor and control the printer. In the V3 KE we increase to 4.3″ which we also have in the V3 and V3 Plus but in this case HD as mounted by the Creality K1.
- Price, we are not going to indicate the prices because they evolve over time but only indicate that the V3 SE model has the lowest cost being the entry model… the V3 KE due to its characteristics has a higher price than the previous one and finally the V3 and V3 Plus as the most expensive models.
Creality Ender 3 V3 Series… Comparison Table
In the following table you have in a more summarized way the comparison of all the versions of this Creality Ender 3 V3 series:
 Ender 3 V3 Plus |  Ender 3 V3 |  Ender 3 V3 KE |  Ender 3 V3 SE | |
| Structure | CoreXZ | CoreXZ | Cartesian | Cartesian |
| Build Volume | 300*300*330 mm | 220*220*250 mm | 220*220*240mm | 220*220*250 mm |
| Speed | max.600mm/s | max.600mm/s | max.500mm/s | max.250mm/s |
| Acceleration | max.20000mm/s2 | max.20000mm/s2 | max.8000mm/s2 | max.2500mm/s2 |
| Extruder | New high-speed direct drive extruder | New high-speed direct drive extruder | Upgraded “Sprite” direct drive | Sprite direct drive |
| Print Bed | PEI flexible build plate | PEI flexible build plate | PEI Spring Steel Bed | PEI Spring Steel Bed |
| Features | Auto Input Shaping (With G-sensor)Auto Z Offset & LevelingFully Auto Calibration Power Loss RecoveryFilament Run-out SensorG-sensorAI Camera (Optional) | Auto Input Shaping (With G-sensor)Auto Z Offset & LevelingFully Auto Calibration Power Loss RecoveryFilament Run-out SensorG-sensorAI Camera (Optional) | Auto Input Shaping (With G-sensor)Auto Z Offset & LevelingFully Auto Calibration Power Loss RecoveryFilament Run-out SensorG-sensor (Optional)AI Camera (Optional) | Auto Input Shaping (Without G-sensor)Auto Z Offset & Leveling Power Loss RecoveryFilament Run-out Sensor |
| Firmware | Creality OS | Creality OS | Creality OS | Marlin |
| Max. Extruder Temperature | ≤300°C | ≤300°C | ≤300°C | ≤260°C |
| Heatbed Temperature | ≤110°C | ≤110°C | ≤100°C | ≤100°C |
| Filaments | Regular PLA/PETG/ABSHigh-strength CR-Carbon PLA-CF/PETG-CFFlexible TPU (95A) | Regular PLA/PETG/ABSHigh-strength CR-Carbon PLA-CF/PETG-CFFlexible TPU (95A) | Regular PLA/PETG/ABSRegular PLA/PETG | Regular PLA/PETGRegular PLA/PETG |
Creality Ender 3 V3 Kit Contents
In our case, Creality provided us with the V3 model, which comes perfectly packaged in a fairly compact box.
As always, Creality pays special attention to the details and material included with everything necessary to carry out the assembly, first tests and basic maintenance of the machine. Of course, it only contains a small sample of filament in the kit so we advise you to have it on hand.
Creality Ender 3 V3 Branding
The assembly of the machine is really simple and in less than 5 minutes we will have it assembled and in 20 minutes we will probably have our printer working.
In the following video you have the whole start-up process wonderfully detailed and that surely can be of great help to you, you also have information in the included paper manual.
If we have followed the steps in the previous video, we will have our printer ready to print some of the example files that it includes.
Components and mechanics
The Creality Ender 3 V3 has an aluminum structure, according to Creality aluminum ADC12, solid and stable that, as we saw in the previous step, is assembled with a few screws.
The design is very elegant and with excellent finishes with a very robust finish
Kinematics
We have already told you that one of the novelties of this Ender 3 V3, and the V3 Plus, is its CoreXZ kinematics that thanks to its two motors allow fast and precise movements.
The system has straps for XZ with a self-tensioning system that has given us very good feelings, on the other hand this type of kinematics and the use of straps will reduce problems such as Z banding/wobble (artifacts on the Z axis).
With respect to the kinematics of the printing platform, we have two tubular linear guides, on LMU8 style bearings, ensuring fast and precise movements.
Extrusion and Print Platform
As for the extrusion system, we have a design very similar to the one used in the Creality K1, aesthetically beautiful and compact, with some very interesting changes about it.
The direct extrusion system has received different improvements such as a spring to improve the grip, an improved system for the filament tension lever and the use of more robust materials in the filament gears.
With respect to the hotend we have a powerful 60W ceramic heater, which will allow precise temperature control as well as very fast heating times, allowing on the other hand to reach up to about 300ºC which will allow us to work with a wide range of filaments.
We also have a tri-metal nozzle/barrel assembly, baptized as “unicorn”, with a quick change system. In our case and during our tests we have not had a single problem with the extrusion system working accurately and reliably.
Another important aspect of an extrusion system is the layer fan section and in this Creality Ender 3 V3 we loved it since it has a double layer fan, one on the front and one on the back, which will allow us to print at high speeds as well as being able to reach a greater angle of overhangs without the need for supports. We have a third fan, in this case for the cooling of the hotend, in which we can again see the detail and care of Creality in the design of the extrusion head so that the whole set is perfectly balanced.
With respect to the printing platform we can reach up to 110ºC, which also has an insulation/protector for the heater. In addition, as you can see in the following image, it has the leveling system, which we already saw in the Creality K1, where we do not have the traditional leveling system, being replaced by pressure sensors in the corners of the bed that will allow us to adjust the Z-Offset and the leveling mesh..
As a printing surface it has a magnetic PEI sheet that has given us good results during our tests.
Electronics
The Creality Ender 3 V3 has electronics to match the set.
The main electronics are located at the bottom of the printer, personally and in terms of temperature and access control we are not very keen on it but on this type of machine there are not many other options, along with the power supply of a generous 350W. We also find a fan, 60×15 mm, to keep the temperature under control at all times.
As for the electronics, dedicated as Klipper host, we have a 32b Genic X200 MCU, dual-core at 1.2 Ghz with 256 RAM, a bit special since it is based on MIPS32 architecture and developed by Creality (the electronics). Accompanying the MCU is a 2.4Ghz WiFi controller, and 8GB EMMC storage. We also have a USB connector on the right side.
In the control electronics section of the printer we have a GD32F303RET6 MCU accompanied by different connections/components among which we will highlight the 3 TMC2209 drivers that will control the motor of the Y axis and the two (A/B) of the XZ axis.
Moving on to the electronics or toolboard of the print head, MCU GD32F303CBT6,for the control of the extrusion motor, heaters, fans, etc… which is controlled by CrealityOS via a serial connection.
Finally, we have a third control electronics for the bed leveling system, using a GD32E230F8P6 MCU, responsible for the management of the pressure sensors.
In the screen section we have an interface in line with what we saw in the Creality K1 with a screen of the same characteristics that looks sensational and a clean, agile interface with a large number of options.
CrealityOS
Creality OS is the firmware that controls the printer, a Klipper customized by Creality. Which we believe that Creality would have to act in two sections to have a first-class machine… first, use current versions of Klipper and second, since you are using a firmware from the community, perhaps collaborate and support the community so that they continue to improve, just like other manufacturers do.
As we saw in the Creality K1, Creality has made a great effort since the different models of Ender 3 V3 were launched especially focused on its firmware, making different updates to solve problems, adding new functionalities and something that we loved and that we will talk about later in the improvements section… Root access to the firmware that will allow us to adjust our machine to a low level.
CrealityOS has a very simple web interface and limited options that we can use once we have connected our printer to our network and put the IP assigned to our machine in our favorite web browser (on a device that is on the same network.
Creality for this Ender 3 V3 gives us the option to access another more advanced and standard interface such as Fluidd. From our browser using the IP and port 4408 (http://<IP>:4408), where we can have total control of the machine, as well as be able to perform certain functions not available in the normal interface such as adjustment of different parameters, macros/configuration, etc… A more than advisable interface!!
Related to the option to access Fluidd we are happy that this brings another considerable improvement over previous versions of CrealityOS… being able to print directly from other laminators such as Bambu Studio/OrcaSlicer/PrusaSlicer/Cura without the need for extra modifications.
Tests and experience using Creality Ender 3 V3
The truth is that the Creality Ender 3 V3 looks sensational with a very compact format and with very good performance and quality.
During commissioning we used Creality’s own laminator, Creality Print, which we already gave you a brief introduction in our review of the Creality K1. In any case you have information on the Creality Wiki on how to use it, the recently released v5 has greatly improved the laminator and user experience.
For our first tests we used the laminated parts included in the Ender 3 V3… the traditional benchy, a scraper to remove prints or a functional folding mobile phone holder. All parts printed perfectly and smoothly.
Then we decided, with Creality Print, to laminate our own pieces and we decided on a set of flexy figures that have a certain complexity as they have joints, overhangs, etc., which can provide us with interesting information to make adjustments on the profile.
If you follow us you probably know that our favorite laminator is OrcaSlicer, which has a profile for this Ender 3 V3 obtaining excellent results as well.
As we mentioned in the CrealityOS section, we have access to the Fluidd web interface, something that will allow us to configure our OrcaSlicer to send our prints directly using <IP>:4408, as you can see in the following screenshot.
One feature we loved seeing in this Creality is the ability to exclude objects during printing. Something really useful when you print several objects and one of them fails and instead of repeating all the work you can exclude the object for the rest of the print thus saving most of the objects/job.
One of the features that many users find very interesting is the recovery of the impression in the event of failure. Klipper, CrealityOS remember that it is a customized version of it, it does not support this function directly.
The reality is that after doing different tests in no case could we obtain a fully functional part so we hope that they will improve it in the future, although we believe that without hardware that allows a controlled emergency stop it will be quite complicated.
Another noteworthy aspect is that the printer, despite being Cartesian and not having an enclosure, its noise levels during printing are acceptable if we take into account the speeds that are reached.
Although most of the tests have been carried out with PLA, we have also tested ASA and PETG with good results in both cases.
Improving the Creality Ender 3 V3
Although we have only been with the printer for a few weeks, we have not seen many points where we can improve.
In any case, something that caught our attention was the position of the filament roll in two aspects. The first and since the machine has a compact design the position of the filament spool made it take up more space, the second and most important is that in the original position the filament spool bothers the movement of the control wiring of the print head.
Again Creality, and listening to the community, provides us with a printable model and the instructions to be able to assemble the coil in a more suitable position… and we have to say that it has worked great for us!!
As we always do, we will create a collection of mods for the Creality Ender 3 V3 that you can follow in the following link.
Improving CrealityOS
In the case of the Creality K1, one of the main reasons for rooting and changing some system options was to be able to access the machine configuration and its macros, as well as being able to send prints from other laminators.
In the case of the Ender 3 V3 this was less necessary since, thanks to the fact that we have the Fluentd interface, we can do these two functions without modifying anything in the system.
Anyway, Creality continues to make available the root option in this printer, which is exactly the same as the one we already explained in the review of the Creality K1 or you have detailed in the Creality Helper Script wiki.
We have a lot of other options to install root enhancements but we advise you to check this information in the Wiki of the Creality Helper Script of the colleague Guilouz, to which if it is helpful invite you to a coffee, and evaluate for yourself which ones can be of help to you.
One of them, which in our case we have implemented without the need for root, is to have an M600 macro for filament change management. Directly from Fluidd entering the settings section.
First we will add, from the plus icon, a new file with the name M600-support-3v3.cfg where we will include the following macro… In the link above you can find the latest version.
########################################
# M600 Support
########################################
[respond]
[idle_timeout]
gcode:
{% if printer["gcode_macro M600"].m600_state == 1 %}
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="Stopping hotend heating..."
M104 S0
{% else %}
TURN_OFF_HEATERS
M84
{% endif %}
timeout: 1800
[filament_switch_sensor filament_sensor]
pause_on_runout: false
switch_pin: !PC15
runout_gcode:
M600
[gcode_macro _UNLOAD_FILAMENT]
gcode:
RESTORE_E_CURRENT
M109 S{printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].hotend_temp|int}
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="Unloading filament..."
M83
G1 E10 F300
G1 E-15 F3000
G1 E-22.4700 F2400
G1 E-6.4200 F1200
G1 E-3.2100 F720
G1 E5.0000 F356
G1 E-5.0000 F384
G1 E5.0000 F412
G1 E-5.0000 F440
G1 E5.0000 F467
G1 E-5.0000 F495
G1 E5.0000 F523
G1 E-5.0000 F3000
G1 E-15 F3000
SET_E_MIN_CURRENT
[gcode_macro _LOAD_FILAMENT]
gcode:
RESTORE_E_CURRENT
M109 S{printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].hotend_temp|int}
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="Loading filament..."
G91
G1 E100 F180
G90
M400
SET_E_MIN_CURRENT
[gcode_macro _PURGE_MORE]
gcode:
RESTORE_E_CURRENT
M109 S{printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].hotend_temp|int}
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="Purging filament..."
G91
G1 E10 F180
G90
M400
SET_E_MIN_CURRENT
[gcode_macro M600]
description: Filament Change
variable_m600_state: 0
variable_fan0_speed: 0
gcode:
{% set E = printer["gcode_macro PAUSE"].extrude|float %}
{% set y_park = printer.toolhead.axis_minimum.y|float - 5.0 %}
{% set x_park = printer.toolhead.axis_maximum.x|float - 10.0 %}
{% set max_z = printer["gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM"].max_z_position|float %}
{% set act_z = printer.toolhead.position.z|float %}
{% set z_safe = 0.0 %}
{% if act_z < 48.0 %}
{% set z_safe = 50.0 - act_z %}
{% elif act_z < (max_z - 2.0) %}
{% set z_safe = 2.0 %}
{% elif act_z < max_z %}
{% set z_safe = max_z - act_z %}
{% endif %}
{action_respond_info("z_safe = %s"% (z_safe))}
SET_GCODE_VARIABLE MACRO=M600 VARIABLE=m600_state VALUE=1
SET_GCODE_VARIABLE MACRO=PRINTER_PARAM VARIABLE=hotend_temp VALUE={printer.extruder.target}
SET_GCODE_VARIABLE MACRO=PRINTER_PARAM VARIABLE=z_safe_pause VALUE={z_safe|float}
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="Print paused for filament change!"
PAUSE_BASE
G91
{% if "xyz" in printer.toolhead.homed_axes %}
{% if printer.extruder.can_extrude|lower == 'true' %}
G1 E-1.0 F180
G1 E-{E} F4000
{% else %}
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="Extruder not hot enough!"
{% endif %}
G1 Z{z_safe} F600
M400
G90
G1 X{x_park} Y{y_park} F12000
{% endif %}
_UNLOAD_FILAMENT
SET_GCODE_VARIABLE MACRO=PRINTER_PARAM VARIABLE=fan2_speed VALUE={printer['output_pin fan2'].value}
SET_GCODE_VARIABLE MACRO=M600 VARIABLE=fan0_speed VALUE={printer['output_pin fan0'].value}
M106 P0 S0
M106 P2 S0
SET_IDLE_TIMEOUT TIMEOUT=900
SET_E_MIN_CURRENT
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="action:prompt_begin Filament change detected!"
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="action:prompt_text A necessary filament change has been detected. Please replace filament, LOAD it and click RESUME button."
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="action:prompt_button UNLOAD FILAMENT|_UNLOAD_FILAMENT|secondary"
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="action:prompt_button LOAD FILAMENT|_LOAD_FILAMENT|secondary"
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="action:prompt_button PURGE MORE FILAMENT|_PURGE_MORE|secondary"
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="action:prompt_footer_button CANCEL PRINT|CANCEL_PRINT|error"
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="action:prompt_footer_button IGNORE|RESPOND TYPE=command MSG=action:prompt_end|warning"
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="action:prompt_footer_button RESUME|RESUME|primary"
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="action:prompt_show"
[gcode_macro RESUME]
description: Resume the current print
rename_existing: RESUME_BASE
gcode:
RESTORE_E_CURRENT
{% if printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].hotend_temp|int != 0 %}
{% if printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].hotend_temp|int > printer.extruder.temperature %}
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="Starting hotend heating..."
M109 S{printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].hotend_temp|int}
{% else %}
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="Starting hotend heating..."
M104 S{printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].hotend_temp|int}
{% endif %}
SET_GCODE_VARIABLE MACRO=PRINTER_PARAM VARIABLE=hotend_temp VALUE=0
{% endif %}
{% if printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].fan2_speed > 0 %}
{% set s_value = (printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].fan2_speed * 255 - printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].fan2_min) * 255 / (255 - printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].fan2_min)|float %}
M106 P2 S{s_value} G1
{% endif %}
{% if printer['gcode_macro M600'].m600_state != 1 %}
{% set z_resume_move = printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].z_safe_pause|int %}
{% if z_resume_move > 2 %}
{% set z_resume_move = z_resume_move - 2 %}
G91
G1 Z-{z_resume_move} F600
M400
{% endif %}
{% endif %}
{% set E = printer["gcode_macro PAUSE"].extrude|float + 1.0 %}
{% if 'VELOCITY' in params|upper %}
{% set get_params = ('VELOCITY=' + params.VELOCITY) %}
{%else %}
{% set get_params = "" %}
{% endif %}
{% if printer["gcode_macro M600"].m600_state == 1 %}
{% if printer['gcode_macro M600'].fan0_speed > 0 %}
{% set s_value = (printer['gcode_macro M600'].fan0_speed * 255 - printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].fan0_min) * 255 / (255 - printer['gcode_macro PRINTER_PARAM'].fan0_min)|float %}
M106 P0 S{s_value} G1
SET_GCODE_VARIABLE MACRO=M600 VARIABLE=fan0_speed VALUE=0
{% endif %}
SET_GCODE_VARIABLE MACRO=M600 VARIABLE=m600_state VALUE=0
SET_IDLE_TIMEOUT TIMEOUT=1800
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="action:prompt_end"
{% else %}
{% if printer.extruder.can_extrude|lower == 'true' %}
G91
G1 E{E} F2100
G90
M400
{% else %}
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="Extruder not hot enough!"
{% endif %}
{% endif %}
RESPOND TYPE=command MSG="Resuming printing..."
RESUME_BASE {get_params}The next step will be to add the include in our printer.cfg, since we have several includes, in the initial part we will put it below:
[include M600-support-3v3.cfg]
Once the changes have been saved and Klipper has been restarted, the new M600 macros added will appear… which we can configure in our laminator as a filament change script.
The operation of this macro is very simple, when the system detects an M600 in the gcode or activated by a lack of filament the hotend goes to a parking area and downloads the filament.
At this point we will see from Fluidd a window with the options where we will launch LOAD FILAMENT when we have the filament ready. If we want to purge more filament than the default or it has not loaded correctly we can use PURGE MORE FILAMENT.
Once the loading process of the new filament is finished, remember to remove any remains, we will click on RESUME to continue with the printing.
Final rating Creality Ender 3 V3
This new Ender V3 Series has made a leap in quality, especially with the V3 and V3 Plus, where we have different versions to fit any use/budget.
Creality, and it is something that we love, continues to put special detail in the design and quality of its printers, something that in addition to aesthetics helps to improve the results and durability of these.
On the other hand, in the case of the Ender 3 V3, we have liked the good quality results in the prints made where we have not had any problems.
Also important that Creality accompanies this Ender 3 V3 with different improvements/updates that we can find on its website, one that we especially recommend is its pack of accessories that include a double-sided magnetic surface (PEO and PEI), the fabulous Space Pi filament dryer, the Nebula camera perfect for monitoring and time-lapse of our prints and 4 spare parts of the “unicorn” nozzle.
At the level of points to improve perhaps that the system of resumption in the event of printing failures gives better results, or improve with an assistant the change of filaments (M600) that can be done by screen instead of the simple PAUSE/RESUME, or to be able to have sound notifications in the event of certain events that are always helpful.
Where to buy the Creality Ender 3 V3
Creality has its ownonline store where you can buy the Ender 3 V3 directly as well as its accessories and spare parts.
In any case, we provide you with some links to other reference stores:
 Ender 3 V3 Plus |  Ender 3 V3 |  Ender 3 V3 KE |  Ender 3 V3 SE |
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