Over the last eight years, Creality has made a name for itself with its reliable, high-performing 3D printers like the flagship K1 Max and the budget-friendly Ender 3 series. It’s now looking to continue its success streak with the launch of the new CR-10 SE, an FDM printer for advanced users that specifically addresses some common issues affecting final print quality, while also providing a definite bump in print speed over its peers.
One of the crucial factors for a successful print is getting the first layer right, since it's literally the foundation for the rest of the model. There are many factors involved, but everything starts with ensuring a level printing bed. Without that, the extruder might scrape the bed or the first layer may adhere poorly, leading to dislodging later. The CR-10 SE tackles this by running an auto-leveling routine every time the printer starts up. Using not one but two sensors – a pressure sensor and its well known CR Touch sensor – it compensates for any Z-axis variations.
Maximum print speed is an impressive 600 mm/s with an 8,000 mm/s2 of acceleration. Creality has highlighted its use of precise linear rails made of high-strength steel that “guarantee pinpoint accuracy and stable motion” with a low friction coefficient. The CR-10 SE also has a dedicated fan for cooling the model as it prints, preventing sagging in bridges and overhangs. A direct-drive extruder ensures uniform filament feeding, and the 60 W ceramic heating element makes for a high flow rate of 32 mm3/s. The CR-10 SE uses printing algorithms that “mitigate the printer's vibrations with a G-sensor for minimal ringing or ghosting” and “optimize the feeding flow for fewer blobs and oozes”.
The Creality Cloud online platform – also available as a mobile app – provides a powerful ecosystem for 3D printing, serving as a model repository and a remote control/monitoring center for multiple printers. Creality Print, a self-developed slicer, can be used to create slicing models. Additional hardware upgrades for the CR-10 SE, such as LiDAR, camera, laser engraver and enclosure can be purchased as optional extras. These often overlooked benefits are important considerations for one’s first purchase.
The CR-10 SE is not yet in stock, but will be available soon on Creality’s online store for US$459. Meanwhile, you can buy the best-selling and highly rated Creality Ender 3 V2 3D Printer on Amazon