Creality K1C: The New Workhorse for Carbon Fiber Filaments

The Creality K1C is a high-speed, enclosed CoreXY 3D printer designed as an upgraded version of the popular K1. The "C" stands for carbon, highlighting its enhanced capability to print with abrasive, carbon fiber-filled filaments right out of the box. With its impressive speed, user-friendly features, and a focus on reliability, the K1C aims to be a top contender in the consumer 3D printing market.

Creality K1C review

Pros of the Creality K1C

  • Exceptional Speed and Quality: The K1C delivers on its promise of fast printing without sacrificing print quality. Its CoreXY kinematics and input shaping technology produce smooth, accurate results, even at high speeds.
  • Out-of-the-Box Reliability: The upgraded components—from the extruder to the hardened steel nozzle—address common issues found in previous models and ensure a more reliable printing experience, especially with tough filaments.
  • Excellent for Advanced Filaments: The all-metal hotend and hardened nozzle make it ideal for printing with engineering-grade filaments like PLA-CF, PA-CF, and PET-CF, which are known for their strength and durability.
K1C pros and cons
  • User-Friendly Experience: Features like the built-in AI camera, full auto-calibration, and a responsive touchscreen make this printer highly accessible for beginners while still offering advanced controls for experienced users.
  • Quiet Operation: While high-speed printers are often noisy, the K1C includes a silent mode and a dynamic cooling system that help reduce noise levels, making it more suitable for a home or office environment.
Creality K1C carbon fiber

Cons of the Creality K1C

  • Proprietary Parts: The unique "Unicorn" nozzle design, while convenient, means that replacement nozzles are more expensive and not as widely available as standard nozzles.
  • AI Camera Can Be Unreliable: While a major selling point, user reports suggest the AI failure detection can be inconsistent and may not always catch issues in time, a common issue for many consumer AI-enabled printers.
  • Limited Slicer Compatibility: For network printing and some advanced features, the printer is largely tied to Creality's proprietary software, Creality Print, which can be a drawback for users who prefer third-party slicers like PrusaSlicer or Cura.
  • Enclosure and Spool Holder: The enclosed design can make it awkward to access the rear-mounted filament spool holder, which can be a minor inconvenience for frequent filament changes.
Creality K1C price

User Reviews: 

The Creality K1C 3D printer receives widespread acclaim for its user-friendliness, making it an ideal choice for beginners and those upgrading from older models. Users appreciate the quick and easy setup, often starting prints just minutes after unboxing. Its impressive speed significantly reduces print times without compromising quality, and the printer reliably handles various filaments, including PETG, ABS, and TPU. Features like automatic bed leveling and a fully enclosed environment enhance the overall hassle-free experience. Users also commend the responsive customer support and the quality of the accompanying software, including a handy mobile app.

is the K1C worth it

However, some users report significant issues, such as receiving defective units that won't power on, non-functional touch screens, and heat bed errors during initial checks, indicating inconsistent quality control. Experiences with customer support can be frustrating, often involving long wait times and incomplete replacement parts, which can delay resolution until the return window has closed, leaving customers with non-functional printers. Additional complaints include frequent jams and noise, impacting the overall reliability of the machine.

Click below to check out the product on Amazon.

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Click here to read about other 3D printers that I have reviewed.

FAQ:

Q: Can Creality K1C print multiple colors?

A: Yes, the Creality K1C can be upgraded for multi-color printing using official accessories, such as the Creality CFS Filament System, which allows for automated multi-color printing. Additionally, you can achieve this manually by editing the G-code to pause the print for filament changes.

Q: Creality K1C or k1 difference?

A: The Creality K1C is an upgraded, carbon fiber-compatible version of the original K1. It features a more durable all-metal extruder with a tri-metal "unicorn" nozzle designed for abrasive filaments. Additionally, the K1C includes a built-in AI camera for monitoring prints and a factory-installed carbon air filter, along with other hardware and design improvements that enhance stability and user experience. In contrast, the original K1 lacks these features and uses a standard plastic extruder and brass nozzle, which tend to wear out more quickly, especially when working with tougher materials.

Q: What is the best slicer for Creality K1C?

A: The best and most highly recommended slicer for the Creality K1C is OrcaSlicer. It offers excellent functionality and a superior user experience compared to the default Creality Print software, especially after making potential modifications to the machine. While Cura and the official Creality slicer are available options, they are generally considered less optimized for the K1C. OrcaSlicer is the best choice to unlock the printer's full potential.