Creality K1 3D Printer User Manual
Create reality, achieve dreams
Model: K1
Version: V1.0
Dear Users
Thank you for choosing Creality products. For the best experience, please read this User Manual carefully and strictly follow the instructions to operate the printer. Our teams are ready to provide the best services. Contact us via the phone number or e-mail address provided at the end of this manual for any issues. For a better experience, you can also learn how to use the printer via: Accompanied instructions and videos on the USB flash disk, or visit our official website (https://www.creality.com) for software, hardware, contact information, device instructions, and warranty information.
NOTES
- Do not use the printer in any way other than described herein to avoid personal injury or property damage.
- Do not place the printer near any heat source or flammable or explosive objects. We suggest placing it in a well-ventilated, cool, and dustless environment.
- Do not expose the printer to violent vibration or any other unstable environment, as this may cause poor print quality.
- Please use recommended filaments to avoid clogging of the extrusion head and causing damage to the machine.
- Do not use the power cable of other products during installation. Always use a grounded three-prong power outlet that accompanies the printer.
- Do not touch the nozzle and the heated bed during operation to avoid burns or personal injury.
- Do not wear gloves or wraps while operating the machine to prevent entrapment of movable parts that could cause crushing and cutting injuries.
- Use the provided tools to clean the filament from the extruder, taking advantage of residual temperature after printing. Do not touch the extruder directly when cleaning, otherwise, it may cause burns.
- Clean the printer frequently. Clean the printer body with a dry cloth regularly after powering off the printer, wipe away dust, bonded print filament, and foreign objects on the guide rails.
- Children under 10 years old should not use the printer without supervision, otherwise it may cause personal injury.
- Users should comply with the laws and regulations of the corresponding countries and regions where the equipment is located, abide by professional ethics, pay attention to safety obligations, and strictly prohibit the use of our products or equipment for any illegal purposes. Creality will not be responsible for any violators' legal liability under any circumstance.
- Tip: Do not plug in or unplug wires on a charged basis.
1. About the Device
1.1 About the Printer
The Creality K1 3D printer has the following components:
- Top cover: The uppermost part of the printer enclosure.
- Nozzle assembly: Houses the hot end for melting and extruding filament.
- Filament detection: Sensor that detects if filament is present or has run out.
- Front door: Access to the print chamber.
- Side Fan: Provides cooling for components or the print.
- Back Fan: Typically for component cooling.
- Material barrel: Holds the filament spool.
- Printing platform: The surface where the 3D model is built.
- Switch: Power switch for the device.
- Power outlet: Connection for the power cable.
- Touch screen: The primary user interface for controlling the printer.
- USB flash disk port: For loading print files via USB.
- Toggle Switch: Likely a power or mode switch.
1.2 Device Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
---|---|
Product Model | K1 |
Dimensions | 355*355*480mm |
Machine Weight | 12.5kg |
Max. Build Dimensions | 220*220*250mm |
Print Technology | FDM |
Rated Voltage | 100-120V~/200-240V~, 50/60Hz |
Rated Power | 350W |
Ambient temperature | 10℃-30℃ / 50°F-86°F |
Extruder | Sprite Direct Drive |
Supported Filament | PLA/TPU/PETG/ABS/PET/Carbon |
Max. Heated Bed Temperature | 100℃ |
Max. Nozzle Temperature | 300℃ |
User Interface | 4.3 inch touch screen |
Print Interface | USB Flash Disk/LAN Printing |
Power Loss Recovery | Yes |
Filament Detection | Yes |
Auto leveling | Yes |
1.3 Packing List
Main Components:
- 1 Printer
- 2 Touch screen
- 3 Filament
Tool Box List:
- 4 Wrench and Screwdriver
- 5 Blade
- 6 Material barrel
- 7 Cutting plier
- 8 1.2mm nozzle cleaner
- 9 USB flash disk
- 10 Lubricating Grease
- 11 Power Cable
- 12 M6 socket spanner
- 13 Glue Stick
- 14 Quick Guide
- 15 After-sales Services Card
Tips: The accessories listed are for reference only. Please refer to the physical accessories provided.
2. Unboxing
2.1 Unpacking Steps
Follow these steps to safely unpack your printer:
- Carefully open the top of the box and remove the top foam insert.
- Lift out the accessory box and other smaller components.
- Remove the protective covers from the printer.
- Lift the printer out of the main box, supporting its base.
- Locate and disconnect the power cord. Gently move the cable management chain to one side as indicated by the arrow.
- Remove the grey foam block from the printer's interior.
- Push the extruder assembly in the direction indicated by the arrow and remove any remaining foam.
- Open the front door and remove the foam from the base of the print chamber.
2.2 Install the Product
- Connect the Touch Screen: Take the touch screen from the accessory box. Connect its flat cable to the corresponding port on the printer's base. Snap the screen into place on the baseplate. Ensure it is oriented correctly to avoid damaging the interface.
- Caution: Do not power up the machine while connecting or disconnecting the touch screen. Handle the flexible flat cable gently.
- Connect Power and Install Material Barrel: Ensure the power supply switch is set correctly for your region's mains voltage (115V for 100-120V, 230V for 200-240V). Connect the power cable. Install the material barrel onto its designated mount.
- Caution: Please ensure the correct position for the power supply switch and mains before supply connection to avoid device damage.
- Load Filaments: Insert the filament into the deepest part of the Teflon tube until it cannot be moved further.
- Install the Top Cover: Place the top cover onto the printer.
- Select Language and Remove Screws: On the touch screen, select your preferred language (e.g., English) and click "Next". Remove screws labeled 'a', 'b', and 'c' as indicated by the yellow arrows. Click "OK" on the screen.
- Clean and Confirm: Ensure the blue cube (likely a sensor or calibration point) is clean of debris. Click "OK".
2.3 Power-on guide
Follow the on-screen prompts for initial setup:
- Network Settings: Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Time Zone Settings: Select your local time zone.
- Creality Cloud binding: Scan the QR code to bind your device with the Creality Cloud service.
- Self-inspection: The printer will perform an automated self-inspection process, which may take approximately 11 minutes.
- Self-testing: The printer tests various functions including nozzle heating, hotbed heating, cooling fans, input shaping, and auto leveling.
- Self-test completed: A confirmation message will appear upon successful completion.
Reminder: When the printing time of the device exceeds 300 hours, or if the printing platform or nozzles have been replaced, the distance between the platform and nozzles may change, potentially affecting the first layer adhesion. Please calibrate the platform regularly.
Note: The current interface is for reference only. Due to continuous firmware upgrades, the interface may differ from the latest version published on the official website.
3. About the User Interface
3.1 Tune, Prepare
The printer interface is divided into several sections for operation:
- Main Screen: Displays temperature graphs for the nozzle and bed, axis movement controls (X, Y, Z, E), and manual parameter setting options.
- Print Interface: Shows the model name, current nozzle and bed temperatures, print progress (percentage, elapsed time, remaining time), LED switch, cooling inlet status, and print time.
- Prepare Screen: Allows adjustment of axis movement, temperature, extrusion, retraction, and cooling fan speeds (Model fan, Side fan, Back fan). The nozzle temperature can be automatically heated up to 240°C before extrusion or retraction.
Note: The current interface is for reference only. Due to continuous firmware upgrades, the interface may differ from the latest version published on the official website.
3.2 Files
Manage your print files through the following tabs:
- Local model: Access files stored directly on the printer.
- USB drive: View files available on an inserted USB flash drive. You can select files to copy to the printer's local storage or delete them.
- History: Review past print jobs, including file name, start time, total duration, and status.
Note: The current interface is for reference only. Due to continuous firmware upgrades, the interface may differ from the latest version published on the official website.
3.3 Tune, Support
Access system settings and support resources:
- Tune Section:
- System Settings: Adjust Screen Brightness, Screen off timer, Language selection, run Self-inspection, and configure Time Zone Settings.
- Network Settings: View and manage Wi-Fi connections.
- Support Section:
- Help Menu: Access Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the Online Manual.
- Error history: View a log of past error codes, their occurrence times, and details.
- Upload Log: Option to upload system logs for troubleshooting.
Note: The current interface is for reference only. Due to continuous firmware upgrades, the interface may differ from the latest version published on the official website.
4. First Printing
4.1 USB flash disk Printing
- Insert the storage device: Plug a USB flash drive containing your print file into the printer's USB port.
- Select USB flash drive model: Navigate to the "USB drive" tab on the printer's interface and select your desired model file.
- Select to print: Choose the "Print" option for the selected model.
- Printing: The printer will begin the printing process. Monitor progress on the interface.
Note: The current interface is for reference only. Due to continuous firmware upgrades, the interface may differ from the latest version published on the official website.
4.2 LAN Printing
Print wirelessly using the Creality Print software:
- Download and Install Software: Download the "Creality Print" software from www.crealitycloud.com or find it on a USB flash drive and install it. Tip: Ensure your computer is on the same local area network as the printer.
- Choose Language and Region: Launch Creality Print and select your preferred language and region.
- Choose a Printer: Select your printer model (e.g., K1_0.4 nozzle) from the available options.
- Select Model File: Navigate to the "Model Library" and choose the 3D model file you wish to print.
- Download Model: Select the option to download the model to the printer or cloud.
- Log into Creality Cloud: Log in to your Creality Cloud account. You may need to scan a QR code to download the Creality Cloud app.
- Start Slicing: Begin the slicing process for your model.
- Selection of LAN Printing: Choose the LAN printing option to send the sliced file to the printer over the network.
- Add a Device:
- a. Add by scanning: Scan for available printers on the network and select your device.
- b. Add by manually entering IP address: Enter the printer's IP address to connect.
- Device List: View a list of connected printers.
- Device Details: Access detailed information and controls for the selected printer.
Note: The current interface is for reference only. Due to continuous firmware upgrades, the interface may differ from the latest version published on the official website.
5. Functional Specification
5.1 Extrude, Filament Retreat
The printer interface allows control over filament extrusion and retraction:
- Extrude: This function allows you to feed filament through the nozzle. The interface shows nozzle heating (up to 240°C) and the extrusion process, indicating when it is complete.
- Filament Retreat: This function pulls filament back from the nozzle. The interface guides you through preparing to retract, the retraction process, and confirms when retraction is done.
Note: The current interface is for reference only. Due to continuous firmware upgrades, the interface may differ from the latest version published on the official website.
6. Tips and Routine Maintenance
If you encounter issues not resolved by the manual:
- Visit crealitycloud.com/product, click "Products", select your model, and then click "Related" for tutorials.
- Contact the after-sales service center at +86 755 3396 5666 or email cs@creality.com.
6.1 Maintenance Items
Maintenance Item | Maintenance Instructions | Frequency/Condition |
---|---|---|
Machine cleanup | Clean the debris inside the machine to ensure that its operation is not affected. | Before each print |
Hot end | Solution to extruder blockage: After preheating and removing filaments, raise extruder temperature and use a cleaner to poke out blocked filaments. | After extruder blockage |
Replace the nozzle. | After each change of filaments | |
Check if the wire output is normal; if not, check if the extruder is blocked. Check the nozzle for filament residue; if so, heat the nozzle and remove it with a tool. | Before each print | |
Printing platform | Check the surface for residual filaments and glue; if so, clean the surface of the platform. | Before each print |
Motion mechanism | XYZ optic axis lubrication. | Cumulative print time per 500 hours |
Equipment self-test | Axis movement. Optimization of vibration veins. Auto Leveling. | Cumulative print time per 300 hours |
Filament replacement | Replacement of filaments of the same kind: follow the normal Retreat – Feed process. | - |
Replacement of different filaments: Preheat nozzle to target temperature of current filament; retreat it, replace with target filament, preheat nozzle to higher filament extrude temperature; feed for 30s until completely extruded, then set nozzle temperature to the target filament's temperature. | - |
6.2 Error code descriptions
Error code descriptions | Parameters |
---|---|
E0001 | Motor drive exception |
E0002 | Internal errors |
E0003 | Communication failure |
E0004 | Not heated as expected |
E0005 | Hotbed temperature anomaly |
E0006 | Extruder failure |
E0007 | Exception for printing file coordinates |
E0008 | Print quality problems are detected and printing is suspended |
E0200 | Unknown error is detected in printing |
E0201 | Temperature anomaly in the temperature cavity |
E0203 | Vibration vein optimization sensor failure |
E0204 | Fan anomaly |
E0205 | Network anomaly |
E0206 | Printing quality problems are detected |
E0207 | z-Touch exception is detected, please try again |
E0208 | File copy exception is detected, please try again |
E0500 | Unknown exception |
6.3 Precautions for printing
6.3.1 Lubrication and maintenance
Regular lubrication of the printer's motion system is crucial for smooth operation and longevity. Pay attention to the following points:
- X-axis optic axis (1 and 2)
- Y-axis optic axis (1 and 2)
- Z-axis optic axis (1, 2, and 3)
- Screw rod (1, 2, and 3)
Tips: Please grease and lubricate the designated areas regularly as shown in the diagrams.
6.3.2 Use and maintenance of flexible platform
- After the printed model has cooled down, remove it from the device. Partially bend the platform slightly to separate the model from it. Avoid excessive bending to prevent deformation.
- Residue of filament on the platform can be scraped off with a blade. Be cautious of safety when using the blade.
- If the first layer of the model is not adhering well, it is recommended to apply glue stick evenly on the surface of the platform.
Reminder: Since the printing platform is a wear part, it is recommended to replace it regularly to ensure proper adhesion of the first layer.
6.3.3 Cleaning of debris inside the chassis
Regularly clean any debris that accumulates inside the printer chassis to maintain optimal performance.
FCC Statement
FCC Caution:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.
Company Information
Since each model is different, the actual product may be different from the picture. Please refer to the actual product.
The final interpretation right belongs to Shenzhen Creality 3D Technology Co., Ltd.
SHENZHEN CREALITY 3D TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
Add: 18th Floor, JinXiuHongDu Building, Meilong Road, Xinniu Community, Minzhi Street, Longhua District, Shenzhen City, China.
Official Website: www.creality.com
Tel: +86 755-8523 4565
E-mail: cs@creality.com
Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS, CPGC (CHINA FAMOUS BRAND)