Creality K1 Max 3D Printer User Manual

Welcome

Thank you for choosing Creality products. This User Manual provides essential information for operating the K1 Max 3D printer. Please read it carefully and follow the instructions for the best experience. For support, contact Creality via phone or email as provided at the end of this manual. Additional resources, including software, hardware information, and warranty details, are available on the official website: https://www.creality.com.

1. About the Device

1.1 About the Printer

The K1 Max 3D printer features the following components:

• Top cover: Encloses the printing chamber.
• AI LiDAR: Advanced sensor for print monitoring.
• Filament detection: Sensor to detect filament presence.
• Camera: For monitoring and AI detection.
• Extruder kit: Houses the direct drive extrusion system.
• Back Fan: For cooling internal components.
• Side Fan: Additional cooling.
• Air Filter: Purifies air within the chamber.
• Printing platform: The build surface where models are printed.
• Front door: Access to the build chamber.
• USB flash disk port: For loading print files.
• Screen: Touchscreen interface for printer control.
• Filament Rack: Holds the filament spool.
• Switch: Power switch.
• Power outlet: Connection for the power cable.
• Ethernet Port: For wired network connection.

1.2 Device Specifications

1.3 Packing List

The package includes the following accessories:

• 1 x Printer Unit
• 1 x Screen
• 1 x Filament Spool
• 1 x Tool Box containing:
• 1 x Wrench and Screwdriver set
• 1 x Blade
• 1 x Filament Rack
• 1 x Cutting plier
• 1 x 1.2mm nozzle cleaner
• 1 x USB flash disk
• 1 x Power Cable
• 1 x M6 socket spanner
• 4 x Damping Pads
• 2 x M3x12 Belt tensioning screws
• 1 x Quick Installation Guide
• 1 x After-sales Services Card

Note: Accessory contents may vary. Please refer to the physical items received.

2. Unboxing and Installation

2.1 Unpacking Steps

Follow these steps to unpack the printer:

1. Carefully remove the packing cotton and tools in the indicated order.
2. Handle the top cover with care, as the glass is fragile.
3. Take out the touch screen and power cable.
4. Move the extruder to one side as indicated by the arrow and remove the grey foam.

2.2 Install the Product

Connecting the Touch Screen:

• Connect the touch screen to the flat cable extending from the base (Figure A). Ensure correct orientation to avoid damaging the screen interface.
• Snap the touch screen into the slot in the baseplate (Figure B).

Caution: Do not power on the machine while connecting or disconnecting the touch screen. Handle the flexible flat cable carefully.

Assembly Steps:

1. Connect the screen and power on the device.
2. Install the material barrel.
3. Load filaments: Insert the filament into the deepest part of the Teflon tube until it cannot be moved further.
4. Install the top cover by gently placing it on top of the machine.

Caution:

• When printing low-temperature filaments (e.g., PLA) in ambient temperatures above 30°C, remove the clear top cover.
• When printing high melting-point filaments (e.g., non-PLA, non-flexible), keep the chamber sealed with the top cover closed to prevent print warping.

Initial Setup:

1. Select a language and click "Next".
2. Remove three screws (labeled a, b, c in the diagram) as indicated by the yellow arrows and click "OK" on the screen.
3. Ensure the blue cube (likely a sensor or calibration point) is clean of debris and click "OK".

3. About the User Interface

3.1 Main Interface (Print Interface)

The main interface displays key printing parameters:

• Nozzle Temperature: Current and target nozzle temperature.
• Bed Temperature: Current and target bed temperature.
• Parameters: Can be manually adjusted.
• Prepare: Access to preparation functions.
• LED switch: Control printer lighting.
• Cooling inlet: Fan speed control.
• Print Time Remain: Estimated time remaining for the print job.

3.2 Files

Navigate and manage print files:

• Local model: Files stored on the printer's internal memory.
• USB flash drive model: Files stored on a connected USB drive.
• Printing: Current print status.
• History: Log of past print jobs.

Tip: Press and hold a model to multi-select and copy files to a USB flash drive.

3.3 Tune & Support

Access advanced settings and support information:

• Tune: Adjust print parameters during a print.
• System: System settings and information.
• Support: Access help, error history, and log upload functions.
• Network: Network configuration options.

4. First Printing

4.1 Local Printing

To start a print from local storage:

1. Select the desired model from the "Local model" list.
2. Choose the "Select to print" option.
3. The printer will then proceed with the printing process.

Note: Ensure the Extrusion switch is off before starting a print.

4.2 LAN Printing

Print models over your local network using Creality Print software:

1. Download Creality Print from www.crealitycloud.com or install it from the provided USB flash drive.
2. Ensure your computer is on the same local area network (LAN) as the printer.
3. Choose your preferred language and region within the software.
4. Select your printer model.
5. Click "Import Model" and choose your model file.
6. Open the model and click "Start Slicing" to prepare the print file.
7. Select the "LAN printing" option.
8. Add a device: You can add the printer by scanning for devices on the network or by manually entering its IP address.
9. Select the desired device from the list.

4.3 CrealityCloud Printing

Print wirelessly using the Creality Cloud platform:

1. Scan the QR code provided to download the Creality Cloud mobile app.
2. Sign up for a Creality Cloud account.
3. Log in to your account.
4. Add a new device (K1 Max) by scanning the QR code displayed on the printer's screen or by manual binding.
5. Select your model on the homepage.
6. Slice the model using the available tools.
7. Select a device to print on.
8. Start the print job. The printer will begin printing remotely.

5. Functional Specification

5.1 Filament Retreat

To remove filament from the extruder:

Method 1 (Manual Heating):

1. Input the target nozzle temperature on the screen and wait for it to heat up.
2. Extract the filament from outside the printer.
3. Unlock the extrusion switch.
4. Remove the filament from the extruder.
5. Remove the PTFE tube from the top of the extruder.

Method 2 (Using "Retract" Button):

1. Click the "Retract" button on the screen.
2. Wait for the screen to display "Retraction done".
3. Extract the filament from outside the printer.

5.2 Change Filament

To replace filament during or before a print:

1. Trigger the filament runout sensor (if applicable) or manually initiate filament change.
2. Unlock the extrusion switch.
3. Remove the filament from the extruder.
4. Click on the screen to change the filament.
5. Remove the PTFE tube from the top of the extruder.
6. Click on the "Retract" button and wait for "Retraction done".
7. Extract the old filament from the removed PTFE tube.
8. Reinsert the PTFE tube into the extruder.
9. Attach the filament feeding mechanism.
10. Lock the extrusion switch.
11. Load the new filament from outside the printer.
12. Click on the "Feed" button and wait for filament to flow from the nozzle.
13. Return to the printing page and click "Resume Print" if the printer was paused.

5.3 Calibration

Calibration enables the machine to perform bed leveling before printing.

Note:

• Ensure the calibration plate sticker is clean and undamaged.
• Do not stare directly at the laser when it is activated.

First-layer detection: The printer uses AI LiDAR and a first-layer detection algorithm to check the first layer of the model. It reports any quality issues to prevent printing failures and material waste.

AI LiDAR: This system comprises a laser and sensor. The laser detects the object's surface, and the sensor records changes to generate point cloud data for processing. It is used for first-layer detection.

5.4 AI Function

AI Detection: When enabled, the chamber camera monitors the printing process. If a defect is found, a reminder window appears. Enabling "Push Pause Printing" will automatically pause the print if a defect is detected.

Motion Advance: This feature improves print quality by compensating for mechanical system response delays during direction changes. It ensures accurate extrusion alignment, reducing imperfections like blobs or gaps.

Input Shaping: This function addresses surface unevenness (ringing) caused by machine resonance. An input shaping sensor detects the printer's resonance frequency, and an algorithm corrects this state to eliminate chatter marks, resulting in smoother surfaces.

5.5 Self-inspection

After printing starts, the printer will pause and provide a reminder if foreign objects are on the platform or if the previous model was not removed, to prevent extruder damage. If first-layer detection is turned off, it will not be performed during calibration. The "Push pause printing if Any Fault" feature is effective for both AI detection and first-layer detection.

5.6 Network Settings

5.6.1 Wired connection: Connect the network cable and check the connection status via Settings > Local Network on the screen.

5.6.2 WIFI connection: Navigate to Settings > Network > WIFI Connection, select your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password. (Supports 2.4 GHz only).

6. Tips and Routine Maintenance

6.1 Precautions for Printing

6.1.1 Lubrication and maintenance:

For optimal performance, lubricate the blue-marked areas (Y-axis optic axis, X-axis optic axis 1 & 2, Z-axis optic axis 1, 2, & 3, Screw rod 1, 2, & 3) every 300 operating hours. Apply grease to the middle part, and the printer's movement will distribute it evenly. Users can purchase suitable grease for maintenance.

6.1.2 Use and maintenance of flexible platform:

After the printed model has cooled, remove it from the device. Slightly bend the flexible platform to separate the model. Avoid excessive bending to prevent deformation.

6.1.3 Cleaning of debris inside the chassis:

• Scrape off filament residue from the platform with a blade, exercising caution.
• For better adhesion, apply glue stick evenly on the platform surface. Clean residual solid glue with water.

Reminder: If the first layer adhesion is poor after 300 printing hours, or after replacing the platform or nozzle, recalibrate the platform. It is recommended to replace the printing platform periodically to ensure good first-layer adhesion.

6.2 Maintenance Items

Filament Replacement:

• Same kind: Follow the normal Retreat - Feed process.
• Different kinds: Preheat nozzle to target temperature, retract current filament. Replace with target filament, preheat nozzle to the higher temperature of the two filaments. Feed for 30s until filament is fully extruded. Set nozzle temperature to the current filament's required temperature.

7. Damping Pads Installation

Damping Pads can improve printer stability during printing. Refer to the diagram for specific installation methods.

8. 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

Shenzhen Creality 3D Technology Co., Ltd.

Address: 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

Email: cs@creality.com

Note: The actual product may differ from the pictures shown. Shenzhen Creality 3D Technology Co., Ltd. reserves the right of final interpretation.