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Ender 3 V2 3D Printer – Specs, Features, and Everything Else You Need to Know
Creality Ender 3 V2
Summary
The Ender 3 V2 is an entry-level 3D printer that offers outstanding value for money. It is the upgraded version of the original Ender 3 and comes with improved print precision and better-built quality, as well as a host of features that make it easier to use and more reliable.
The updates included on the V2 keep it above the competition, and so it remains my number one recommendation when looking for your first 3D printer.
Introduction
With some great innovations and upgrades, the Ender 3 V2 should be top of your shopping list if you’re looking for your first 3D printer or an upgrade.
The original Creality Ender 3 soon became everyone’s favorite entry to 3D printing thanks to its low price and enthusiastic following of owners.
After a few years of dominating the market for beginners looking to get into 3D printing, the Ender has undergone a few upgrades, including a Pro model.
In 2020 the Ender 3 has now been given its most comprehensive overhaul to date. With a long list of tweaks and enhancements, the V2 model is sure to tempt yet more people into the world of 3D printing.
No doubt, some owners of the original model will be thinking of treating themselves to an upgrade to the latest model too.
About the Ender 3 V2
The Ender 3 V2 is one of the most popular entry-level 3D printers. It comes with so many great features but retails at a very low price. This relatively sizeable Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printer delivers excellent 3D printing precision, stability, and impeccable built quality. In this review, I will highlight the new features in the V2 model, as well as details about its specs, features, some of the pros and cons, and wrap up with additional information about setup and how it is in use.
Specifications
- Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Build Volume: 220 mm x 220 mm x 250 mm
- Layer Thickness: 0.1 – 0.4 mm
- Print Precision: 0.1 mm
- Maximum Hotbed Temperature: 100 Degrees Celsius
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Filament Type: PLA, TPU, PETG, and others
- Supported OS: Windows and Mac
- Slicer Software: Simplify 3D and Cura
- Printer Size: 475 mm x 470 mm x 620 mm
- Printer Weight: 7.8 Kilograms
Features
The Ender 3 V2 is loaded with some incredible features that set it apart from other 3D printers in its category and price range. Here are some of the key highlights:
- The V2 comes fitted with a standard V-guide rail designed to deliver excellent printer stability and precision. The rail is also wear-resistant and produces relatively less noise compared to many other 3D printers.
- The unit also features a Carborundum glass platform designed to deliver ultra-smoothness even on your first layer. The platform also heats up faster and ensures prints adhere better during and after printing.
- The Ender 3 V2 also has a user-friendly design that is easy for anyone to set up and use. You also get detailed instruction manuals on how to go about the setup process. With such a strong userbase, you’ll never be far away from online help and problem-solving.
- The printer is fitted with a proprietary Creality motherboard designed to offer smooth printing while reducing noise as much as possible thanks to its silent TMC2208 stepper drivers. Noise levels can be as low as 50 decibels putting it on par with some costly enclosed printers!
- The Ender 3 V2 comes complete with the state of the art Meanwell power supply. This gives you that extra bit of peace of mind for safety and reliability.
- The V2 model has an innovative XY-axis tensioner that helps you adjust belt tension faster, easier, and more conveniently.
- You also get a unique rotary knob neatly fitted on the extruder to make it easier for you to load and feed filament.
- The Ender 3 V2 also has a brand new easy to use interface. It is neat, well organized, and should be easy even for a beginner to get around it.
- This unit also features a wide range of add-ons, including a toolbox drawer that is well integrated into the printer. This helps you to organize all your tools and keep them close if and when you need them.
- The Ender 3 V2 also comes in a dark, metallic, sleek appearance that offers better aesthetics compared to other units at its price point.
- A resume printing function is also included to protect you against sudden power outages.
Pros
- Highly durable and sturdy build that will last for years
- User-friendly design with easy to follow instruction manuals
- Quick and easy filament loading
- Comes with an innovative rail pulley system that offers excellent stability and print precision
- Lots of improvements and upgrades from the original model
Cons
- Some people have had technical problems with the firmware
- Poor experience with customer support, but there are so many online communities dedicated the Ender 3 I would always recommend getting help there rather than from Creality!
- Like all 3D printers at this price range, there can be quality control issues. Creality is good at sending replacement parts, though.
Unboxing and Box Contents
The Ender 3 V2 ships in a relatively large, sturdy box and weighs around 9.8 Kg. The box is padded with black foam at the top and all around the printer for extra protection. It is important to note that the V2 is not entirely preassembled. This means that the box will have several parts and accessories that will ultimately need to be put together for the printer to work.
Nonetheless, the first thing you will notice is the instructions manual that comes neatly sealed in a transparent plastic bag. You also get a z-axis, the extruder assembly, and a spool holder in there. Creality also includes a new color display.
There is also the Z-axis motor, the printer bed, and a spool of PLA filament that you can use for your first test prints. Keep your eyes open for a plastic bag full of tools as well, including wrenches, zip ties, and others. A spatula is also included separately from the main tool bag. You also get an innovative belt tensioner bracket that will also need to be attached to the printer for smooth operation.
Creality also includes a MicroSD card with a USB adapter, two extra nozzles, an extruder knob, and several other nifty add-ons. Please also note that the first page of your user manual gives you a list of all items that are supposed to ship with the printer. Make sure they are all in there.
Setup
The Ender 3 V2 requires a small amount of assembly. Also, unlike some of the relatively more expensive 3D printers, the Ender 3 does not have automatic bed leveling. If you are new to this, it could take between 1 hour and 3 hours to get the printer ready. Experienced DIYers can do the job in less time, but still, it would probably be an hour at least.
Nonetheless, the first thing you want to do before setting up the printer is to make sure all bolts are fastened. We noticed that some bolts, especially on the printer base, are quite loose when the product ships. Just use the wrenches from the toolbox to tighten them up before moving to the next step.
According to the user guide inside the box, it takes a total of 9 steps to set up the Ender 3 V2, all of which are highlighted in the manual. But in case you ran into any issues, you can always reach out to customer support. There are also plenty of helpful YouTube videos that can help you with set up.
Software
The V2 uses free third party slicer software. You have the option of either choosing Cura or Simplify 3D. Both of these third-party slicers have a strong reputation for excellent ease of use. They also have some pedigree in the 3D printing world and are quite popular with many creators. You should easily get a good experience using either of them.
In Use
The Ender 3 V2 comes with a proprietary motherboard which is fitted with TMC2208 stepper drivers for noise reduction. According to Creality, the combined noise of fans and motors produces just 50 Decibels of noise, making it one of the quietest 3D printers out there.
We know that Creality has done so well to enhance print stability and precision on the V2, which has resulted in a much more reliable platform for creating your 3D prints.
Based on the new features alone, you expect this unit to provide relatively better print quality, and most people will likely get that. But if you are not able to, go back to the manual and just be sure you’ve set up everything correctly.
I have to say one of the disappointments with the V2 is the fact that the display is not a touch screen. Yes, it works fine, but there is just something about an interactive touch screen display that makes it easier and more exciting to use. Non-touch screens just seem a bit outdated now!
Customer Service
One area that Creality needs to improve is customer support. A majority of users noted that it takes way too long to get a response from customer support. Some even say they never heard back from the technical support team weeks after they sent their requests. But the great news is that there are a lot of user support materials out there for the Ender 3 V2. There are online forums, Reddit communities, and Facebook groups all dedicated entirely to the Ender 3, and they are all full of friendly and helpful Ender 3 owners that are more than willing to offer help and advice to other owners, especially newbies.
Conclusion
The Ender 3 V2 is an entry-level 3D printer that offers outstanding value for money. It is the upgraded version of the original Ender 3 and comes with improved print precision and better-built quality, as well as a host of features that make it easier to use and more reliable.
A large LCD display is also included for easy printer operation, plus you also get significantly less noise. The V2 also offers an easy to use interface and a durable sleek design. It is by far one of the best-built printers out there.
But there are a few issues to note. First, assembly takes time and requires a bit of effort, which may not suit everyone. Customer support could also use some improvement. We have also had some users complain about bed warping, indicating some quality control problems. But despite these issues, there is no doubt this is still a solid 3D printer, especially when you consider its price.
The updates included on the V2 keep it above the competition, and so it remains my number one recommendation when looking for your first 3D printer.
Dylan
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 16:48
