|
Ender 5 Pro is an affordable core XY desktop 3D printer manufactured by Creality. It uses extrusion 3D printing technology for printing objects of various geometries. Although being a printer priced under $400, it offers a build volume of 220 mm * 220 mm * 300 mm.
The machine is equipped with a build plate that is able to heat up to 100 degrees Celsius in five minutes. Moreover, its magnetic bed permits users to easily remove 3D printed models.
Ender 5 Pro hosts an MK10 extruder that comes with a reduced risk of filament jamming. To encourage user interaction and quick control, the printer manufacturer has provided an LCD screen on the printer’s body.
Equipped with the similar kind of cubic frame that is seen in all the Ender 3D printers by Creality, Ender 5 Pro offers useful upgrades at the cost of $50. Ender 5 Pro is a level up than Ender 5.
So, now let’s find out the features that this newer version has that make it more intriguing not only than its predecessor, but also other competitors in the same price range.
Features
Ender 5 Pro houses a brand new Capricon PTFE tubing, an updated Y-axis motor, metal extruder, and other minor improvements over Ender 5. It’s loaded with ergonomic features such as magnetic self-adhesive bed adhesion, all-new metal extruding unit, a modular design demanding minimal assembly, and a lot more mentioned and explained below.
Augmented Silent Mainboard
Ender 5 Pro is packed with the V1.15 ultra-mute mainboard along with TMC2208 drivers making certain that the printer does not make much noise. Moreover, the upgrade also includes Marlin 1.18 and Bootlander already installed to give its users more capabilities to tweak with the software around.
Also, the mainboard has thermal runaway protection so in case the printer reaches higher than the temperature it can withstand, there is an extra layer of protection that deals with the problem effectively.
Long-Lasting Extruder Frame
This is a feature that has managed to capture a lot of professional 3D designer’s attention. The upgraded extruder frame manages to build up a better amount of pressure when the filament is being pushed through the nozzle.
Thereby almost eliminating the problem of nozzle clogging! Creality also ships an adjustable bolt in the metal extruder for users who live to experiment with different types of filaments differing from each other in terms of their physical properties.
Suitable Filament Tubing
Ender 5 Pro comes with the Capricorn Bowden-style PTFE tubing. This upgrade is made to enhance the overall usability of the printer by allowing them to switch from TPU to TPE and other exotic thermoplastic materials with ease.
The printer’s highly improved filament tubing consists of an internal diameter of 1.9 mm varying by 0.05 mm, reducing any excess space, preventing filaments to bend as well as warp. The component has an excellent grip over the filaments especially the flexible ones and even delivers higher tolerances.
Straightforward Assembly
This feature makes Ender 5 Pro a beginner-friendly 3D printer. The printer arrives as a DIY kit with a pre-assembled axis. So, the users have to start directly by fixing the Z-axis to the base and get the wiring sorted. That’s all as far as the initial setup is concerned.
Double Y-axis Control System
Creality has put into place a very efficient Y-axis- motor that complements the increased print area on Z-axis. A distinct double Y-axis control system allows the motor on the same to run along both sides of the gantry thereby attributing a stable output and integrating smoother movements. This upgrade ensures that Ender 5 Pro is vibration-free during the performance, specifically while printing for long hours.
V-slot Profile
The printer incorporates a cautiously designed top-quality V-slot profile and pulley amounts to better stability and a highly refined experience. Moreover, the V-slot profile present in the printer’s construction is wear-resistant. Also, it makes the printer quieter during 3D printing. Additionally, it prolongs the life of the machine.
Removable Magnetic Build Plate
Creality has put in place a magnetic build plate that enables users to remove parts from the bed effortlessly. Also, the component shows excellent adhesive property due to which the complete process of part removal from the build plate is hassle-free. You can take off the build plate, remove your print and adjust it back without any complications.
Power Recovery
Just like its predecessor, Ender 5 Pro has an active power recovery feature allowing users to resume printing from the place they left it during a power outage.
Due to this function, the 3D printed part’s progress will be saved on the printer’s system, and in case of a sudden power outage or accidental shutdown; the feature becomes no less than a boon.
Flexible Filament Compatible
Ender 5 Pro allows users to print with a variety of filaments including the very sophisticated flexible filaments. Thanks to the high temperature resisting Capricorn Bowden tubing, the printer can comfortably go a little over 250 degrees Celsius without any trouble.
New and Improved Filament Tubing
The Capricorn Bowden tubing is a joy to use component. Because of its 1.9 mm diameter with 0.05 mm tolerance, all the filaments slide straight in.
Such a construction reduces any excess wiggle room, thereby preventing the filament from buckling inside the tube. This slight upgrade has a huge impact on the overall usability of Ender 5 Pro.
Meanwell Power Supply
The printer features a Meanwell power supply of 350 Watts, 24 Volts. It quickly heats the print bed up to 135 degrees Celsius in just five minutes. Such a fast heating rate means a decrease in overall print time needed for 3D printing a part.
Specifications
Ender 5 Pro is based on FDM 3D printing technology. It is able to print parts with a maximum build volume of 220 mm * 220 mm * 300 mm. The minimum layer height possible on 3D printed objects is 100 microns. The machine holds a nozzle size of 0.4 mm.
The printer’s nozzle and hotbed can withstand maximum temperatures up to 260 and 135 degrees Celsius respectively. Creality recommends users print with an average speed of 60 millimeters per second.
Ender 5 Pro features an Aluminum frame that enables stable 3D printing. Users can connect with the printer using an SD card. The printer comes semi-assembled and is easy to set up.
Ender 5 Pro is compatible with PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU as well as 3rd party filaments with a 1.75 mm diameter.
Price
Ender 5 Pro is available at a price of $379.
First Impression
552 mm * 485 mm * 510 mm in dimensions, Creality Ender 5 Pro is almost cubical. It weighs 11.8 kilograms and therefore is easily transportable from one room to the other without much hassle. The printer has a standard gantry with a support type design that is seen in almost all Ender models by Creality.
A little bit of wiring is visible over the top of the print head. That wire cable connects the extruder with a nozzle system. Also, there is a display screen present and placed at 45 degrees right next to the printer, increasing the overall footprint of the printer.
Setup
Ender 5 Pro is delivered to users in semi-assembled condition. Therefore, users do not need to put a lot of effort required for DIY Kits. Instead, it is relatively easy to build.
All that one needs to do is attach the Z-axis to the base and wire up the printer. That’s it. The printer is ready to work. Ender 5 Pro’s complete setup does not take more than an hour from start to finish.
Print Type/Cost
Creality Ender 5 Pro is based on FDM 3D printing technology which is the simplest method of additively manufactured parts. Herein, different layers of materials are fused together in a pattern to create an object.
The filament material is usually melted just past the glass transition temperature and then extruded in a pattern via the nozzle system, onto the print bed, layer by layer. Thereafter, the part is allowed to solidify via natural or artificial cooling and sent for post-processing.
Generally, the cost of 3D printing a part or functional prototype via FDM 3D printing isn’t as high as with other 3D printing technologies that use a dedicated source for solidifying the layers. However, the cost depends on multiple factors starting from part geometry, to the type of support structures used in the build, etc.
Print Quality
Credit: redd.it
The test prints are done on Ender 5 Pro display some amazing facts. Pro offers dimensionally accurate 3D printed parts. During the Autodesk Kickstarter test, the printer excelled in terms of flow control, despite some spikes and string at the top.
Overhangs in the part did show some minor irregularities, but that’s fine to deal with. Overall, the printer is able to print fine details and create amazingly smooth prints.
Software
Creality recommends Cura, Simplify 3D, and Repetier-Host software with Ender 5 Pro. All three are compatible with Windows, Linux as well as macOS and with file formats such as STL, OBJ, and AMF.
The print settings in these applications are easily tweakable, so even if you are encountering designing for the first time it wouldn’t be too complex to grasp.
Customer Support
Creality offers a one-year limited warranty on each of its 3D printers beginning right from the day of purchase. For technical support, users can read the FAQs regarding their purchased 3D printer, download important files, or fill a form with their specific doubts and wait for the company to return to reply. The company can also be reached out via call or email.
Parameters Influencing Buying Decision
Below mentioned are the primary factors concerning the printer in brief.
3D Printer Cost: Considering the amazing set of features Ender 5 Pro offers its users, $400 seems pretty affordable when compared to other printers in the same price range.
3D Print Speed: 60 millimeters per second is a commendable print speed taking into account the quality Ender 5 Pro delivers.
3D Print Quality: The test results of Ender 5 Pro have amazing reviews online. The printer is able to display amazing print quality with fine detailing and dimensional accuracy.
3D Printer Capability: Printing with multiple filaments is possible with Ender 5 Pro. Moreover, the printer is silent during operations and is able to print huge build sizes with consistent quality. Too much for an entry-level 3D printer, yeah?
3D Printer Practicality: The machine is extremely easy to use. It comes with a display screen that increases the overall familiarity of the user. Even if you are a beginner, Ender 5 Pro wouldn’t seem a piece too technical to understand. Not only does it have a straightforward connection, but also is it based on the simplest 3D printing technology.
3D Printer User Expectations: The printer manages to stand upon beginner’s expectations as well as intermediates who like to experiment with their ideas of printing with FDM 3D printers.
The Verdict
Overall, Ender 5 Pro is primarily a hobbyist-type desktop FDM 3D printer boasting premium Capricorn Bowden tubing and is affordable. With affordability, the other attribute that comes along is reliability from the name Creality which has delivered some of the most excellent entry-level 3D printers to date.
It isn’t that Ender 5 Pro hasn’t got its own quirks and is error-free, but then is there any such 3D printer in existence? The machine manages to stay relatively on the top of the list of 3D printers available in the same price range due to its feature offerings.
