The Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is a solid contender in the prosumer 3D printer market, offering a significant upgrade to the popular Ender 3 series with its larger build volume, direct drive extruder, and convenient auto-leveling.

For anyone looking to step up their 3D printing game without breaking the bank, this machine presents a compelling package of features that make it a reliable workhorse for both hobbyists and small-scale producers.

It addresses many of the common pain points found in earlier Ender 3 models, delivering a more streamlined and user-friendly experience right out of the box, often requiring minimal tinkering to get great prints.

This printer builds upon the foundation of its predecessors, incorporating key enhancements that truly elevate its performance.

The larger print area, measuring 300x300x300mm, opens up new possibilities for larger projects or batch printing, a critical factor for many users.

The “Sprite” direct drive extruder is a must, especially for flexible filaments like TPU, providing better control and reducing stringing.

And the CR-Touch auto-leveling system? That’s pure gold for consistent first layers, taking the guesswork out of bed calibration.

While it still carries the Ender 3 lineage, the S1 Plus feels like a more mature, refined product designed for those who want to spend more time printing and less time troubleshooting.

It’s not just a bigger Ender 3. it’s a smarter, more capable one.

Here’s a comparison list of related 3D printing products:

Creality Ender 3 S1
- Key Features: “Sprite” direct drive extruder, CR-Touch auto-leveling, PC spring steel print sheet, 220x220x270mm build volume.
- Average Price: Around $320-$350.
- Pros: Excellent value, easy assembly, reliable direct drive, good print quality for the price, auto-leveling simplifies setup.
- Cons: Smaller build volume than the S1 Plus, no dual Z-axis screws though some versions might have one.
Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro
- Key Features: All-metal “Sprite” direct drive extruder up to 300°C, CR-Touch auto-leveling, PEI spring steel print sheet, LED light bar, 220x220x270mm build volume.
- Average Price: Around $420-$450.
- Pros: Higher temperature printing for advanced filaments, robust all-metal hotend, excellent bed adhesion with PEI, built-in light.
- Cons: Smaller build volume than the S1 Plus, higher price point than the standard S1.
Anycubic Kobra Plus
- Key Features: Auto-leveling LeviQ, direct drive extruder, 300x300x350mm build volume, Carborundum glass print bed, filament run-out sensor.
- Average Price: Around $400-$430.
- Pros: Larger build volume than Ender S1 series, competitive price, good direct drive performance, relatively fast printing speeds.
- Cons: Carborundum glass can sometimes be less flexible than PEI/PC sheets, proprietary hotend design can make part replacement tricky.
Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus
- Key Features: Direct drive extruder, auto-leveling 49-point, 320x320x400mm build volume, PEI magnetic build plate, dual-gear direct drive.
- Average Price: Around $380-$410.
- Pros: Even larger build volume, great direct drive, excellent auto-leveling coverage, often lauded for ease of use and good out-of-box performance.
- Cons: Slightly larger footprint, some users report minor firmware quirks initially.
Prusa MK3S+
- Key Features: Removable magnetic PEI spring steel sheet, automatic mesh bed leveling, filament sensor, power panic, genuine Prusa parts.
- Average Price: Around $800-$1000 kit/assembled.
- Pros: Industry benchmark for reliability and print quality, open-source community support, excellent documentation, superior customer service, very robust.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive, smaller build volume 250x210x210mm compared to the S1 Plus, assembly required for kit version.
Bambu Lab P1P
- Key Features: CoreXY kinematics, up to 500mm/s print speed, direct drive extruder, auto-bed leveling, vibration compensation, optional multi-color printing AMS.
- Average Price: Around $600-$700.
- Pros: Extremely fast printing, excellent print quality, easy to set up and use, robust ecosystem, potential for multi-color printing.
- Cons: Higher price point, closed-source nature might limit modding for some, smaller build volume 256x256x256mm.
Filament Dry Box
- Key Features: Heats and dries filament, prevents moisture absorption, maintains filament quality during printing.
- Average Price: Around $40-$70.
- Pros: Crucial for print quality consistency, especially with hygroscopic filaments PETG, Nylon, TPU, improves print adhesion, reduces stringing and oozing.
- Cons: Adds to setup complexity, requires power, can be an additional purchase.

The Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus stands out as a strong contender in the sub-$500 large-format 3D printer category, offering a compelling blend of features that make it an appealing choice for both hobbyists looking to scale up and small businesses needing more volume.

It’s an evolution, not a revolution, but the refinements are significant enough to make a real difference in the day-to-day printing experience.

If you’re eyeing a larger build volume without breaking the bank and want the modern conveniences like direct drive and auto-leveling, this machine deserves a serious look.

Table of Contents

Key Features That Make the S1 Plus a Standout

When you’re talking about the Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus, it’s not just about the size.

Creality has packed some serious upgrades into this machine that make it a more capable and user-friendly experience right out of the box.

Think of it as taking the core reliability of the Ender 3 series and giving it a significant performance boost. These features aren’t just marketing fluff.

They directly translate to better print quality, easier operation, and broader material compatibility.

Large Build Volume: Bigger Prints, More Possibilities

The most obvious upgrade, and frankly, a must for many, is the increased print area. We’re talking 300x300x300mm. This isn’t just a minor bump. it’s a substantial increase over the standard 220x220x270mm of the Ender 3 S1 or S1 Pro.

What it means for you:
- Printing large single pieces: No more slicing models into multiple parts and gluing them together. If you’re into props, cosplay, or functional prototypes, this is huge. Imagine printing a full-sized helmet visor or a large enclosure in one go.
- Batch printing efficiency: Need to print 20 small parts? This larger bed allows you to arrange more items simultaneously, significantly reducing the total print time for a batch. This is a massive time-saver for anyone running a small Etsy shop or producing components.
- Flexibility in design: You’re less constrained by size limitations, giving you more creative freedom.
Real-world impact: Many users report moving to the S1 Plus specifically for its volume, citing examples like printing multi-part robotics frames, intricate architectural models, or even small-scale furniture components that wouldn’t fit on smaller beds. Data from online forums shows a significant portion of S1 Plus owners prioritizing print volume over other features.

“Sprite” Direct Drive Extruder: Precision and Versatility

The “Sprite” direct drive extruder is a star feature across the S1 line, and it shines particularly bright on the S1 Plus.

Unlike Bowden setups where the extruder motor is far from the hotend, direct drive means the motor is right above the nozzle.

Advantages of Direct Drive:
- Better control for flexible filaments: TPU, TPE, and other soft materials are notoriously difficult to print with Bowden extruders due to buckling in the long tube. The “Sprite” handles them with relative ease, offering precise control over filament feeding.
- Reduced stringing and oozing: With less distance for the filament to retract, you get cleaner retractions and fewer imperfections. This translates to less post-processing work.
- Improved extrusion consistency: The shorter filament path leads to more consistent extrusion, resulting in better surface quality and dimensional accuracy.
- Lighter weight compared to some other direct drives: The “Sprite” is designed to be compact and relatively lightweight, reducing inertia and allowing for decent print speeds without sacrificing quality.
Technical Specifications: The standard “Sprite” on the S1 Plus can reach 260°C, making it compatible with common filaments like PLA, PETG, ABS, and flexible materials. For more advanced filaments requiring higher temperatures like Nylon or some carbon fiber composites, you’d typically need the “Sprite” Pro version found on the S1 Pro, which goes up to 300°C with its all-metal hotend.

CR-Touch Automatic Bed Leveling: Set it and Forget it

If there’s one feature that reduces frustration and ensures consistent first layers, it’s automatic bed leveling.

The CR-Touch system on the S1 Plus is a reliable sensor that probes multiple points on the print bed.

How it works: Before a print starts, the CR-Touch sensor extends a probe to touch the bed at various pre-defined points usually 16 or 25 points. It accurately measures the distance from the nozzle to the bed at each point, creating a “mesh” map of any imperfections or slight unevenness.
Benefits:
- Perfect first layers: The printer then compensates for these variations in real-time during printing, ensuring a consistent and reliable first layer adhesion across the entire build plate. This is absolutely critical for successful prints.
- Reduces manual effort: Say goodbye to endless manual leveling adjustments. While a manual level for a truly flat bed is always good practice, the CR-Touch dramatically simplifies the process for daily use.
- Increases success rate: Failed first layers are a major cause of print failures. By ensuring proper adhesion, the CR-Touch significantly boosts your print success rate, saving you time and filament.
User experience: Many users, especially those new to 3D printing or tired of constant manual calibration, consider CR-Touch an indispensable feature. It significantly lowers the barrier to entry and makes the entire printing process smoother.

PC Spring Steel Print Sheet: Excellent Adhesion and Easy Removal

The print surface is often an overlooked component, but it plays a huge role in print success. Chamelo Music Shield Review

The Ender 3 S1 Plus comes with a PC Polycarbonate coated spring steel sheet.

Adhesion and Release:
- Strong adhesion when hot: The PC surface offers excellent adhesion for a wide range of filaments, particularly PLA and PETG, when the bed is heated.
- Easy release when cool: Once the bed cools down, the print usually pops off with minimal effort. For stubborn prints, a slight flex of the magnetic spring steel sheet is usually enough to release them without tools.
Durability and Convenience:
- Durable: The PC coating is reasonably durable, resisting scratches better than plain glass in some instances.
- Magnetic base: The spring steel sheet attaches magnetically to the heated bed, making it incredibly easy to remove the entire sheet with the print, flex it, and then snap it back into place. No more scraping prints off a fixed bed.
Comparison to other surfaces: While not as universally adored as PEI which is often seen on the S1 Pro and other premium printers, the PC surface is a significant upgrade from plain glass or build-tak like surfaces, offering a good balance of adhesion and ease of use.

Dual Z-Axis Lead Screws: Stability and Precision

Often, larger printers can suffer from wobble or inconsistent Z-axis movement if they only have a single lead screw, leading to “Z-wobble” or artifacts in prints.

The S1 Plus mitigates this with dual Z-axis lead screws.

*   Enhanced stability: Two lead screws synchronize the movement of the X-axis gantry, ensuring it moves up and down smoothly and levelly. This eliminates sag on one side of the gantry, which can happen with single lead screw setups on wider printers.
*   Improved print quality: Better Z-axis stability translates directly to higher print quality, particularly for taller prints where small deviations can accumulate. You'll see fewer layer lines inconsistencies and more accurate dimensions.
*   Reduced wear: Distributing the load across two lead screws can also reduce wear on the Z-axis motor and lead screws themselves.

Impact on large prints: For a printer with a 300mm Z-height, dual Z-axis screws are almost a necessity. They provide the necessary rigidity to handle the weight of the X-axis gantry and the direct drive extruder over extended heights, ensuring consistent quality from bottom to top.

Performance and Print Quality: Does it Deliver?

When you’re investing in a 3D printer, the ultimate question is always: “How well does it print?” The Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus generally punches above its weight class in terms of print quality, especially considering its price point and the features it offers.

It’s not going to outcompete a several-thousand-dollar industrial machine, but for consumer-grade FDM, it delivers solid results.

Print Quality for Common Filaments PLA, PETG, ABS

The S1 Plus, with its “Sprite” direct drive and stable gantry, produces remarkably clean prints with common filaments like PLA, PETG, and even ABS with proper enclosure for ABS.

PLA:
- Detail Resolution: Excellent for intricate details and sharp corners. The direct drive helps with consistent extrusion, leading to smooth surfaces.
- Layer Adhesion: Strong layer adhesion, resulting in robust parts.
- Typical Settings: Print temperatures around 200-220°C, bed temp 60°C.
PETG:
- Adhesion: Good adhesion to the PC spring steel sheet, though some users might find a thin layer of glue stick helps prevent too strong adhesion and potential sheet damage.
- Strength and Flexibility: Produces strong, slightly flexible parts.
- Reduced Stringing: The direct drive significantly minimizes stringing, a common PETG issue, compared to Bowden setups.
- Typical Settings: Print temperatures around 230-250°C, bed temp 70-80°C.
ABS:
- Challenges: Like any open-frame FDM printer, ABS can be tricky due to warping and fumes. An enclosure is highly recommended.
- Quality Potential: If managed correctly enclosure, no drafts, the S1 Plus can produce good quality ABS prints with decent layer adhesion.
- Typical Settings: Print temperatures around 240-260°C, bed temp 90-100°C.
Overall Observation: Users consistently report good surface finish, minimal ghosting ringing, and accurate dimensions for typical functional parts and aesthetic models. Many shared prints on community forums demonstrate fine text, intricate textures, and smooth curves, indicating the machine’s capability when properly tuned.

Handling Flexible Filaments TPU

This is where the “Sprite” direct drive really shines, and it’s a significant advantage over many Bowden-style printers in the same price range.

Ease of Printing: TPU Thermoplastic Polyurethane can be notoriously difficult due to its elasticity, which causes it to buckle in long Bowden tubes. The direct drive of the S1 Plus eliminates this long path, feeding the filament directly into the hotend.
Reduced Issues: This results in:
- Fewer clogs: The filament has nowhere to bend or snag.
- Consistent extrusion: Better control over the material flow.
- Better print quality: Less stringing, more accurate flexible parts.
Applications: Perfect for printing phone cases, gaskets, flexible joints, compliant mechanisms, or anything that needs to bend or absorb impact. Many users specifically choose direct drive printers for this capability.
Tips: While easier, printing TPU still benefits from slower print speeds e.g., 20-40mm/s and disabling retraction or keeping it minimal, depending on the specific TPU.

Speed and Noise Level

While the S1 Plus isn’t a speed demon like CoreXY machines, it offers a respectable balance of speed and print quality for its Cartesian kinematics.

Print Speed:
- Typical Functional Speed: Most users find optimal print quality at speeds between 60-100mm/s for common filaments like PLA and PETG. Pushing beyond 100mm/s can introduce artifacts like ghosting or ringing, especially on large parts, though acceleration and jerk settings play a huge role.
- Maximum Advertised Theoretical: Creality often lists higher maximum speeds e.g., 150-200mm/s, but these are usually theoretical maximums that don’t translate to practical, high-quality printing.
Noise Level:
- Relatively Quiet: The S1 Plus is generally considered quiet for a budget 3D printer. It uses silent stepper drivers TMC2208/2209, which significantly reduce the motor noise.
- Main Noise Sources: The primary noise comes from the cooling fans hotend fan, part cooling fan, power supply fan and the movement of the print head along the rails.
- Comparison: It’s significantly quieter than older Ender 3 models without silent drivers, making it more suitable for placement in a shared living space or office without being overly disruptive. Many reviewers specifically highlight its low operational noise.

User Experience and Assembly: Getting Started

One of the biggest hurdles for new 3D printer owners is the initial setup and ongoing user experience.

The Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus aims to simplify this, leveraging the modular design found across the S1 series. Hp Spectre X360 14 2024 Review

It’s designed to be a relatively quick build for those with some basic mechanical aptitude, and the interface is straightforward.

Assembly Process and Time

Creality advertises “96% pre-assembled,” and for the most part, that holds true.

The S1 Plus arrives largely in two main sections: the base with the heated bed and the gantry with the direct drive extruder.

Modular Design: The gantry slides onto the base, and you fasten a few screws. The wiring is mostly plug-and-play with clearly labeled connectors.
Key Assembly Steps:
1. Attach the gantry to the base.
2. Connect the power supply, hotend, bed, and end stop wires all clearly marked.
3. Mount the filament spool holder.
4. Connect the screen.
Estimated Assembly Time: Most users can get it assembled within 15-30 minutes. If you’re completely new to 3D printers, it might take closer to 45 minutes to an hour just to be thorough and follow the instructions carefully.
Tools: Creality provides all the necessary hex keys and a wrench in the box.
Post-Assembly: After assembly, the critical steps are powering it on, performing the CR-Touch auto-leveling, and setting the Z-offset which is the final calibration step after auto-leveling to tell the printer the exact distance between the nozzle and the bed.

User Interface and Software Firmware

The S1 Plus features a 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen.

This is a significant upgrade from the rotary encoder screens on older Ender 3 models.

Touchscreen Interface:
- Intuitive Navigation: The touchscreen makes navigating menus and initiating prints much easier. The interface is generally well-organized with clear icons.
- Real-time Monitoring: You can monitor temperatures, print progress, and adjust certain parameters during a print.
- Features: Access functions like preheating, loading/unloading filament, bed leveling, Z-offset adjustment, and starting prints from an SD card.
Creality Firmware: The printer runs on Creality’s customized firmware, based on Marlin.
- Functionality: It provides all the essential controls and safety features.
- Updates: Creality regularly releases firmware updates, often addressing bugs or adding minor improvements. Updating typically involves placing a file on an SD card and booting the printer.
Slicer Compatibility: The S1 Plus is compatible with all major slicing software:
- Creality Print: Creality’s own slicer, which is decent for beginners.
- Cura: The most popular open-source slicer. Creality provides official profiles, or you can use community-made ones.
- PrusaSlicer: Another excellent open-source slicer, often preferred for its advanced features and print quality.
- Simplify3D: A paid, professional slicer known for its robust features.
Setting up Slicer Profiles: Most users will find pre-made profiles for the Ender 3 S1 series online, which can be adapted for the S1 Plus by simply changing the build volume dimensions 300x300x300mm. The core settings for print speed, retraction, and temperatures will be similar to the S1 or S1 Pro.

Connectivity and Ergonomics

The S1 Plus offers standard connectivity and thoughtful ergonomic touches. Epson Rapidreceipt Rr 400W Review

Connectivity:
- SD Card Slot: The primary method for transferring G-code files to the printer.
- USB-C Port: For connecting to a computer e.g., for direct control via OctoPrint or for firmware updates.
- No Wi-Fi/Ethernet out of the box: This is a common limitation for printers in this price range. For remote control and monitoring, an external solution like OctoPrint running on a Raspberry Pi is a popular upgrade.
Ergonomics:
- Tool Drawer: A small, integrated drawer below the screen is surprisingly useful for storing the included tools, spare nozzles, or small accessories.
- Integrated Belt Tensioners: Knobs for easy adjustment of the X and Y belt tension, which helps maintain print quality and prevent skipped steps.
- Filament Holder: Standard top-mounted spool holder.
- LED Light Bar Optional/Mod: Unlike the S1 Pro, the S1 Plus doesn’t come with an integrated LED light bar. This is a common and easy mod for users who want better visibility of their prints, especially on a larger build plate.

Maintenance and Upgradability: Keeping Your Machine Running

Like any mechanical device, a 3D printer requires regular maintenance to perform optimally.

The good news is that the Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is designed with common user-serviceability in mind, and the Ender 3 ecosystem means there’s a vast community and aftermarket for upgrades.

Routine Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to consistent print quality and longevity.

Think of it like changing the oil in your car – small consistent efforts save big headaches later.

Lubrication:
- Z-axis lead screws: Apply a small amount of PTFE grease or white lithium grease every few weeks, especially if you print tall objects frequently. This ensures smooth movement and prevents binding.
- Smooth rods/bearings: Check for any dust buildup and wipe clean.
Cleaning:
- Print Bed: Clean the PC spring steel sheet with isopropyl alcohol IPA before each print to remove oils and residues from your hands or previous prints. This ensures proper adhesion.
- Nozzle: Occasionally clean the outside of the nozzle with a brass brush to remove any built-up plastic.
- Fans: Use compressed air to clear dust from cooling fans hotend, part cooling, power supply, mainboard every few months. Dust buildup reduces cooling efficiency.
Belt Tension:
- X and Y belts: Check tension regularly. The belts should be taut but not overly tight. The S1 Plus has convenient tensioning knobs, making this a quick adjustment. Loose belts can cause ghosting or layer shifting.
V-Wheels:
- Check for play: Gently wiggle the print head and heated bed. If there’s excessive play, tighten the eccentric nuts on the V-wheels until the play is gone but the wheels still roll smoothly. Over-tightening can cause flat spots on the wheels.
Hotend/Extruder:
- Nozzle Replacement: Nozzles wear out, especially when printing abrasive filaments. Keep spare brass nozzles for general use or hardened steel nozzles for abrasive filaments on hand. Replace when you notice print quality degradation.
- Extruder Gears: Occasionally check the gears for wear or accumulation of filament dust. Clean if necessary.

Common Upgrades

The Ender 3 S1 Plus is a capable machine out of the box, but like many Creality printers, it benefits from a vibrant community of modders and a plethora of aftermarket upgrades.

Magnetic PEI Print Sheet:
- Benefit: While the PC sheet is good, many users prefer a magnetic PEI spring steel sheet for its superior adhesion properties across a wider range of filaments and typically easier release once cooled. It’s a direct swap for the existing sheet.
- Cost: Around $20-$40.
LED Light Bar:
- Benefit: The S1 Plus lacks an integrated LED light. Adding a simple LED light bar to the gantry significantly improves visibility of your prints, especially on a large bed.
- Cost: $10-$25.
OctoPrint Raspberry Pi & Camera:
- Benefit: For remote control, monitoring, time-lapses, and advanced plugin functionality. Transform your printer into a network-connected device.
- Components: Raspberry Pi, power supply, SD card, optional webcam.
- Cost: $60-$100+.
All-Metal Hotend Upgrade for “Sprite” extruder:
- Benefit: If you plan to print high-temperature filaments like Nylon, Polycarbonate, or carbon fiber-infused materials, an all-metal hotend allows you to exceed the 260°C limit of the stock setup. This is essentially upgrading the “Sprite” to the “Sprite Pro” hotend.
- Considerations: Requires careful installation and potentially firmware adjustments.
- Cost: Around $40-$60.
Filament Dry Box:
- Benefit: Crucial for print quality, especially with hygroscopic filaments PETG, Nylon, TPU. A filament dry box keeps filament dry during storage and even during printing, preventing moisture absorption that leads to stringing, blobs, and weak prints.
- Cost: $40-$70. This isn’t strictly an upgrade to the printer itself, but a vital accessory for consistent high-quality prints.
Klipper Firmware:
- Benefit: An alternative open-source firmware that runs on an external board like a Raspberry Pi and uses the printer’s mainboard as a slave. Klipper allows for much faster print speeds with better quality through features like pressure advance and input shaping and offers a highly configurable and user-friendly web interface Mainsail/Fluidd.
- Complexity: Requires more technical knowledge to set up than simply running OctoPrint.
- Cost: Primarily the cost of a Raspberry Pi.

Software and Slicing: Preparing Your Prints

The 3D printing process doesn’t just stop at the hardware.

The software, particularly the slicer, plays a monumental role in the final print quality.

The Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is compatible with all the major players, offering flexibility for users of varying experience levels. Wacom Cintiq Pro 17 Review

Understanding Slicers and G-code

Before you can print anything, your 3D model typically an STL or OBJ file needs to be “sliced.” This is where a slicer program comes in.

What a Slicer Does:
- Converts 3D model to G-code: A slicer takes your digital 3D model and virtually “slices” it into hundreds or thousands of thin layers.
- Generates Toolpaths: For each layer, it determines the exact path the print head and extruder need to follow, how much filament to extrude, how fast to move, and adjusts settings like temperature and fan speed.
- Adds Supports/Infill: It also calculates infill patterns the internal structure of your print and generates support structures if your model has overhangs that can’t be printed in mid-air.
G-code: The output of the slicer is a G-code file. This is a text-based file containing a series of instructions G-commands that the 3D printer’s firmware understands and executes sequentially. When you put an SD card with a G-code file into your S1 Plus, it reads these instructions and brings your model to life.

Popular Slicing Software for the S1 Plus

You have several excellent options, each with its strengths.

Creality Print:
- Overview: Creality’s proprietary slicer. It’s often bundled with the printer or available for download from their website.
- Pros: Generally easy to use for beginners, often has up-to-date profiles for Creality printers, and direct integration with Creality Cloud if you use it.
- Cons: Can be less feature-rich than open-source alternatives, and its user interface might not be as polished. For complex prints or advanced tuning, other slicers are usually preferred.
Cura Ultimaker Cura:
- Overview: The most popular free and open-source slicer. Developed by Ultimaker, it has a massive user base and a vast array of features.
- Pros:
  - Extensive Features: Offers an incredible amount of control over every imaginable print setting, from basic layer height to complex experimental features.
  - Large Community Support: If you encounter an issue or need advice on settings, there’s a huge community and endless tutorials available.
  - Regular Updates: Actively developed with frequent updates, new features, and bug fixes.
  - Official Profiles: Creality often provides official or community-tested profiles for the S1 series, making setup relatively straightforward.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming for complete beginners due to the sheer number of settings.
PrusaSlicer:
- Overview: Developed by Prusa Research creators of the Prusa i3 line of printers. Also free and open-source, and highly regarded for its advanced features and print quality.
  - Excellent Print Quality: Often praised for its intelligent infill patterns, support generation, and overall quality output.
  - Intuitive Interface for intermediate users: While powerful, its interface is often considered more logically organized than Cura for advanced settings.
  - Advanced Features: Includes powerful features like paint-on supports, variable layer height, and sequential printing.
  - Input Shaping/Pressure Advance: Integrates well with Klipper for these advanced features.
- Cons: Less community support specifically for Creality printers than Cura, though profiles are readily available.
Simplify3D S3D:
- Overview: A premium, paid slicer.
- Pros: Historically known for its robust features, fast slicing, and excellent support generation. Some users still prefer it for specific complex tasks.
- Cons: Paid software one-time license fee, updates have been less frequent recently, and some argue that open-source slicers have caught up or surpassed it in many areas.

Essential Slicer Settings for the S1 Plus

Once you choose a slicer, here are some critical settings you’ll be adjusting for optimal prints:

Printer Dimensions: Crucial first step – set your build volume to 300mm x 300mm x 300mm.
Nozzle Diameter: Typically 0.4mm stock.
Filament Diameter: Always 1.75mm for the S1 Plus.
Layer Height:
- 0.2mm: Good balance of speed and detail for general purpose prints.
- 0.12mm – 0.16mm: For finer details and smoother surfaces.
- 0.28mm – 0.32mm: For faster, rougher prints e.g., prototypes or large infill-heavy parts.
Print Speed: Start with 60-80mm/s for PLA, 40-60mm/s for PETG and TPU. Adjust based on desired quality.
Retraction:
- Distance: Since it’s direct drive, a shorter retraction distance is needed, typically 0.8mm – 1.5mm.
- Speed: 40-60mm/s.
- Proper retraction is key to minimizing stringing and oozing.
Temperatures:
- Nozzle Extruder: Follow filament manufacturer recommendations. PLA 200-220°C, PETG 230-250°C, ABS 240-260°C.
- Bed: PLA 60°C, PETG 70-80°C, ABS 90-100°C.
Infill:
- Density: 10-20% for most functional parts, 0% for purely aesthetic prints, 50%+ for high-strength parts.
- Pattern: Grid, Cubic, Gyroid are popular choices. Gyroid is strong and prints well.
Supports:
- Overhang Threshold: Typically 45-60 degrees. If a part of your model slopes more than this, it needs support.
- Type: Tree supports in Cura/PrusaSlicer are often efficient and easy to remove.
First Layer Settings:
- Speed: Reduce first layer speed e.g., 20mm/s for better bed adhesion.
- Line Width: Sometimes increasing the first layer line width e.g., 0.48mm for a 0.4mm nozzle can help with adhesion.
- Fan Speed: Often set to 0% for the first few layers to prevent warping and improve adhesion, especially with PETG and ABS.

Cost and Value: Is the S1 Plus Worth It?

When considering any major purchase, especially in a competitive market like 3D printers, the cost-to-value proposition is paramount.

The Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus sits in a sweet spot, offering a significant feature set at a price that won’t require a second mortgage.

Price Point Analysis

The Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus typically retails in the range of $380 to $450 USD. This places it firmly in the mid-range of consumer-grade FDM 3D printers, but at the lower end of the “large format” category.

Compared to smaller siblings: It’s a step up in price from the standard Ender 3 S1 around $320-$350 and often comparable or slightly less than the Ender 3 S1 Pro around $420-$450, which has the same build volume but an all-metal hotend and integrated light. The S1 Plus differentiates itself primarily by its significantly larger build volume.
Compared to competitors:
- Printers with similar large build volumes e.g., Anycubic Kobra Max, Elegoo Neptune 3 Max might be slightly cheaper or similarly priced, but often have different feature sets e.g., Bowden vs. direct drive, specific auto-leveling tech.
- More premium brands like Prusa MK3S+ starts around $800-$1000 or high-speed CoreXY machines like Bambu Lab P1P starts around $600-$700 are in a much higher price bracket, though they offer their own advantages in speed, reliability, or ecosystem.
Sale Prices: Like many Creality products, the S1 Plus frequently goes on sale, especially during holiday periods Black Friday, Prime Day, etc., where you might find it for $50-$100 off its usual price.

Value Proposition: What You Get for Your Money

For its price, the S1 Plus delivers substantial value, particularly if a larger build volume is a key requirement for your projects.

Large Print Volume 300x300x300mm: This is arguably the most significant value-add. Larger build volumes typically command higher prices, and the S1 Plus offers this without a prohibitive premium. This capability unlocks new project types and improves batch printing efficiency.
“Sprite” Direct Drive Extruder: This is a premium feature not typically found on budget printers. It enhances material compatibility especially for flexibles and improves print quality through better extrusion control. The cost of adding a quality direct drive to a traditional Bowden printer would be significant.
CR-Touch Auto-Leveling: This is a huge convenience factor and a time-saver. It reduces print failure rates due to improper bed leveling, which is a common frustration point for new and experienced users alike.
Dual Z-Axis Lead Screws: Crucial for stability on a printer of this size, ensuring consistent print quality across the entire build height and preventing gantry sag.
PC Spring Steel Print Sheet: A good balance of adhesion and easy removal, far superior to plain glass or basic fixed beds.
Silent Stepper Drivers: A quality-of-life improvement that makes the printer much more bearable in a shared space.
Ease of Assembly: Minimal assembly required, making it accessible even for those with limited technical experience.
Active Community and Moddability: Being part of the Ender 3 family, there’s a vast amount of online support, tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and aftermarket parts/upgrades available. This provides a strong support system even without direct Creality customer service.

Who is it Best Suited For?

Hobbyists Looking to Scale Up: If you’ve been limited by a smaller printer and want to tackle larger projects or print more parts at once without spending a fortune.
Small Businesses/Producers: For those making functional prototypes, display pieces, or small batches of products where the larger print volume is beneficial.
Users Tired of Manual Leveling: The CR-Touch system makes it significantly easier to get good first layers consistently.
Those Wanting to Print Flexible Filaments: The direct drive is a must for materials like TPU.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: Offers a strong feature set that competes with more expensive machines in key areas.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations for Value

While offering good value, it’s not without its considerations:

No All-Metal Hotend Stock: The stock hotend limits printing to 260°C. For exotic, high-temp filaments, you’d need an upgrade like the hotend from the S1 Pro.
Not the Fastest: While respectable, it’s not a speed demon like CoreXY machines. If raw speed is your absolute top priority and you have a larger budget, other options exist.
Creality Customer Service: While often improving, Creality’s direct customer service can sometimes be a mixed bag compared to premium brands. However, the community support largely mitigates this.
No Wi-Fi/Remote Connectivity Stock: Requires an external solution like OctoPrint for remote control, adding a small additional cost and setup.

In summary, the Ender 3 S1 Plus offers excellent value for its price, particularly for its large build volume combined with the direct drive and auto-leveling.

It’s a highly capable machine that balances performance, features, and affordability, making it a strong recommendation for a wide range of users. Apple Pencil Usb C Review

Community and Support: Not Alone in the Wild

One of the often-overlooked but incredibly valuable aspects of owning a 3D printer, especially one from a popular brand like Creality, is the community support.

Unlike niche products where you might be on your own, the Ender 3 series, and by extension the S1 Plus, benefits from a massive and active online ecosystem.

Online Communities and Forums

The sheer volume of users means there’s almost always someone who has encountered and solved the problem you’re facing.

Reddit: Subreddits like r/Ender3, r/Creality, and r/fixmyprint are incredibly active. You can find troubleshooting tips, print settings, upgrade ideas, and share your successful prints. Many users post pictures of their setup or issues, and receive rapid, helpful responses.
Facebook Groups: Numerous Facebook groups dedicated to Creality printers and the Ender 3 series provide a similar level of interaction, often with members posting videos and detailed guides.
Dedicated Forums: Websites like the Creality Official Forum and various 3D printing enthusiast forums e.g., 3D Print Board, RepRap Forum have dedicated sections for Creality products.
Maker Websites: Sites like Thingiverse, Printables, and Cults3D often have sections or comments where users discuss printer settings for specific models, including Ender 3 variations.
YouTube: An invaluable resource for visual learners. You can find countless video reviews, assembly guides, troubleshooting tutorials, upgrade installation guides, and print quality optimization tips specifically for the Ender 3 S1 Plus and similar Creality printers. Channels like Teaching Tech, CHEP, and Thomas Sanladerer often cover these machines.

Troubleshooting and Resources

Having such a large community means a wealth of shared knowledge for troubleshooting common issues.

Common Problems Addressed:
- First Layer Issues: Advice on Z-offset, bed leveling, bed temperature, and print surface cleaning.
- Stringing/Oozing: Guides on optimizing retraction settings distance, speed and temperature.
- Under/Over Extrusion: Tips on calibrating E-steps, checking for clogs, and filament diameter settings.
- Layer Shifting/Ghosting: Solutions related to belt tension, V-wheel adjustment, and print speed.
- Clogging: Methods for cold pulls, hotend disassembly, and nozzle replacement.
Firmware Updates: Community members often share modified or optimized firmware versions e.g., Professional Firmware for the Ender 3 S1, or guides for installing Klipper, along with detailed instructions on how to flash them. This level of shared knowledge is rare for less popular brands.
Slicer Profiles: Users frequently share their optimized slicer profiles for Cura, PrusaSlicer, and other software, giving new users a fantastic starting point for different filaments and print qualities.

Creality’s Official Support

While the community is strong, Creality does offer official channels for support, though experiences can vary.

Website Resources: Their official website usually has sections for firmware downloads, user manuals, and FAQs for their printers.
Direct Customer Service: You can typically contact Creality support via email or their website’s contact form for warranty claims or specific technical issues. Response times and helpfulness can sometimes be inconsistent, which is a common complaint for large, fast-moving Chinese manufacturers.
Reseller Support: If you purchase the S1 Plus from a reputable local or online reseller e.g., Amazon, Micro Center, official Creality stores on platforms, their customer service might be more responsive and helpful for initial setup or warranty issues. This is often the preferred route for many users.

In essence, while you might occasionally run into a snag, the vast Creality community means you’re very rarely left to figure things out entirely on your own.

This collective knowledge base significantly enhances the overall ownership experience, providing a safety net that many other brands simply cannot match.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

So, after deep into the features, performance, user experience, maintenance, and support ecosystem, where does the Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus land? In short, it’s a strong contender and an excellent choice for a specific segment of the 3D printing market. It’s not revolutionary, but its evolutionary improvements truly matter.

Recap of Strengths

Generous Build Volume 300x300x300mm: This is its headline feature and a significant advantage for users needing to print larger items or batch produce parts.
“Sprite” Direct Drive Extruder: A massive win for material versatility, especially for flexible filaments like TPU, and contributes to better overall print quality with reduced stringing.
CR-Touch Automatic Bed Leveling: Eliminates a common frustration, ensuring consistent first layers and increasing print success rates. It’s a huge time-saver.
Dual Z-Axis Lead Screws: Provides critical stability for a printer of its size, leading to more accurate and reliable tall prints.
PC Spring Steel Print Sheet: Offers good adhesion and easy part removal, enhancing the user experience.
Quiet Operation: Thanks to silent stepper drivers, it’s much more living-space friendly than older budget printers.
Easy Assembly: Gets you printing quickly with minimal setup hassle.
Excellent Value: Delivers a premium feature set at a competitive mid-range price point.
Vast Community Support: Being part of the Ender 3 family means endless online resources, troubleshooting guides, and shared knowledge.

Who Should Buy the Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus?

The “Upgrading Hobbyist”: If you already own a smaller 3D printer like an Ender 3 V2 or similar and frequently find yourself limited by the build volume, the S1 Plus is a natural and affordable upgrade.
The “Serious Beginner”: If you’re completely new to 3D printing but want to start with a capable, larger machine that has modern conveniences auto-leveling, direct drive and a large community for support, this is a very strong option. It handles many of the common headaches for you.
The “Small-Scale Producer”: For those looking to print larger prototypes, functional parts, or small batches of items for a business, the increased volume and consistent performance make it a reliable workhorse.
Anyone Wanting to Print Flexible Filaments: If TPU is on your radar, the direct drive system makes the S1 Plus an excellent choice without needing a separate extruder upgrade.

Who Might Want to Consider Alternatives?

The “Speed Demon”: If your absolute top priority is raw print speed e.g., 200+ mm/s consistently, you might want to look at CoreXY machines like the Bambu Lab P1P/X1C or Prusa XL, though these come at a significantly higher price.
The “High-Temp Exotic Filament User”: If you primarily plan to print engineering-grade filaments requiring hotend temperatures above 260°C e.g., Nylon-CF, PC-ABS, you’ll need to immediately factor in an all-metal hotend upgrade for the “Sprite” extruder or consider the S1 Pro if its smaller build volume is acceptable.
The “Plug-and-Play Demander”: While easy, it’s still a FDM printer that benefits from some user tuning and occasional maintenance. If you want a truly hands-off, “it just works” experience from day one with zero tinkering, you might need to stretch your budget for a higher-end, fully enclosed, or more proprietary system.
The “Extreme Budget” Buyer: If your budget is strictly under $300, you’ll have to settle for smaller build volumes or older designs without direct drive and auto-leveling.

Final Recommendation

The Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is a highly recommended 3D printer that offers a compelling combination of a large build volume, advanced features, and a respectable price. Anker Soundcore Motion X600 Review

It takes the proven reliability of the Ender 3 series and injects modern conveniences, making it a very capable and user-friendly machine.

For its target audience – those needing a bigger printing canvas without breaking the bank, and wanting a solid, reliable machine with good out-of-box performance – it delivers in spades.

It’s a printer that allows you to spend more time creating and less time calibrating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus?

The Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is a FDM Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printer, an upgraded version in the popular Ender 3 S1 series, known for its larger build volume of 300x300x300mm, “Sprite” direct drive extruder, and CR-Touch automatic bed leveling.

What is the build volume of the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

The build volume of the Ender 3 S1 Plus is 300x300x300mm, offering a significantly larger print area compared to the standard Ender 3 S1.

Does the Ender 3 S1 Plus have auto bed leveling?

Yes, the Ender 3 S1 Plus comes equipped with Creality’s CR-Touch automatic bed leveling system, which simplifies bed calibration and ensures consistent first layers.

Is the Ender 3 S1 Plus a direct drive printer?

Yes, it features Creality’s “Sprite” direct drive extruder, which places the extruder motor directly above the hotend for better filament control, especially for flexible materials.

What types of filament can the Ender 3 S1 Plus print?

The Ender 3 S1 Plus can print common filaments such as PLA, PETG, ABS, and flexible filaments like TPU. Its stock hotend can reach up to 260°C.

Is the Ender 3 S1 Plus easy to assemble?

Yes, the Ender 3 S1 Plus is designed for quick assembly, advertised as “96% pre-assembled,” and most users can put it together within 15-30 minutes.

What is the difference between Ender 3 S1, S1 Pro, and S1 Plus?

The main differences are: Apple Vision Pro Review

Ender 3 S1: 220x220x270mm build volume, “Sprite” direct drive, CR-Touch, PC spring steel sheet.
Ender 3 S1 Pro: 220x220x270mm build volume, All-metal “Sprite” direct drive up to 300°C, CR-Touch, PEI spring steel sheet, LED light bar.
Ender 3 S1 Plus: 300x300x300mm build volume, “Sprite” direct drive, CR-Touch, PC spring steel sheet.

Can the Ender 3 S1 Plus print flexible filaments like TPU?

Yes, thanks to its “Sprite” direct drive extruder, the Ender 3 S1 Plus is well-suited for printing flexible filaments like TPU with fewer issues compared to Bowden setups.

What slicing software is compatible with the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

The Ender 3 S1 Plus is compatible with popular slicing software such as Creality Print, Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Simplify3D.

Is the Ender 3 S1 Plus noisy during operation?

No, the Ender 3 S1 Plus is generally considered relatively quiet due to its silent stepper drivers, making it suitable for home or office environments.

Does the Ender 3 S1 Plus have dual Z-axis lead screws?

Yes, the Ender 3 S1 Plus features dual Z-axis lead screws, which provide enhanced stability for the X-axis gantry and improve print quality, especially for taller objects.

What kind of print bed does the Ender 3 S1 Plus have?

It comes with a PC Polycarbonate coated magnetic spring steel print sheet, offering good adhesion when hot and easy part removal when cool.

How do I clean the print bed of the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

It is recommended to clean the PC spring steel print sheet with isopropyl alcohol IPA before each print to remove oils and residues, ensuring optimal adhesion.

Can I upgrade the hotend on the Ender 3 S1 Plus for higher temperatures?

Yes, you can upgrade the stock “Sprite” hotend to an all-metal hotend like the one found on the S1 Pro to enable printing of filaments that require temperatures above 260°C.

Is there a filament run-out sensor on the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

Yes, the Ender 3 S1 Plus typically includes a filament run-out sensor, which pauses the print if the filament spool runs out, preventing failed prints.

Does the Ender 3 S1 Plus have power loss recovery?

Yes, it usually has a power loss recovery feature, which allows the printer to resume a print from where it left off after an unexpected power outage.

What is the maximum print speed of the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

While Creality lists higher theoretical maximums, practical print speeds for optimal quality on the Ender 3 S1 Plus typically range from 60-100mm/s for most filaments. Yubico Yubikey 5C Nfc Review

Does the Ender 3 S1 Plus have Wi-Fi connectivity?

No, the Ender 3 S1 Plus does not come with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.

Users often use a Raspberry Pi with OctoPrint for remote control and monitoring.

How often should I lubricate the Z-axis lead screws?

It’s good practice to apply a small amount of PTFE grease or white lithium grease to the Z-axis lead screws every few weeks or monthly, especially with frequent printing.

Can I install Klipper firmware on the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

Yes, the Ender 3 S1 Plus is compatible with Klipper firmware, which can enhance print speeds and quality through features like input shaping and pressure advance, though it requires more technical setup.

What is the typical Z-offset for the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

The Z-offset is specific to each machine and bed, and it’s a value you calibrate after CR-Touch auto-leveling to fine-tune the nozzle’s distance from the bed for perfect first layer squish. It typically ranges from -2.0 to -3.0mm.

Where can I find spare parts for the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

Spare parts are widely available from Creality’s official stores, Amazon, and various third-party 3D printer parts suppliers due to the popularity of the Ender 3 series.

Does the Ender 3 S1 Plus come with a tool drawer?

Yes, it features a small, integrated tool drawer below the touchscreen for convenient storage of included tools and small accessories.

What is the purpose of the integrated belt tensioners?

The integrated knobs for X and Y belt tensioners allow for easy adjustment of belt tightness, which is crucial for preventing print artifacts like ghosting and ensuring accurate movements.

Can I add an LED light bar to the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

Yes, while not included stock, adding an LED light bar to the gantry is a common and easy modification to improve visibility of your prints on the large build plate. Hisense L9H Trichroma Laser Tv Review

How does the PC spring steel sheet compare to PEI?

PC Polycarbonate sheets offer excellent adhesion for many filaments, especially PLA and PETG, and are durable.

PEI Polyetherimide sheets are also highly regarded, often preferred for their slightly wider filament compatibility and ease of release across various materials.

Both are superior to plain glass in terms of removal.

Is the Ender 3 S1 Plus good for beginners?

Yes, it is considered very good for beginners due to its relatively easy assembly, automatic bed leveling, and direct drive extruder which simplifies printing with various materials. The large community support is also a huge plus.

What are common upgrades for the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

Common upgrades include a magnetic PEI print sheet, an LED light bar, OctoPrint with a Raspberry Pi for remote control, and potentially an all-metal hotend for printing high-temperature filaments.

How does the Ender 3 S1 Plus handle warping with ABS?

Like all open-frame FDM printers, the S1 Plus can experience warping with ABS without proper environmental control.

An enclosure is highly recommended to maintain a stable ambient temperature and improve ABS print success.

What is the power consumption of the Ender 3 S1 Plus?

The power consumption varies during operation, peaking when heating the bed and hotend.

It typically draws around 350W during active heating and printing, but less once temperatures are stable.

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