Creality Cloud is an exciting new 3D printing platform that allows users to slice, organize and monitor prints completely from the cloud. With Creality Cloud, gone are the days of being tethered to a desktop computer for slicing and print prep. Now users can start prints from anywhere and keep an eye on things with the Creality Cloud app.
Creality Cloud represents a shift in the 3D printing workflow, taking it out of the realm of tinkering hobbyists and into a simple push-button consumer experience. As 3D printing explodes in popularity, more average users are getting on board. Creality Cloud allows new users to bypass the steep learning curve usually required to get started with desktop 3D printing.
What is Creality Cloud?
Creality Cloud is a cloud-based 3D printing platform created by Creality, one of the leading desktop 3D printer manufacturers. It consists of two main components:
Creality Cloud Web Platform – This is the online platform that handles slicing and print management. Users can upload 3D model files, arrange prints on the print bed, select print settings, slice models, and organize print jobs.
Creality Cloud Mobile App – The companion mobile app allows users to monitor prints remotely with a live camera feed. It also provides print notifications so users know when a print is started, finished, or has failed.
By moving 3D printing workflow elements like slicing to the cloud, Creality Cloud streamlines the process. Model files are processed remotely using powerful cloud-based computing. This frees users from needing high powered desktops just for slicing.
Prints can be started right from the Creality Cloud web interface or mobile app. The platform slices the model, generates the gcode, and sends it directly to the connected printer. Live monitoring via the app lets users check on print progress remotely.
Benefits of Creality Cloud
Creality Cloud offers some significant benefits over traditional desktop 3D printing workflows:
Easy Remote Printing
With Creality Cloud, starting a print is as easy as a single click, no matter where you are. Just log into the app, select your model, hit print, and your printer at home goes to work. No more needing to be tethered to your desktop to prep and start prints.
The ability to monitor with live camera feed via the app provides peace of mind. Getting notifications about print completion means you don’t have to babysit the printer.
Cloud-Powered Slicing
Processing 3D models into printable gcode files requires significant computing power. Creality Cloud handles this work in the cloud, taking advantage of blazing fast processing. This means no more waiting hours for slicing complex models on an underpowered desktop.
With models processed in the cloud, even smartphones and tablets can be used to manage prints, without needing the local computing power usually required.
Simplified Process for Beginners
For new users just getting started in 3D printing, Creality Cloud provides an easy onramp. The web interface makes organizing prints, selecting slicer settings, and queuing up jobs straightforward and intuitive.
With cloud-based slicing and remote print management, beginners don’t have to learn the ins and outs of slicing software and master the technical details. They can focus on designing and outputting creative models.
Centralized Print Organization
The Creality Cloud web platform provides a central place to organize print jobs. Models can be uploaded from local devices or cloud storage like Google Drive and organized into projects. Print jobs can be prioritized and queued up.
This gives a much needed organization layer, especially for managing multiple printers. Schools and businesses with printer farms can effectively utilize Creality Cloud to keep things running smoothly.
Open Ecosystem
Unlike some other cloud printing solutions, Creality Cloud is designed as an open platform. It works with common model file formats like STL, OBJ, and 3MF. The sliced gcode output is standard, so it works with almost any 3D printer.
This open approach means customers aren’t locked into a particular vendor’s printers or model filetypes. Creality Cloud supports open innovation and tinkering.
Creality Cloud Printers
To use the remote printing and monitoring features of Creality Cloud requires having a compatible Creality 3D printer. Many of Creality’s recent printers work with the system out of the box including:
- CR-10 Smart
- Ender-3 S1
- Ender-3 S1 Pro
- Ender-3 Max
- Ender-6
Older printers like the venerable Ender-3 can be upgraded to work with Creality Cloud using a addon module. This allows existing Creality printer owners to upgrade to leverage the new cloud features.
Creality is also releasing new printer models like the upcoming CR-5 Pro specifically designed around Creality Cloud. These models have built-in cameras for remote monitoring and control features that interface smoothly with the cloud platform.
Creality Cloud Workflow
Utilizing Creality Cloud completely changes the normal desktop 3D printing workflow. Here are the basic steps in the Creality Cloud printing process:
1. Upload Models – Upload 3D model files from a local device or cloud storage like Google Drive to the Creality Cloud web interface. STL, OBJ, and 3MF files are supported.
2. Arrange Models – Place and arrange models on the virtual print bed in the Creality Cloud interface. Printers with auto-bed leveling allow truly automatic placement.
3. Select Printer – Choose which connected printer will handle the print job. Manage queues for multiple printers.
4. Choose Settings – Configure slicing settings like layer height, infill, supports, and more. Default profiles make this easy for beginners.
5. Slice to Gcode – Once configured, Creality Cloud handles slicing the models to generate printer-ready gcode files using cloud computing power.
6. Send to Printer – The gcode files are sent directly from the cloud to the connected printer over WiFi. No need to manually transfer files.
7. Monitor Print – Use the live camera feed in the Creality Cloud app on your smartphone to monitor print status. Receive notifications when printing starts, finishes, or fails.
8. Done! – Upon print completion, simply remove the model from the print bed. Cloud-based printing couldn’t be easier!
For professionals and enterprises, additional workflow features are available like remote fleet management, user access controls, and integration with enterprise systems. But the basic printing process remains simple and intuitive for all users.
Is Creality Cloud Right for You?
Creality Cloud offers an appealing package of features and benefits, especially for 3D printing beginners. But it may not be the right choice for all users. Here are some things to consider:
Cost – Creality Cloud currently includes a monthly subscription fee after an initial free period. This adds to the total cost of ownership. For hobbyists who print infrequently, the added cost may not make sense.
Connectivity Dependence – The system relies on consistent internet connectivity for remote printing and management. For those with spotty internet, this could cause issues. Creality printers can still function standalone though.
Vendor Lock-in – While Creality Cloud supports open filetypes and gcode output, you are still reliant on Creality’s cloud servers. If service is discontinued, printers lose some key functions.
Security – Cloud-based monitoring and management may give some pause regarding security, especially enterprises handling proprietary data. Creality claims end-to-end encryption is used.
For hobbyists new to 3D printing or schools and businesses that manage multiple printers, Creality Cloud offers huge advantages in usability and workflow. Just weigh the benefits versus any downsides that may apply to your specific situation.
The Future of Creality Cloud
Creality Cloud represents an important step forward for consumer 3D printing. Usability improvements like this help bring 3D printing further into the mainstream. But what does the future hold for Creality Cloud specifically?
Judging by Creality’s early moves, we can expect the platform to continue improving rapidly. Some likely enhancements include:
- Integration with even more 3D printer models
- Additional management and collaboration features
- Support for new file types and color profiles
- Improvements to print quality analysis
- Enterprise IT system interoperability
It also seems likely that competitors will launch alternates to Creality Cloud. Printer manufacturers like Artillery and Anycubic may try to match the capabilities. Pure software players could also launch cloud printing platforms that work across multiple printer brands.
This mirrors the evolution that happened with traditional 2D printing. Early on each printer had its own proprietary software and workflows. But then cross-vendor print drivers, services like Google Cloud Print, and finally platform-independent solutions like AirPrint emerged.
As the segment matures, we’ll likely see efforts around standards for remote communication and monitoring. This would allow Creality Cloud to work with more brands and provide more choice for users. Interoperability benefits everyone in the end.
But for now, Creality has established an early leadership position in cloud printing solutions. Their unified hardware, software, and cloud offering provides a seamless user experience. As online 3D printing becomes more accessible, Creality Cloud helps lower the barrier to entry.
Getting Started with Creality Cloud
Ready to give Creality Cloud a try and experience the convenience of cloud-based 3D printing management? Here are some resources to help you get started:
Compatible Printer – Make sure you have a Creality Cloud-compatible printer like the Ender-3 S1 or CR-10 Smart. If not, you can add the official Creality WiFi Box to upgrade an existing printer.
Creality Cloud App – Download the Creality Cloud app for iOS or Android to handle remote monitoring and control.
Create Account – Sign up for a Creality Cloud account from the Creality Cloud website. Make sure to activate the free trial.
Connect Printer – Follow the connection instructions to get your compatible 3D printer linked up to your new Creality Cloud account via WiFi.
Start Printing! – Just like that, you are ready to start enjoying simplified cloud-based 3D printing. Upload a model, slice, hit print, and monitor remotely from your smartphone. The future is here!
Creality Cloud pushes 3D printing to the next level in usability. While still an emerging technology, it provides a glimpse of the potential for online digital manufacturing. As the platforms mature, 3D printing will become exponentially more accessible. So give Creality Cloud a try today and experience the convenience of wireless printing!
