The world of 3D printing has expanded rapidly in recent years, with more affordable and user-friendly options becoming available to hobbyists and small businesses. One 3D printer that has generated significant buzz is the Creality Ender 5 Plus, which offers a unique blend of features and reliability at a budget-friendly price point. But is the Ender 5 Plus the right choice for your specific needs? This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth look at the key strengths and potential drawbacks of the Ender 5 Plus to help you determine if it is the best budget 3D printer for you.
Overview of the Creality Ender 5 Plus
The Ender 5 Plus is an upgraded version of the popular Ender 5 model, offering a larger 300 x 300 x 400 mm build volume, along with several other enhancements. It retains the same highly-regarded CoreXY system from the Ender 5, which utilizes dual Y-axis motors and a single X-axis motor for smooth and precise print movements.
Some of the key features and specs of the Ender 5 Plus include:
- Build volume: 300 x 300 x 400mm
- High precision linear rails and lead screws
- Silent stepper drivers for quiet operation
- Resume print capability after power outage
- Compatible with many common filament types like PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, etc.
- 24V 350W meanwell power supply
- Carborundum glass print bed
- SD card and USB connectivity
- Compatible with common slicers like Cura and Simplify3D
The larger build volume makes the Ender 5 Plus well-suited for printing larger models, prototypes, and other objects up to 12 inches tall. It also includes a number of upgrades like the integrated filament runout sensor and power loss resume print that improve reliability and convenience.
Pros of the Creality Ender 5 Plus
There are several compelling benefits that make the Ender 5 Plus stand out as an excellent budget 3D printer option:
Stable and Accurate Printing: The CoreXY system utilized on the Ender 5 Plus is known for providing incredibly stable and accurate printing capabilities. By harnessing dual Y-axis motors, the print head can move rapidly and precisely on both the X and Y axes simultaneously. This results in smoother prints, faster print speeds, and greater overall accuracy.
Excellent Print Quality: Despite its budget-friendly price, the Ender 5 Plus can produce print quality rivaling more expensive printers. Key factors like the high-torque stepper motors, precision lead screws, and attention to rigidity in the frame design allow for impressive print quality with smooth surfaces, sharp corners, and precise details.
Resume Print Capability: Thanks to the integrated power loss print resume function, the Ender 5 Plus can pick up a print job right where it left off after a power interruption. This is a huge plus for prints that take many hours to complete. No more ruined prints or wasted filament due to a brief power loss!
Quiet Operation: The silent stepper drivers on the Ender 5 Plus dampen noise dramatically compared to previous Ender models. You can print all day or night without disturbing your household or workplace.
Large Heated Bed: The Ender 5 Plus boasts an impressive 300 x 300 mm heated print bed, allowing you to create large, intricate prints without adhesion issues. The carborundum glass surface provides excellent grip while evenly distributing heat.
Great Community Support: As one of the most popular budget 3D printer brands, Creality machines like the Ender 5 Plus have a massive community following. This makes troubleshooting, upgrades, modifications, and general guidance much easier compared to lesser-known printers.
Affordable Price: Considering its expansive feature set and print capabilities, the Ender 5 Plus delivers outstanding value at well under $1000. For small businesses, hobbyists, educators, and others, it provides an affordable path to large-scale 3D printing.
Potential Drawbacks of the Ender 5 Plus
While the Ender 5 Plus has a lot going for it, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
May Require Some Initial Tuning: Out of the box, you may need to fine tune settings like the bed level, tighten belts, adjust flow rate calibration, and tweak print speeds to optimize print quality. This tuning is common for most budget printers.
Minimal Enclosure: The open frame design means the Ender 5 Plus does not come with an enclosed chamber. An aftermarket enclosure can help for temperature-sensitive filaments like ABS.
No Camera for Remote Monitoring: Unlike some competitors, the Ender 5 Plus does not include an integrated camera for monitoring prints remotely. A WiFi camera can be added for roughly $30-$60.
No Auto Bed Leveling: The Ender 5 Plus has a manual bed leveling process which must be periodically redone. An auto bed leveling sensor can be added via firmware updates.
Limited Official Support: As a Chinese company, Creality’s official customer support is limited primarily to documentation and online resources. The thriving user community helps fill any gaps.
While these limitations are worth factoring into your decision, most can be resolved relatively easily through affordable upgrades and community guidance.
Who is the Ender 5 Plus Best Suited For?
With its large build volume, precise CoreXY system, and budget-friendly price, the Creality Ender 5 Plus is a great option for:
- Hobbyists who want to print larger models, cosplay pieces, and creative projects with excellent precision.
- Product Designers who need to create prototypes, form-fit tests, and concept models on a budget.
- Small Businesses who want to bring affordable in-house rapid prototyping and small batch production.
- STEM Educators looking for an affordable but capable large-scale 3D printer for classrooms.
- 3D Printing Enthusiasts who want a highly upgradable machine with strong community support.
The Ender 5 Plus is likely overkill for basic household prints and light hobby use. But for those needing reliable large-scale printing, its blend of print quality, build volume, and low cost make it a potential sweet-spot choice.
Final Verdict – An Excellent Budget Choice for Large-Scale Printing
For its price point, the Creality Ender 5 Plus offers an incredibly capable and user-friendly 3D printing option. The stable CoreXY design, large heated bed, quiet drivers, and power loss resume capabilities allow it to rival more expensive printers. While minor tuning may be required out of the box, its overall blend of print quality, reliability, and value make it one of the best budget options for ambitious hobbyists, educators, designers, and small businesses.
If your goal is reliable large-scale 3D printing up to 12 inches tall for under $1000, the Ender 5 Plus checks off all the boxes. With the vibrant Creality user community for guidance on any upgrades or mods, it is hard to beat the Ender 5 Plus for budget-minded makers and creators needing serious printing capabilities.