Creality Ender 3 V3 KE - FDM 3D printer

The Ender 3 V3 KE FDM 3D printer by Creality stands out as an enhanced iteration of the Ender-3 V3 SE, introducing notable advancements in its functionality. This upgraded version boasts several improvements, including elevated printing speeds, expanded filament compatibility, an upgraded 4.3-inch color touch screen and a filament runout sensor. Another feature that sets the Ender 3 V3 KE apart is the integration of the CR-Touch auto levelling sensor and a strain gauge, streamlining the leveling process and Z-offset calibration effortlessly.

Video 1: The features of the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE 3D printer. Source: Creality.

Key features of the Ender 3 V3 KE encompass a build volume of 220 x 220 x 240 mm and a maximum printing speed of 500 mm/s. In comparison to the typical printing speed of 180 mm/s and highest printing speed of 250 mm/s offered by the Ender 3 V3 SE, the Ender 3 V3 KE offers a typical printing speed of 300 mm/s and a maximum printing speed of 500 mm/s, with an acceleration of 8000 mm/s² versus SE's acceleration of 2500 mm/s². 

Video 2: Printing speed comparison between Ender 3 V3 KE and Ender 3. Source: Creality.

It must be kept in mind, however, that the maximum printing speed of 500 mm/s will only give the desired results with high speed filaments.

Other hardware upgrades

Furthermore, the Ender 3 V3 KE's extrusion system has been upgraded to provide performance and allows for the use of a wider range of 3D printing filaments (PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, ASA). Thus, SE's maximum extrusion temperature of 260 ºC has been upgraded to up to 300 °C (max. temperature of the PEI flexible build plate remains at 100 ºC). The KE's hotend has been upgraded as well to meet the challenges of high speed printing. The hotend is equipped with a 60 W ceramic heater for improved melting, a bi-metal heatbreak (copper and titanium alloy) for preventing thermal creep, and a copper nozzle to enable printing at 300º C.

Image 1: The upgraded hotend of the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE 3D printer. Source: Creality.

Similarly to the SE printer, the Ender 3 V3 KE is equipped with a direct drive "Sprite" extruder developed by Creality themselves and specifically tailored for materials like PLA, PETG, and flexible filaments such as TPU. The Sprite's 30% lighter but powerful design facilitates efficient filament propulsion, ensuring seamless feeding without slippage. Furthermore, the Sprite extruder incorporates an automatic filament loading and unloading feature, simplifying the process of material changes. A significant upgrade included in the Ender 3 V3 KE printer is the incorporation of a filament runout sensor, a feature lacking in the Ender 3 V3 SE. Fast and efficient model cooling is ensured by a double-fan design where each side of the printhead is equipped with a model cooling fan.

Image 2: The printhead design of the Ender 3 V3 KE 3D printer. Source: Creality.

In order to ensure the printer's stability and smooth motions, Creality has equipped the Ender 3 V3 KE with a precise X-axis linear rail made of stiff and durable steel. This linear rail has a carriage slide with ball bearings, which makes the printer's movements steady, accurate and frictionless (0.04 friction coefficient). The printer's new smarter UI allows for one-click automatic calibration with the CR-Touch Auto Levelling Sensor and a smart self-test for Z-offset thanks to the strain gauge feature.

Image 3: The input shaping feature minimizes printing defects by mitigating vibrations. Source: Creality.

For an even more reliable extrusion and great print quality, the Ender 3 V3 KE works with smart algorithms such as input shaping and motion advance. Input shaping effectively reduces the printer's vibrations, minimizing instances of ringing or ghosting, while motion advance optimizes the filament feeding process, resulting in decreased occurrences of blobs and oozing during printing.

Software and UI upgrades

The Ender 3 V3 KE 3D printer introduces an array of software and UI enhancements, transforming the user experience. Featuring an upgraded 4.3" color screen and a responsive touch UI, this iteration replaces the previous 3.2" knob screen, offering a more user-friendly interface. The intuitive tab bar, real-time model preview, and dynamic motion graphics displaying printing parameters provide enhanced control and ease of navigation through the printer's configurations and the printing process. 

Video 3: LAN Printing and Cloud Printing with the Creality Ender 3 V3 KE 3D printer. Source: Creality.

Compatibility with leading laminating software like Creality Slicer, Cura (5.0 or higher), and Simplify3D, combined with support for various file formats such as STL, OBJ, 3MF, and AMF, ensures versatility in printing options. The printer offers three convenient printing methods: via USB drive, LAN printing with WiFi for secure data transmission, and printing through the Creality Cloud APP via WiFi. LAN printing and cloud printing expand printing possibilities, enabling remote control of the 3D printer via a PC using Creality Print or a smartphone using the Creality Cloud APP. This setup also facilitates efficient management of multiple printers, turning them into a streamlined print farm for enhanced productivity and control.

Additionally, optional add-ons like the AI camera (failure detection, real-time monitoring, and time-lapse filming) or  the vibration compensation sensor further enhance the printer's capabilities, ensuring precise detection of printing problems or automatic adjustment of input shaping presets for more efficient calibration.

Faster and smarter

The Ender 3 V3 KE by Creality is an advanced upgrade from the Ender 3 V3 SE, ideal for those who are looking for an efficient, versatile, and-user friendly high-speed 3D printer with automatized features. This printer's noteworthy features include a generous build volume, a maximum printing speed of 500 mm/s, a higher extrusion temperature, and numerous hardware and software upgrades. Equipped with a direct drive "Sprite" extruder, filament runout sensor, and double-fan model cooling, Ender 3 V3 KE ensures smoother printing and excellent part quality. Precise hardware design, smart UI features, LAN, and cloud printing capabilities result in enhanced control, versatility, and remote accessibility. Optional AI camera and vibration compensation sensor add-ons further augment its capabilities for precise detection of printing issues and streamlined calibration, significantly boosting productivity and user-friendliness.