3D printing up until recently has been something locked out for big companies, and universities and it has been seen as the way to revolutionise the world of manufacturing and design. However, hobbyist creators, makers and innovators have struggled to find an affordable and functional way of bringing 3D printing to the home, until now! I’ve personally been looking for affordable, home setups for 3D printers for nearly a decade since my Product Design days and finally, I’ve found the Creality Ender 3 Neo, starting at $270 the modular design means everything from the hotend to the feeder, can be updated and modified helping even the likes of me to create objects that were once impossible to make. In this review, I’ll be taking a closer look at the Ender 3 Neo and see what all the fuss is about.
Design and Build Quality
The Ender 3 Neo is a robust machine that is built to last. The printer has a sturdy aluminum frame that ensures stability during the printing process, and the build volume is 220 x 220 x 250mm, making it suitable for most types of projects. The machine comes partially assembled, but the remaining assembly process is straightforward and can be done within an hour or two.
One of the standout features of the Ender 3 Neo is its removable build plate. This feature makes it easy to remove your prints from the build plate once the printing process is complete. Additionally, the build plate is made of a material that allows for good adhesion, which reduces the risk of warping and other printing issues.
The Ender 3 Neo may not be as sleek as some of the more expensive options on the market, namely K1 and Makerbot, but it’s definitely got a solid build that can withstand some rough handling (we don’t recommend testing this theory though, trust me I’ve already done it). The aluminum frame ensures stability during the printing process and the removable build plate is a real life-saver for those moments when you’re struggling to get your print off the plate. We’ve all been there, frantically scraping away at a print with a spatula, hoping it doesn’t snap in half.
User-Friendliness
The Ender 3 Neo is a user-friendly 3D printer that is easy to set up and use. The printer comes with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate through the different options and settings. Moreover, the printer is compatible with different types of filaments, including PLA, ABS, and PETG, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.
Another user-friendly feature of the Ender 3 Neo is its resume printing function. This feature allows the printer to resume printing from where it left off in case of a power outage or other interruptions.
The Ender 3 Neo may not come with an AI assistant like Siri or Alexa, but it’s definitely user-friendly, honestly the whole point is this doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, everything is changeable and upgradeable, don’t be worried I’ve fried two hotends by acting the git but both got changed within 15minutes. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, which is great for those of us who get easily overwhelmed by too many options. Plus, the printer is compatible with a range of filaments, so you can let your creativity run wild. Just be careful not to let it run too wild, or you might end up with a plastic spaghetti monster.
And speaking of monsters, the resume printing function is a real lifesaver. No more lost prints due to power outages or other interruptions. You can just pick up where you left off and finish your masterpiece.
Print Quality
The Ender 3 Neo produces high-quality prints that are impressive for a machine in its price range. The printer has a maximum resolution of 100 microns, which means that it can produce detailed and intricate prints. Moreover, the printer has a maximum print speed of 180mm/s, which makes it faster than many other printers in its class.
The printer also has a direct drive extruder, which reduces the risk of filament jamming and improves the overall printing quality. Additionally, the printer has a nozzle that can reach temperatures of up to 260 degrees Celsius, which makes it suitable for printing with a wide range of filaments.
The Ender 3 Neo may not be able to print a real-life unicorn….I know it upset me too, but it’s definitely capable of producing high-quality prints. With a maximum resolution of 100 microns, you can create detailed and intricate designs that are sure to impress. And with a nozzle that can reach temperatures of up to 260 degrees Celsius, you can print with a variety of filaments, including PLA, ABS, and PETG.
Support and Customer Service
Creality is a well-known and respected brand in the 3D printing community, and they have a reputation for excellent customer service. The Ender 3 Neo comes with a one-year warranty, and Creality provides excellent support for their products. Moreover, the printer has an active community of users who provide support and advice on forums and social media groups.
Creality may not have a hotline like the Ghostbusters or those particular Irish phone networks with their woeful customer experiences, but they do have excellent customer service. They offer a one-year warranty on the Ender 3 Neo and are known for providing top-notch support for their products. Plus, the printer has a large community of users who are always willing to help out on forums and social media groups. So, if you’re having trouble with your printer, you can rest assured that you’ll find the help you need, and of course drop us a line on social our resident 3D printer aka me is always up for a talk all things printing.
The Goosed Verdict
The Creality Ender 3 Neo is a high-quality 3D printer that offers excellent value for money. The printer is easy to use, produces high-quality prints, and has a robust build that ensures durability. Additionally, the printer has several user-friendly features, such as a removable build plate and a resume printing function.
Overall, the Ender 3 Neo is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started with 3D printing or for those looking to upgrade to a more advanced machine. The printer’s affordable price, combined with its impressive performance, makes it a top contender in the market.
The Creality Ender 3 Neo is a great 3D printer for beginners and more experienced users alike. Its solid build, user-friendly interface, and resume printing function make it a real contender in the market. And with its ability to produce high-quality prints, you can let your imagination run wild. So, whether you’re printing a toy for your kid or a prototype for your next big invention, the Ender 3 Neo has got you covered.
