Creality K1 Max In-Depth Review: A larger K1 with micro LiDar, AC Heated Bed, Ai Camera, air filter

[@philipershler420]

One of the outstanding features of this review is her willingness to print some models over again with slight adjustments and most models printed with the same materials from different manufacturers. She also covered a wide spectrum of available filament compositions. 😊The total amount of time that was spent preparing this review was absolutely amazing. This produced a very unemotional and complete review.

[@BobDavidsonBerl]

Love the fact that you only gave facts and not feelings. So many people inject their feelings into their reviews making their results seem like they are the results of every machine with the same name when in reality they just either didn’t use the machine properly or got a machine with some issues. I feel like the view you represent is scientific and very, very useful. You neither wrote it off nor endorsed it, you just told it as it was. Thank you!

[@UncleJessy]

Holy smokes! Will be linking people to your amazing video when I post mine. So indepth!

[@AuroraTech]

Thanks uncle Jessy! It means a lot to me, and I appreciate your support.

[@mrmidnight32]

I just want to say thank you for showing the product, giving the price, name in the video cover photo. And then following up with direct cut and dry information. Its nice to break up the personalities and jokes with hard information and cut and dry reviews 👍

[@dthillafap]

Nothing but the facts . Clear thinking analyses . Excellent print/printer comparisons . Vastly more informative than the majority of 3d printer channels. Professional. Subscribed

[@ja-no6fx]

honestly, great review holy crap

[@henrywarren811]

One of the best channels about 3D printing. I'm pleased with the frequency of new videos being released

[@rabbidjeremy9193]

You have a pleasant voice and gave me a lot of great information, thank you. Especially for the 13:53 comparison shot. Really making me think about the bottom 2 as the machines I want to pursue.

[@thecoffeejesus]

This is the kind of KZbin video I remember from around 2010-2014 that I would put on and fall asleep to every night. I always learned something, and it was so peaceful. Thank you so god damn much for making this. I will be a subscriber and supporter of yours for a long, long time.

[@Soravia]

I remember when her head was barely above her work bench table

[@galvani4987]

they grow up so fast! ❤

[@BennyTygohome]

She is a genius. Couldn't believe it when i learned she's 8th or 9th grade. Tiger moms are real 😂

[@chpunisher2005]

@@BennyTygohome wait. Say what now? I thought she was late teens/early 20's. She definitely doesn't talk like an early high schooler. That's super impressive.

[@jakob.k_design]

A head to head comparison between the K1 Max and the Qidi X-Max 3 would be nice, with the exact same filament and layer heights.

[@MoonDraconian]

I'm torn between these two and such a comparison would help me a lot

[@DS-pk4eh]

I would like to see how it compares with Bambulab P1S, as its almost the same price.

[@nicholascaruso2803]

So glad I found this channel. This was the clearest, most informative review I've come across. Thank you.

[@Jazzzy1975]

One of the best review videos I watched. Honest, straightforward, clean. Thanks!

[@stephan.scharf]

There are tons of other 3d printing channels out there, but Aurora Tech is the best. Unbeatable!

[@KZ-yy9pm]

Yeah it’s crazy how there are channels with a lot more followers that always get the new new first and they don’t compare to the reviews on ATC. IMO if you are shopping for a printer this is one of the first channels to go to.

[@shakkabubba]

The gold standard. 🇺🇦

[@kyleb4327]

Creality finally listened to you and included the high temp nozzle! We all thank you!

[@Liberty4Ever]

Thank you. Your reviews are consistently the most thorough and informative. I appreciate the effort you put into testing all of the features and capabilities, including a variety of filaments.

[@atlasunit22]

no one will mention it, but great looking hair. I've been waiting on this review! thank you!

[@tyrannicpuppy]

Definitely a very helpful review. I had thought when you reviewed the smaller model that it was an interesting options, but I wanted that bigger print volume. And while it very much seems that the hardware still has a way to go to truly fulfil it's potential, I'm still a couple months out from the cash I intended to use to pay for it anyway. So hopefully, in those extra weeks the firmware will come to match the potential. I'll still be giving all the options a good look closer to purchase time, but you've definitely helped me narrow and refine the options. Great work. Really glad I found your channel. Nice and informative with a good list of pros and cons while acknowledging the ever changing nature of the space. It still seems that the Bambuu has the premium feature set crown in this category. But as all I want to do is print my own collectibles, I don't need all the bells and whistles. A shame that it can be cheaper to buy these sorts of machines than to buy legit licensed collectibles from some of the fandoms I love. But what a world we live in where it's possible to make your own.

[@rarbiart]

this is the perfect type of review, just facts, a lot of facts. clear statements, , no distracting side stories.

[@floodo1]

Thx. I really appreciate that you used the Sunlu sponsored filament in comparison with other filaments. Great review as usual, especially as I am in the market for an enclosed “it just works” printer. I think I just settled on P1S with AMS thanks to your recent reviews!

[@Nichabod_Crane]

Finally! A detailed review. Thank you for putting out the quality videos with awesome information!

[@MichaelInEast]

I really think that this is one of the most best review video i have ever seen in my life. That's so cool

[@TMS5100]

@1:10 Really strange that creality does fully automatic nozzle probing and qidi's latest machines still uses outdated manual offset with paper method.

[@Finchyboi14470]

I’m sure you’ve already got this in the works, but I would love to see a review of the Elegoo Neptune 4 or 4 Pro. Your reviews are so detailed!

[@PracticalTechnologist]

I am also waiting for this review

[@even1007]

4pro ！ In its hometown of China, it has received overwhelming praise.

[@djdesiderium]

I would also love this!

[@Liberty4Ever]

I was initially very enthused about the K1 Max, although I suspected the lidar was added by the Creality marketing department rather than the engineering department, so it would compare favorably with the Bambu Lab X1C on a features comparison chart, and your review seems to confirm that. Hopefully, lidar will be fully enabled in a future firmware upgrade to become a useful feature. I'm convinced that I want to upgrade to a Klipper 3D printer but my only justification for the large build volume is to be able to print multiple copies per batch for a small print farm. I'd like to get back to printing ABS but at this point, I should probably convert my ABS parts to PETG and get a non-enclosed bed slinger for the lower cost, reliability and ease of maintenance. In practice, I mostly print TPU so I'm not going to benefit much from a high speed printer. I'd like Klipper for the input shaping that will hopefully allow TPU printing at the maximum material flow rate while improving print quality. I also want Klipper so I can print over WiFi rather than shuffling a micro SD card. I'm now looking to the newer Klipper bed slingers from Sovol and Elegoo.

[@besttourinrio9]

You guys are the best ! Your perceptions and analyses really impress anyone ! You guys are the reference today for reviewing 3D printers!

[@AndrewAHayes]

agreed!

[@justinchamberlin4195]

I had a feeling when the K1 and K1 Max were announced that the K1 Max would ultimately be a better printer. At that time, it was because it offered a key advantage Bambu Lab has so far been unwilling to pursue and that Prusa has only done with the XL: a build volume large enough for 90% of users to print anything they want. Now? The AC-powered bed alone is reason enough to consider the K1 Max over the K1, but the other features (assuming Creality releases better firmware to actually take advantage of the LIDAR) are pretty nice as well. Are these things an extra $300 nice? Maybe. It seems to me that while the K1 is to the X1 Carbon what the Ender 3 was to the Prusa Mk3 (a mostly-capable and dramatically cheaper copy), the K1 Max is more of a proper standalone entry into the high-end hobbyist printing market. Which is a bit of a departure for Creality, if you don't count their previous (and awful) attempts at getting fancy like the Ender 7 and Sermoon D1. Is this a revolutionary machine? No, but it combines enough good features from other printers that it reasonably stands on its own against competition from Bambu Lab, Qidi, and others. I'll be a little suspicious of Creality as long as they continue to be non-compliant with Klipper licensing rules and as long as Creality Cloud exists in its current form, but on its own merits the K1 Max looks pretty impressive. The ultimate questions I still have about the K1 and K1 Max are with regards to user serviceability, availability of 3rd party parts, and ease of modding/upgrading. While the Ender 3 and Ender 5, for example, practically ship with a sign saying "bolt a bunch of new parts on me," the more refined design of the K1/K1 Max frame leave behind an impression of being less friendly to tinkering.

[@AndrewAHayes]

It is now possible to flash vanilla Klipper to the K1 and K1 Max and totally cut out the Creality factor, I don't know if the Lidar will work though but considering it doesn't currently work with Creality FW that's no loss. But even this is not enough to get me to buy one. Bamboo still has another new printer due for release, I am hoping this will be a toolchanger to compete with the XL, that's my ideal printer!

[@Smokinjoewhite]

@@AndrewAHayes Yeah, I am waiting for a good, affordable tool changer for multi material with little to no waste. Idex is great, but only 2 materials is sometimes not enough and alignment can sometimes take a bit to calibrate perfectly.

[@jimkelsall9349]

That was a great and detailed printer review. Thank you. I am now subscribed.

[@irwinpks]

i love your reviews....straight to the point without any fluff that other reviewers have

[@jakewallace5591]

Just getting back into printing after a few years off, and wow! I would like to formally thank the Voron bros for having faith in their method! I remember watching home made voron machines doing the speed boat tests! And wow! It’s in a consumer product now!

[@HayabusaRydr]

Thank you for the review and detailed testing! Also i love your hair! Suits you well 😊

[@Soravia]

Sunlu PLA CF is not as stiff as Hatchbox PLA CF, but less than half the price when ordered in bulk. It works well for high heat print and produces very good quality surfaces. Very good for high temp prints that can vary from high to low speed.

[@YourLocalRaccoon]

I would love to see you adding a 0.1mm and 0.05mm benchy prints (slowing down the print speeds as needed of course) to see how the printers handle that resolution. Being able to print at 0.05mm would be a BIG advantage to a printer! My old FLSun Super Racer (after some light mods) was able to print at 0.05mm absolutely perfectly, and I was actually working on printing evn lower with a 0.25mm nozzle but I had to sell it sadly. Anyway good work as always!

[@martinholst1362]

Can you make a video on the P1S? Heard that the K1 has had a few problems so would like to hear your opinion on The Best Value fully-enclosed High-Speed ​​3D Printer (Regular Size). If you change your mind. Now that P1S is here. Super videos😊

[@gcerchio]

How easy is it to swap the nozzles?

[@michaelmalmborg3479]

Hi there! It would be great to get your feedback on the K1 Max after the firmware update that was released a week ago. Have that fixed the issues you adressed in this video? And propelled the K1 Max ahead of the X1 on your recommended list?

[@LWJCarroll]

06:54. Does it record the results after scanning the zig-zag pattern? So you can have a look for your own info. Thanks. Laurie NZ. 😊

[@markhoward3851]

Great review, I always look forward to your analysis and comments.

[@morphine07]

Is there a gen 2 version of this printer that comes with a textured PEI build plate?

[@nalacha]

another great video! really liked how you called out Creality to get things going :D

[@cameltoast]

I've recently purchased one of these and be aware they have excessive VFA's. I am debating returning it because this quality defect is just not acceptable to me. This appears to be inherent to the design of the printer (and most other corexy printers) however, it seems Creality did nothing to mitigate it. As the stock input shaping out of the box has problems. First,it only runs input shaping on one axis and copies it to the other. You can root and create a Klipper macro that enables both but it did not help me much. In addition there appears to be something wrong with the X axis and damping springs they used on the gantry. People smarter than me have tried replacing the springs with stiffer springs but im not sure how much it helps. The K1 community just tells you to print faster. It all comes down to what you print, if you print highly ornate, large objects, at a fast speed, you will not notice these VFA's. If you try to print functional parts with large flat sides and it has to slow down below 300mms you will see the belts toothed pattern imprinted on the side of your print.

[@thorntontarr2894]

The depth of this review just might point to Creality using you and your team to provide a 'sanity check' of what they have done to date. Most of the cons you present will likely be sorted in a release or two. I await your final judgement before buying this printer for my prototype parts for robotic projects.

[@donjohnson19]

i watched this video after my ebay k1 max broke and this makes me want to go buy one stright form crility love your videos

[@slashsplat]

Absolutely THE BEST review. Comprehensive. Subscribed.

[@tannerdudeman]

You can totally print large functional vase mode objects with a 0.4mm nozzle, you just have to set your outer layer width to anywhere from 0.8mm up to 1mm. I know this sounds like a recipe for an instant clog, but it works like a charm (even on a stock ender 3 pro) and the strength is the same (if not better) than the same print done with a 0.8mm nozzle. the only minor issue i have encountered is sometimes the bottom layers have a problem staying attached to the wall, but that can be solved by adding a raft with 0mm extra margin. that raft becomes your new, stronger vase/container bottom. Vase mode containers printed in PLA+ using this method are nearly indestructible.

[@4340leo]

Hi Aurora. Your hair is just lovely!!! Keep with de good work! From Brazil with love...

[@Reindeer-ry2lf]

Well excellent review. I think I will stick with my X1 carbon. However the added volume is great. Thank you again. 💪😎

[@justiciaparaespana7236]

There was a rumour that Bambu Lab is going to launch a bigger version of the X1C... So... I will keep my money at home until a new one is released. I have the K1 and it was a complete disaster... Right now I left dissasembled until after summer that I will try again to fix it because It was printing a vase and it stopped in the middle of the printing without any reason and the screen got frozen.

[@Cujobob]

@@justiciaparaespana7236yeah they filed paperwork for a couple of new models. One is likely a smaller version and the other a larger version. I’m just waiting to see if they update the normal X1 carbon before diving in. I’d consider this K1 Max but it’s hard to support Creality at this price point.

[@l____bugc____l]

Just facts, no nonsense, awesome review, love it. Thank you ! 🥰

[@rondlh20]

26:03 Wouldn't you be able to just add the micro lidar commands to your slicer start gcode?

[@HayabusaRydr]

Can you explain? New to klipper. Are there commands for the lidar?

[@rondlh20]

@@HayabusaRydr I expect that the lidar is controlled with some custom gcode commands, which are added by the slicer. So if you can find these commands and copy them in your "start gcode", then the lidar should also work with any other slicer. Checkout the gcode file the slicer makes, perhaps there are some comments that can help.

[@Donniewherman]

I love this channel!

[@ovarb12]

Another great video. I like the channel more every video. Keep on trucking. I enjoyed your school speech. Can wait to see your high school grade speech.

[@NaughtyGoatFarm]

OK so 5 months later and multiple firmware updates, has anyone been able verify if the lidar does anything?

[@austinchong7355]

I wish you would mention/show the print speed. especially when comparing the print time vs regular printers. I assumed you were printing at 600m/s but the creatity slicer speed bar did not looked maxed out so now im left with unknown variables.

[@wnen8611]

Bought my own K1`Max yesterday, cant wait for it to arrive, no more cutting op pieces that are to big for my Ender 3

[@adamcboyd]

So what's the deal with the lidar now, six months later from this video? I just ordered one tonight but I can't find any good info on this. I am sure most youtubers are just there for the money and getting cool free stuff while not bad mouthing the people who send them free stuff but this is the kind of shit that matters and it breaks my heart we don't have more critically minded people out there. But back to the lidar in Feb of 2004. What's the deal? Any updates? Anyone else actually notice this? Was hers just broken? I would appreciate any info so I know what I am getting into.

[@rich9792]

You have the BEST reviews!!! Thank you and keep up the great job!!!

[@nickreif7010]

a great, detailed video with lots of example prints! loved the video i would love to see a review on the neptune 4 pro/plus! i'm currently trying to decide between that or the k1 max

[@oleurgast730]

Actually with this printer using Klipper, shouldn't there be a way to add an Enraged Rabit Carot Feeder? Same of course for the Qidi X-Max 3. While Bambu with the AMS definitly is the most easy and comfortable solution for multiple material, it's definitly not the only solution on the market. I realy would like a video about adding an ERCF on theese new klipper based printers... While an ERCF definitly is not beginner friendly, it would be nice to know even for beginners if they are stuck without multimaterial or if they can upgrade later (when they are no beginners anymore).

[@floodo1]

They don’t mention ERCF because they are talking about retail products

[@oleurgast730]

@@floodo1 Actually while there is no ERCF as retail solution yet, Klipper retail printers are still new on the market. Till now only advanced users used Klipper. And anyone building a Voron or Hypercube or RatRig or at least adding Klipper for themself afterwads on their own properly would build their own ERFC. There was simply no market for a retail ERFC or something simular. With multiple printers like the K1, the X-Max 3 and FLSUN 400 using Klipper as their operating system, this has changed. Now there is a market. So while there is no ready2use retail product now, this is only a matter of time. So saying "you can't" should definitly be corrected to "you can't yet without DIY". Any beginner investing the money for one of the new printers look into the posibilitys without exactly knowing what he realy needs. But he do not want to limit himself. It is a big difference if you are told you practicly have to buy a bambu printer if you want multi material - or if you know the printer can not do it yet, but can modified later (maybe even with a retail product but surely DIY). Anyway, there is always a retail product to add at least multicolor to any FDM printer, the Palette. It has its limitations (you can not splice any material to any other material, esp. not PETG to PLA which is the cheapest way for easy to remove supports) and it costs a fortune. But if you see what most people seem to do with the AMS, simply printing multi-colour, that can be done with a retail product already. As the K1 and the X-Max 3 have bigger size than the bambu orinters (at the moment), it is already a hard decission. I decided for the X-Max 3 - because I am not a beginner and know it is possible to add multi material if I realy need it. Even if I have no experience in building and using it (a lack of real need - I have an MMU2 but never had the need to even install it). So knowing about the posibility to add such a feature later leads to other prioritys. SIze narrows my choice to K1 max or x-Max 3; cold room temperatures I prefer in winter (about 10°C) leads to X-max 3. Else the decission would be "I wait". But for a beginner it may be harde to decide.

[@corlissmedia2.0]

A great review tinged with very controlled disdain. Thank you for standing straight up to the challenge.

[@betafoofoo270]

Excellent review very professional, dispassionate and informative. Thank you.

[@garylester55]

Also, put the heat bed temperature to 60c. I was told this by a manager at Jaycar, they sell Creality printers. He is printing models in the shop that you wouldn’t believe unless you saw them. He bought 2 K1’s and a K1 Max for himself, they run 24/7. I live in Perth Western Australia. Cheers

[@DfrgSeb]

Thanks for this review. You did high quality test and review. Thank you much for that.

[@MrHrannsi]

Excellent review, to the point without fluff.

[@markmalonson7531]

Excellent! Thank you Aurora tech.

[@happydaydreamer1]

Best review on this machine, thanks!

[@rdvanpolat322]

Thank you for your review. On the Creality site, it states that the AI lidar measures the first layer and whether there is a problem with the first layer. They didn't mention anything about the print coming out well.

[@AuroraTech]

So-called AI features on 3D printers, including those on Creality or even on my other BambuLab X1C, have created more problems than they have solved so far. As a result, I have chosen to disable all of them.

[@chriswaldron2617]

Auto bed levelling, wish I knew about this printer before I bought the S1 Plus about 2 months ago.

[@home-dream-records1399]

21:48 Can i ask you why you use a complete different / new hotend insted of just switching the nozzle ? What are the main positive aspects in compair to just switch the nozzle ? I also have an K1 Max and your video is very very helpful

[@SLICEDfinds]

Always enjoy your very well put together reviews. Hopefully you get a chance to review the new kingroon KLP1 soon

[@DS-pk4eh]

Is this model more like K1C than just K1? Because I heard many bad things about K1 but K1C is usually praised for its features and print speed and quality, getting closer to BambuLab printers.

[@rammone5241]

I am convinced I will get a Creality K1. Great tutorial!

[@rammone5241]

Two weeks later, I regret buy the K1 LOL! Someone hit me please. Had to replace the entire hot end after only printing less than 5 small items. It was easy to set up and printed fast as advertised but the biggest issue is the hot end, matter fact if anyone thinks about buying a KI just get the upgraded hot end and replace that factory, no joke.

[@3dprintedhardware]

Another great review! I like the AI LiDAR calibration system, I know it did not really work in your tests but I'm sure they'll fix that soon.

[@arunchari3866]

What a detailed unbiased review, 👍

[@BlackBeardGR]

Great review as always!!! I have a question. In the video around 8:52 you are printing at the full speed with regular pla instead of hyper pla. Do you use some special profile to do it and if so can you use any regular pla to achieve that? Thank you in advance and as always keep up to good work!!!

[@AuroraTech]

I ran the exact same Gcode file on the machine while printing with different filaments. All the filaments I tested, including VOXELPLA, SUNLU, and ERYONE, were able to print the same 600mm/s sample Gcode without any issues.

[@HowleRWolF01]

just found your channel, what a fantastic review, clear and very informative. Loved all the tests you did with different material. looking forward to watching more of your content.👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@IanBakker]

Pros and cons of this printer versus the Qidi Max you recently reviewed? Which has better print quality? Which would you prefer?

[@ericthecyclist]

what I'd really like to see reviewed is the blackbox 3d printer as it seems like a competitor for the Prusa XL multi-head printer. Maybe you could get somebody to loan you theirs for the purpose. Side note: on your printer review page, it would be nice if you included a list of the names of the other printers you have evaluated, the ones that didn't make the grade into your top printer in category list.

[@alessandrob3684]

Thank you! Like always awesome reviews , straight to the point!

[@3D_Printing]

17:04 Amazing it never failed with that make printed on it :)

[@corbymodelboatclub]

A very concise and helpful review.

[@seansersmylie]

Which do you think is better, this or the new x-max 3?

[@mohistschool1003]

Max3, the bigger size and heating chamber

[@mrfireclaw]

😊 Hey lil 1 which 1 is better the bamboo or this one of the K1 I'm not too familiar with it I am still looking to try to find a decent printer but there's so many out on the market and all of my knockouts or

[@bluerider0988]

Another great review. Thanks. I'm not sure why the filament would load from the back. That's a really bad idea.

[@Dimitris1963]

Thank you for this video! A question:: Could it be that the printhead's guide chain is slipping on its guide rods, or does it only look that way?

[@ericthecyclist]

I was wondering if the lidar feature was just advertizing. I would also be curious to know how well it will wear, thinking of those plastic extruder gears.

[@Eh3dprinting]

Excellent review with all the info I needed.

[@EnergySeeker]

how is the K1 Max bed looks like in ocraslicer is it tilted ? if you can make a video of fixing that

[@TheDIYer]

Can you make one video showing which printer in stock config gives the advertised flow rates and what is the actual flow rates of those which don't , using same filament for all tests at same temperature. It would probably make a cool video, Thanks

[@Mr_Pewpy_But-Whole]

would you do a video about using the K1 Max with Orca Slicer ?

[@olafb.2929]

Very good review, thank you.

[@k1u0]

Hands down the best 3dp review channel. Thanks auroratech

[@laich2]

thats a lot of hard work and printing.

[@KLONESNETWORK]

great review!! it will better if u include like a tweak version of your own setting as most prints from these are only at default, thus it will be a great comparison from default to test quality and speed.

[@mkatakm]

Thanks for great review 👍 After a year, are all functions supported now?

[@Flo-Rida-FPV]

Do you find a diminish in print quality having your printers in your garage? I've seen my garage temps up too 98 degrees F at some times.

[@aberodriguez4149]

Great in-depth review as always guys this printer should be really ready in about 3 months so they can work out any kinks. XD

[@rein813]

I'm totally agree with all what she teling us, except extruder! Extruded needs to be upgraded, should be fixed for holding and pushing filament properly to the nuzzle!

[@Jbobonline]

Aurora the wise strikes again 💪. What is your opinion about the filtration system built in to the system?

[@AuroraTech]

It's the same carbon air filter used in the BambuLab X1C. I can't smell the odor at all, even when printing ABS and Nylon CF with the enclosure fully closed, it works fine.

[@3dprintedhardware]

@@AuroraTech Does that filter fan circulate the air inside the enclosure or does it move the air to the outside of the printer?

[@TheHomecinemaFreak]

For me the qidi is the Winner between k1max and xmax3. I dont know why there is not a comparsion with the qidi Lama. But Lidar and other stuff is nice that is build in but it doesnt Work from the Beginning. Its a beta tester printer for me. I will go with the qidi. Thank you for testing the Printers.

[@marceloandriolo819]

Greaty video, very complete about K1s, i have one K1 Max, and in this moment we have less information about it and your problems and solutions, maybe you will have a new videos about this, but your video is very good, greaty information , thanks for share

[@Doogleraia]

Would be a good test to compare it to the X1C by running both at 500mm/s (X1C's max speed) to see if the 600mm/s is just too much or if it's firmware or tension tolerances