Creality Hi Combo 3D Printer Review High-Speed Multicolor Printing with Advanced Features

Description

Testing the Creality Hi Combo Multicolor 3D Printer with CFS

The Creality Hi Combo Multicolor 3D Printer (model Hi Combo) intrigued me from the moment I unboxed it. I’ve tested a fair share of 3D printers before, but this one had several standout features on paper, including its CFS multicolor printing system, auto filament reading, and high-speed capabilities. Naturally, I was curious to see how it would perform in a real-world setting, and whether it could live up to the hype.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, this machine feels substantial. Weighing in at 27.5 pounds, it has a reassuring sturdiness thanks to its aluminum construction. The black finish gives it a sleek, modern look, making it a solid addition to my workspace both functionally and aesthetically. I appreciated its compact dimensions (16.1″ x 15.4″ x 18.7″) since it didn’t dominate my desk. The 95% pre-assembled setup was a huge plus. I didn’t have to wrestle with intricate parts or consult the manual for hours; it was almost ready to use straight away.

The 3.2-inch touchscreen is foldable and user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that even a beginner could navigate. A small but notable touch was the slide-out camera for real-time monitoring and time-lapse videos. This added a creative flair to the experience and made sharing prints with friends more fun.

Key Benefits

• Multicolor Printing with CFS: The CFS system is the highlight here. Having the ability to print in multicolor without needing multiple manual adjustments is a game-changer. It also handles automatic filament switching seamlessly.
• Automatic Precision: The RFID intelligent recognition scans the filament type and color, syncing it with the machine automatically. This saved me a lot of time and frustration compared to manually calibrating settings.
• High-Speed Performance: The stepper servo motors paired with the FOC algorithm allowed for speeds up to 600mm/s! Despite the speed, prints remained remarkably smooth and detailed.
• Silent Mode: I didn’t expect such a quiet operation for a printer with this kind of power. The silent mode was a lifesaver when working late at night without disturbing the household.

Performance and Features in Action

The precision extrusion system really impressed me. Its clog-free nozzle design and sturdy all-metal extruder ensure stable performance even during longer printing sessions. I tried printing a complex multicolor model, and the transition between colors was almost seamless, thanks to the four-channel printing system. What stood out even more was the support structure capability. Creating water-soluble support materials meant no pesky leftover marks on the final model—a rare feature in this price range.

The automatic leveling system deserves its own mention. With two motorized leadscrews, the machine adjusted the X-axis automatically, ensuring a perfect horizontal print bed every time. For someone like me, who dreads manual leveling, this was a lifesaver. However, it’s worth mentioning that the RFID filament recognition works best with Creality’s proprietary filament. If you’re using third-party filaments, you’ll lose this feature, which might be a limitation for some.

Less Favorable Aspects

• Creality-Specific Filaments: The RFID recognition is limited to Creality’s own filament, which constrains the user to a specific brand for optimal functionality.
• Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the basic setup is straightforward, using the multicolor and support structure features effectively takes some getting used to.
• Size Constraints: The print size of 10.24″ x 10.24″ x 11.81″ is decent, but if you’re working on larger-scale projects, it might feel restrictive.
• Hefty Weight: At 27.5 pounds, moving the printer around isn’t exactly easy, especially if you have a small workspace.

Competing Brands

In the world of 3D printers, there’s no shortage of competitors. For example, the Prusa i3 MK3S+ is a popular choice in the same price range. While the Prusa offers solid reliability and broader third-party filament support, it doesn’t have the multicolor printing capabilities that the Hi Combo boasts. On the other hand, the Anycubic Vyper stands out for its automatic leveling and larger build volume, but it doesn’t match the Hi Combo’s speed or multicolor functionality.

What sets the Hi Combo apart is its integration of multicolor printing and support structure options. Many competitors require additional attachments or software tweaks to achieve similar results. However, the reliance on Creality-specific filaments might make the Anycubic and Prusa models more appealing for users who value flexibility.

Value for Money

Evaluating the price-to-quality ratio, the Hi Combo 3D printer offers a lot of advanced features that are typically reserved for more expensive models. The CFS system, silent mode, and high-speed motors make it a great choice for those who prioritize efficiency and convenience. That being said, if you’re on a tight budget or need a larger print volume, you might find better options elsewhere. However, for anyone seeking cutting-edge multicolor capabilities and a smooth user experience, this is an investment worth considering.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or someone looking to prototype models quickly and efficiently, this machine delivers on many fronts. Just be prepared to stick with Creality’s ecosystem to make the most out of its features.

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