Deciding between two very similar models is tough and can sometimes be downright confusing as many of the same features are found on both versions.
The best way to make an informed decision is to carefully examine how they differ, look at the pros and cons of each, and consider which features you value the most.
That’s exactly what we’ll do in the following.
For many people, the decision comes down to the build plate. Nothing is more frustrating than breaking your perfect, finished piece while trying to unstick it from the plate.
Quick spoiler…
The Creality Ender 3 Pro has a removable, flexible build plate that you simply peel away from your finished piece without causing any damage.
Now that you know the biggest advantage of the Pro, let’s take a close look at each printer.
Creality Ender 3
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The Creality Ender 3 3D printer is an ideal tool for constructing whatever you need.
If you want a quality model that functions efficiently, this might be the right one for you.
If you’re new to 3D printing, you may want to consider this affordable printer as one of your options as it’s perfect for beginners.
Features
The Creality Ender 3 has several components that help it stand out from other 3D printers.
It uses an industrial-grade circuit board capable of remaining stable after 200 hours of continuous work without pressure.
It also stays relatively quiet when you run it and resists wear and tear longer.
It has an MK8 extrusion mechanism to reduce plugging risks and poor spillages.
It can print several types of filament on the 3D printing market, including PLA, TPU, and ABS.
The Creality Ender 3 has a large hand twist nut for easier platform leveling when necessary.
The Ender 3 allows users to continue their printing process if the power shuts off unexpectedly or experiences a lapse.
Software
With the Creality Ender 3, you can select from several available slicing software options.
Some compatible software includes Cura, Repetier-Host, and Simplify3D.
Although they may differ in cost and layout, they perform similar tasks for building a 3D model for printing.
Size
Due to its compact size, the Creality Ender 3 is suitable for any printing environment when placed in an office space, basement, or workshop.
The printer’s dimensions measure 440 x 440 x 465 millimeters. It weighs about 15 pounds, which is ideal if you need to move it to another location.
Build Volume
If you want to create a print in a specific size, it’s wise to consider the height of the printer and the actual size of the build plate.
The Creality Ender 3 has a build volume measuring 220 x 220 x 250 millimeters.
Capabilities
The Creality Ender 3 can print at a speed of 180 millimeters per second.
If you need to perform a quick print, the Creality Ender 3 can heat its hotbed to 110ºC (230℉) in five minutes.
This feature might be ideal for people who want to balance their workflow.
Upgrades
If you’re looking to up your printer, you can purchase a tempered glass build plate. This is a far better build plate if you’re looking for adhesion.
Price
The Creality Ender 3 costs approximately $200. It might be an ideal option for people with reasonable budgets who seek out quality 3D printing capabilities.
Pros and Cons
One advantage users may have while using the Ender 3 is its diversity in filament options.
If you prefer one material over another for your printing process, it allows you to pick one that’s best suited for you.
Another pro presented in this model is its reliable printing nozzle that reduces the risk of blockages and bad extrusion.
Some people may find the Ender 3’s power source cabling flimsy, preferring a sturdier material that won’t wear quickly.
Some people may also find it inconvenient to retrofit each of the printer’s axes.
Some users may not consider the Ender 3’s printing bed completely flat.
Without a secure flat surface, the printed object’s adhesion may cause an uneven mess, leading to users spending more to find a replacement printing bed.
Others may argue that it may not suit their printing and processing needs due to its length.
You may have a challenging time cleaning the surface if you use ABS filaments constantly.
Creality Ender 3 Pro
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Although this 3D printer’s design is similar to the regular Ender 3, the Creality Ender 3 Pro builds upon the previous model by incorporating new ways to print efficiently and function correctly for any user.
Features
The Ender 3 Pro has a magnetic self-adhesive platform sticker to aid in removing your completed print.
Since it doesn’t use tape or glue, it makes picking up your completed work a more comfortable process. This feature also prevents larger prints from warping.
Another excellent feature includes its high-quality Meanwell power supply. It gives users more power, faster heating, and long-term printing.
It also has power-saving properties to let you continue your printing after a power outage or lapse. Additionally, it shuts down once it surpasses its heating limitations.
One feature that may interest users for long-term use is its air ventilation properties.
The Ender 3 Pro has its fan placed on the device’s underside to prevent it from damaging your printing quality by fallen model scraps.
Software
Like its predecessor, the Creality Ender 3 Pro has compatibility with several slicing programs, even if you consider their similarities and differences.
Some excellent software for it includes Cura, Repetier-Host, Meshmixer, Octoprint, and Simplify3D.
Size
The Creality Ender 3 Pro measures 440 x 420 x 465 millimeters and weighs about 15 pounds.
Although users may need to assemble the printer, it’s relatively compact and easy to store and transport.
Build Volume
The Creality Ender 3 Pro’s build volume measures 220 x 220 x 250 millimeters.
Although these dimensions are similar to the traditional Ender 3, it has wider Y-axes for precise lateral movement.
Capabilities
The Creality Ender 3 Pro’s hotbed can heat to 110ºC (230℉) in five minutes. This factor may be valuable for people who want to save time while heating and preparing their model.
Upgrades
If you’re looking to help maintain a constant temperature inside of the print chamber or you just want to keep out debris and other materials, you can purchase a 3D printer enclosure.
This easily folds down for storage and is lightweight enough to shift as needed.
Price
If you want a quality 3D printer costing well below $300, the Creality Ender 3 Pro is a great choice, and it only costs a little bit more than the Ender 3.
Pros and Cons
Some advantages of using the Ender 3 Pro include its compact size, fast and ergonomic stage leveling controls, precise filament feed, and flexible, magnetic printing bed.
Many users might praise these high points for making their printing more engaging.
Although the Ender 3 Pro’s magnetic printing bed keeps your prints from slipping, some people may argue that it doesn’t lock into place.
It may also be prone to clogging if you use sharp-edged filaments for your prints.
Others may argue that it doesn’t have automatic printing bed leveling features and its printing speed may vary. It may also be more suitable for experienced users.
Main DifferencesÂ
While these two Creality 3D printers share similar tasks and features, a few features set them apart.
Depending on your preferences, these factors may affect how you choose your ideal Creality 3D printer and where you stand in Creality Ender 3 vs. Pro debate.
One difference between the two Creality 3D printers is their power supplies.
The Ender 3 uses an ordinary power supply, while the Ender 3 Pro uses a Meanwell power supply.
A Meanwell power supply handles outages and voltage spikes to prevent wasting time and resources.
An ordinary power supply doesn’t have the same durability levels as Meanwell power.
Unlike the Creality Ender 3, which uses a common platform, the Ender 3 Pro has a removable magnetic bed.
This feature makes it much easier to remove finished prints from the surface without worrying about sticking, cracking, or leaving an oozing mess.
Both Ender printers have differences in their extrusion Y-axis bases. While the Ender 3 has a plastic extrusion base, Pro has a sturdy 40 x 40-millimeter aluminum extrusion build.
Is Creality Ender 3 Pro Worth It?
When talking about Creality Ender 3 vs. Pro, you may get different insights on which one is superior.
Depending on a user’s preferences, they may want to consider using the Creality Ender 3 Pro for their printing tasks.
Some people may find it a worthy investment, while others don’t, but several components make it stand out from the original Ender 3.
Although this tool might be more accessible for experienced users, many beginners can build their printing experience through active practice.
As you create a successful print, you may feel a sense of accomplishment.
It may be worth using Ender 3 Pro to keep your final prints from warping or leaving sticky residue as you complete your work.
If you’re a perfectionist, this equipment holds great work value.
If you prefer using more straightforward methods and not spending extra cash, you may want to use the Creality Ender 3.
If you want to expand your 3D printing knowledge and seek advanced tools, Pro might be the ideal option for you.
Related Questions:Â
If you still have some questions, I’ve put together a few FAQs that may help guide you.
Is Creality Ender 3 Good for Beginners?
The Creality Ender 3 is an ideal 3D printer option for beginners.
While mastering a 3D printer is a trial and error process, you may find it simple to use if you know what you want to make.
If you’re a beginner, it would be wise to test it out with PLA filaments since they’re easy for the device to handle.
How Long Does the Creality Ender 3 Last?
Through proper maintenance, care, and use, the Ender 3 may last at least three years. Its lifespan may triple if you keep it in top condition.
How Do I Keep My Ender From Clogging?
One ideal solution to prevent clogging is to balance the hot end’s temperature to ensure it’s not too hot or too cold.
It would also be wise to clean the printing nozzle before and after switching between filaments.
How Do I Put My Filaments Into the Machine?
After heating the nozzle to about 200ºC, cut and straighten the front ends of the filaments you want to use at a 45º angle.
Once you cut your filaments, open the extrusion clamp, and place them in until they flow from the nozzle.
Wrapping It Up
As you can see, the Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro are almost the same in many ways:
- Same build volume.
- Nearly identical dimensions.
- Same weight.
- Same heating time.
- Same capabilities.
- Similar software options.
Personally? I could totally justify spending a few more dollars on the Creality Ender 3 Pro just to get the removable, flexible build plate.
The upgraded power supply and improved extruder are just icing on the cake.
