Creality CR-10:
PROS:
- The CR-10 has a very large build volume for a 3D printer in its price range. The build area is 300x300x400mm (11.8”x11.8”x15.7”).
- It comes almost completely assembled. You only need to attach the Z-axis lead screw, plug in the power and connect it to your computer via USB. Then you can start printing.
- It uses an open source firmware which can be easily upgraded or changed.
- The CR-10 has a lot of aftermarket support in terms of upgrades and replacement parts. If you ever need to replace something on the printer, it will be easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
- The CR-10 comes with a large format SD card so you don’t need to connect it to a computer to print. It also has an LCD screen so you can easily navigate the menus and control the printer.
- The CR-10 has a very sturdy metal frame which makes it very stable. This results in better prints with fewer imperfections.
- The CR-10 comes with a high quality glass bed which is heated. This makes it easier to get good first layer adhesion and reduces warping.
- The extruder on the CR-10 is all metal which can handle higher temperatures and prints faster than plastic extruders.
- The CR-10 has a good price to performance ratio. It is one of the most affordable large format 3D printers on the market.
CONS:
- The instructions that come with the printer are not very clear and can be confusing for first time users.
- The CR-10 does not have auto bed leveling which means you will need to level the bed manually before each print. This can be time consuming and frustrating, especially for larger prints.
- The build area is not enclosed which means that drafts can affect your prints. This is particularly a problem with ABS filament which requires higher temperatures and is more prone to warping.
- The firmware that comes installed on the printer is not the most recent version and will need to be upgraded.
- The hotend on the CR-10 is not the best quality and can be a weak point for the printer. It is recommended that you upgrade to a better quality hotend if you plan on doing a lot of printing.
- The CR-10 does not come with filament or a power supply. You will need to purchase these separately.
- The customer support from Creality is not very good. There have been reports of people not being able to get in touch with customer service or getting conflicting information from different representatives.
Prusa I3 MK-2:
PROS:
- The Prusa i3 mk2 is a very popular 3D printer with excellent reviews. It is considered to be one of the best 3D printers in its price range.
- It comes with everything you need to get started including filament and a power supply.
- It has a large build volume for a 3D printer in its price range. The build area is 250x210x200mm (9.8”x8.3”x7.9”).
- It has automatic bed leveling which makes it easier to get good first layer adhesion and reduces the risk of warping.
- The Prusa i3 mk2 comes with a lot of aftermarket support in terms of upgrades and replacement parts.
- It has a very sturdy metal frame which makes it very stable. This results in better prints with fewer imperfections.
- It comes with a high quality glass bed which is heated. This makes it easier to get good first layer adhesion and reduces warping.
- The extruder on the Prusa i3 mk2 is all metal which can handle higher temperatures and prints faster than plastic extruders.
- It has a good price to performance ratio.
CONS:
- The instructions that come with the printer are not very clear and can be confusing for first time users.
- The Prusa i3 mk2 does not have a lot of documentation and it can be difficult to find answers to your questions online.
- The customer support from Prusa is not very good. There have been reports of people not being able to get in touch with customer service or getting conflicting information from different representatives.
- Some users have reported quality control issues with the printer, such as parts that were missing or broken.
- The firmware that comes installed on the printer is not the most recent version and will need to be upgraded.
- The hotend on the Prusa i3 mk2 is not the best quality and can be a weak point for the printer. It is recommended that you upgrade to a better quality hotend if you plan on doing a lot of printing.
- The Prusa i3 mk2 is not as easy to use as some of the other 3D printers in its price range. It can be challenging for first time users.
If you are looking for a machine that is more challenging to use but has better aftermarket support, then the Prusa i3 mk2 is a better choice.
FAQ’s:
Q: Which 3D printer is better, the Creality CR-10 or the Prusa i3 mk2?
A: Both the Creality CR-10 and the Prusa i3 mk2 are excellent 3D printers. They both have their pros and cons, but overall they are both great machines.
If you are looking for an easy to use machine with a large build volume, then the CR-10 is a great choice. If you are looking for a machine that is more challenging to use but has better aftermarket support, then the Prusa i3 mk2 is a better choice.
Q: What are the advantages of the Creality CR-10 over the Prusa i3 mk2?
A: The Creality CR-10 has a larger build volume than the Prusa i3 mk2 and is easier to use.
Q: What are the advantages of the Prusa i3 mk2 over the Creality CR-10?
A: The Prusa i3 mk2 has better aftermarket support than the Creality CR-10. It also has a all-metal extruder which can handle higher temperatures and prints faster than plastic extruders.
Q: Which 3D printer is better for beginners, the Creality CR-10 or the Prusa i3 mk2?
A: The Creality CR-10 is easier to use than the Prusa i3 mk2 and is a great choice for beginners.