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Is the Ender 3 Pro Good for Beginners? 8 Important Facts

There are many different 3D printers available, but one that's caught the attention of beginner and expert 3D printing enthusiasts alike is the Ender 3 Pro.

Written by:
Ben
Last updated:
11/23/2023

There are many different 3D printers available, but one that’s caught the attention of beginner and expert 3D printing enthusiasts alike is the Ender 3 Pro. Arguably, this printer packs a lot of great features that users love. But is the Ender 3 Pro good for beginners?

The Ender 3 Pro is a good printer for beginners because it’s easy to set up and use and produces good-quality prints. Plus, it’s affordable, making it an excellent option for those just starting out in 3D printing. In addition, there are plenty of online tutorials to follow when using this printer.

This article will highlight some of the features of the Ender 3 Pro. Then, read on for more information on the ease of using this 3D printer, the software needed, and insights into some of the problems you may encounter when using it.

8 Important Things To Know Before Buying the Ender 3 Pro

Before you decide whether or not to use this printer, you must have a good idea of what it’s capable of and what you can expect.

So, here’s a rundown of 8 important facts about the Ender 3 Pro:

1. The Ender 3 Pro Is Affordable and Loaded With Features

The Ender 3 Pro is a DIY-FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printer with an open-source design. While it may be one of the most affordable 3D printers on the market today, you’ll love what this printer has to offer.

Some of its best features include:

  • It can connect via Wi-Fi or USB cable. This feature makes it easy to transfer files regardless of where you are.
  • It can print with materials like PLA, ABS, carbon fiber, and more. This makes it a good choice for professionals and beginners alike.
  • A heated print bed. This makes it easier to print using ABS filaments.  
  • It can use 1.75 or 3mm filaments. This allows you to use either filament to create your projects.   
  • A 0.4 mm nozzle. This is one of the smallest nozzles available in 3D printers today, allowing you to print with detail.   
  • MK8 extruder. This extruder allows you to do high-precision 3D printing.
  • It has a frame made of aluminum beams and acrylic panels. This makes it lightweight, sturdy, and easy to assemble.

The Bottom Line: I recommend buying the Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D (available on Amazon.com). This 3D printer is affordable, lightweight, sturdy, easy to use, and has lots of unique features.

2. The Ender 3 Pro Is Easy To Set Up

With some 3D printers, it may look like a daunting task to figure out how the different parts work together. However, this isn’t the case with an Ender 3 Pro. 

Thanks to the handy installation kit that includes everything you need to put the printer together, you can easily install all the necessary parts and have it running within 2-4 hours.

The kit includes:

  • An SD card
  • Allen keys
  • Wire snips
  • Sample filament spool

In addition, the Ender 3 Pro comes with a very detailed installation manual that uses easy-to-follow instructions. Also, you can access video tutorials online for additional help when doing the installation process.

3. The Software Needed To Run the Ender 3 Pro Is Pre-Installed

The Ender 3 Pro comes with a pre-installed version of Creality Slicer that allows you to slice 3D models into the G-code language. You can then transfer this file into an SD card inserted in the printer to start printing your projects.

That said, this printer is also compatible with other third-party slicer programs, such as Cura and Simplify 3D.

4. There Are Plenty of Tutorials Available for the Ender 3 Pro

You may not know where to start if you’re new to 3D printing. Fortunately, there are many tutorials available online that will give you an idea of getting started with this printer.

These include a series of video tutorials that provide step-by-step guides on assembling and calibrating your Ender 3 Pro printer for any project you want to print.

Here’s a simple tutorial on how to set up and print with the Ender 3 Pro:

5. The Ender 3 Pro Has Many Safety Features

Understanding the importance of safety when operating any commercial or industrial equipment, Creality 3D has installed several safety features in its printers, including the Ender 3 Pro.

Some of the safety features include:

  • MK8 extruder design to prevent filament leakage.
  • A heated print bed that prevents warping at higher temperatures, making it easier to remove printed objects from the printer’s build plate.
  • A power supply that automatically cuts off when overloaded or overheating occurs.
  • A detailed instruction manual on using the printer safely and efficiently when you’re ready to start printing your projects.

6. The Ender 3 Pro Is Compatible With Many Different Filaments

One of the reasons many people buy 3D printers is to print their projects using different filament materials. This allows them to experiment and create objects not just from one material but from a variety of materials, giving new and fun finishes.

With the Ender 3 Pro, you don’t have to worry about compatibility because this printer allows you to print using either 1.75 or 3mm filament materials, including PLA, ABS, carbon fiber, wood, and more.

7. The Ender 3 Pro Has a Large Build Volume

Creality Ender 3 Pro has a large build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm to ensure your projects fit within the printer. This is larger than other 3D printers in its class, allowing you to print more objects at a time.

Note: This build volume is the maximum size, but you can reduce it by adjusting other variables, such as infill percentage and other design configurations.

8. The Ender 3 Pro Has Limitations, Such As Slow Print Times

Even if a product comes from a reputable company or brand, this doesn’t automatically mean that there won’t be any issues at all with its performance. 

Unfortunately, the same thing applies to the Ender 3 Pro — while it has received very positive reviews, there are some issues that owners of this printer have experienced.

The most common problem include:

  • The bed leveling isn’t automatic (you have to do this manually, which can be time-consuming).
  • If you’re printing large objects, the object can sometimes come off the build plate and clog up inside the printer’s nozzle.
  • The Ender 3 Pro is a relatively slow printer compared to newer alternatives, such as the Ender 7.

The Verdict

The Creality Ender 3 Pro printer is not just suitable for beginners; this printer is also ideal for advanced users who want to experiment with different types of filament materials. 

In addition, it comes at an affordable price, allowing you to save money when buying your first 3D printer.

Plus, the installation process is very straightforward and requires little effort on your end. Also, this printer is compatible with other third-party slicer programs, such as Cura and Simplify 3D.

Written by:
Ben
Last updated:
11/23/2023

About Ben

I started 3D printing since 2013 and have learned a lot since then. Because of this I want to share my knowledge of what I have learned in the past years with the community. Currently I own 2 Bambulab X1 Carbon, Prusa SL1S and a Prusa MK3S+. Hope you learn something from my blog after my years of experience in 3D printing.