Best Creality Ender 3 (Pro/V2) Upgrades 2022
You now have your Creality Ender 3, and you’re wondering what to upgrade next. I was in an identical situation when I got my Creality 3D printer back in 2018, which lead me on a journey of upgrades and ultimately making me one of the best Creality Ender 3 pro users around. I built this blog post for all the fellow crafters who are looking for the best upgrades for the Creality Ender 3 pro.
The Creality Ender 3 actually already delivers good print quality without much intervention. But of course, there is still room for improvement. There are a lot of good Creality Ender 3 upgrades floating around on the Internet that further improve this great printer.
The Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro can be improved with virtually the same mods and upgrades. However, the newer Ender 3 V2 deviates somewhat from this tried and true pattern. Not all upgrades for the Ender 3 or the Ender 3 Pro can be transferred so easily to the new printer. You should therefore pay attention to the exact description of the mods in any case.
We will of course keep an eye out for new upgrades and update this list accordingly. This is especially true for the newly released Ender 3 V2. If you miss an important improvement that we have overlooked so far, just leave us a comment and we will consider your suggestion for our new update.
Removable C Magnet Printing Plate
One of the coolest features of the Ender 3 Pro is the removable Cmagnet printing plate, which you can easily bend after printing to release the models. When printing is done, remove the Cmagnet print plate again and bend it to release the printed model.
This all sounds pretty simple and effective, but beware. Judging by the user comments on the Creality 3D website, it makes more sense to buy the glass or polypropylene print bed. The first views of the prints are said to adhere better to it, which increases the overall print quality.
Tempered Glass Print Bed
What is this Ender 3 upgrade for? If you're looking to give your Ender 3 or Ender 3 Pro a little V2 feel as well, you can now also get a tempered glass print bed (with Creality logo) from Creality that is compatible with all Ender 3 models. The tempered glass print bed is placed on top of the heating bed and attached with clamps.
Installed as standard on the Ender 3 V2, the tempered glass print bed provides much more adhesion than the standard print beds on the Ender 3 and Ender 3 Pro.
3D printer Enclosure Housing
Are you worried that the good prints from the open Ender 3, Ender Pro or Ender 3 V2 will contaminate the environment of your printer? No worries, there's the 3D printer enclosure!
Creality designed this quick and easy to install enclosure to enhance the whole printing experience - for you and your machine. This Creality Ender 3 upgrade is easy to assemble, can be stored by folding it up to save space - and you can even store the tools you need in attached pockets. The printer is easily accessible by opening the front of the case - and comes with a viewing window so you can monitor the entire printing process.
The main purpose of the 3D printer housing is to maintain a constant temperature in the print chamber and protect it from environmental conditions. Overall, this improves print quality and stability. According to Creality, the flame-retardant aluminum coating prevents potential fire from leaking out of the enclosure. On top of that, this small box provides noise protection against printer noise, additional clearance for the machine, and protection from dust.
Laser Engraver
What is this Ender 3 upgrade for? If 3D printing is too boring for you, you can now turn Creality Ender 3 into a laser engraver. Users can adjust the laser head depending on the necessary working distance. To use this upgrade with an Ender 3, you need the 24V version. According to the manufacturer, the laser is easy to attach and operate. Other accessories are included. These include a DC cooling fan and much more.
Metal Screw Nut For Bed Calibration
Manual print bed calibration for the Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro and Ender 3 V2 is very often a tedious task. However, the large screw nuts under the print bed make it much easier. However, the supplied screw nuts for calibrating the print bed are made of plastic and that makes the whole thing a bit of a clunky, not too stable affair. Creality wanted to spice up the print bed calibration a bit with metal screw nuts.
Currently, the Creality Ender 3 upgrade is only available in bright red. Nonetheless, for a handful of dollars, you can make calibration more stable and secure with these metal screws.
Ender 3 Upgrade For Dual Z-Axis
The upgrade is designed to reduce vibration and unwanted movement of the x-axis. The Ender-3 upgrade for the dual z-axis is not the easiest to install, but it is worth the effort in the end.
Wiring is not necessary, but you will have to move the power supply. We've already put together a little guide for you, so that you're at least not alone in the field. We won't leave you alone.
SD Card Extension Cable
If you want a little more flexibility when inserting the SD card into your Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro or Ender 3 V2, see if this SD card extension cable sold directly by the manufacturer isn't something for you. It installs quickly and is easy to use. But one reviewer on Creality's website says it's easier for 3D printing to insert the micro SD card. Let's face it, micro SD cards are tiny. So it can become a patience game for you every time you want to start a new print.
As listed on the 3D printing mods and upgrades list below, there are other DIY approaches. But if you're willing to fork out some cash for an official SD card update, this might be just what you need.
BLTouch Leveling Sensor
The Creality Ender 3 has a few tricks up its sleeve, despite its low price. One thing it can't do, however, is adjust the print bed automatically. Anyone who has ever tinkered with the print bed knows how tedious that can be. That's why BLTouch's leveling sensor is an improvement for those Ender 3's that saves time and nerves.
The BLTouch sensor can be installed in many 3D printers. It has functions such as alarm, alarm enable, self-test function and test mode. So when you mount this sensor on your ender, you will waste less time on tedious calibration. A worthwhile investment.
However, it does take some time to install and program the BLTouch first. But if you use your 3D printer longer and more intensively, the effort will be worth it.
Raspberry Pi 4 (For Octoprint)
Even though sometimes we would like to, we can't sit next to the printer and monitor it during the entire print job. That's what OctoPrint is for! It allows you to monitor and control your printing remotely. OctoPrint is a web application that requires a Raspberry Pi board.
So you can monitor your printing from the browser. The program is open-source and therefore there are a huge number of plugins, all developed by the user community. You can watch your print being made directly in the browser via webcam transmission, adjust print temperatures and receive notifications about print progress. Of course, you can also start and stop your device wherever you are.
The setup is quite simple. You can find all the details on the OctoPrint website.
Glass Print Bed
This glass print bed replaces the included aluminium print bed of the Creality Ender 3. Not only does materials adhere better to the glass, it also ensures that you can print with more filaments than on aluminium. The glass bed also ensures that the underside of your models comes out of the print smoother. Another plus is the ease of cleaning. The glass bed tolerates cleaning with isopropyl alcohol. So you can make scraping off pesky residue on the print bed as easy as possible.
Depending on which Ender 3 model you own, this can be a really worthwhile upgrade. Nonetheless, we would still recommend the tempered glass print bed as this provides better adhesion.
Polypropylene Print Bed
Creality 3D offers quite a few upgrades for its in-house 3D printers. These include various print beds that are meant to improve the overall printing experience. One of these print beds is made of polypropylene and offers some advantages over the included print bed.
Materials like ABS and PLA adhere better to this print bed. Once printing is complete and the print bed has cooled, the prints also come off the polypropylene easily. In addition, the polypropylene is easy to clean. The print bed is attached to the Ender 3 with tape or clamps.
It is compatible with the Ender 3 V2, but you'll probably do better with its standard equipment, a tempered glass print bed.
E3D Titan Aero Extruder
Another way to upgrade your Creality Ender 3 is to equip it with an E3D Titan Aero extruder. Included is an extruder and a V6 HotEnd that is extremely lightweight and stable. The Titan Aero is particularly suitable for exotic filaments thanks to its narrow filament passage.
The extruder compensates for errors that might occur due to wobbling or jerking of your 3D printer. Modeled after the E3D V6, the Titan Aero is made of metal and can even handle materials that require printing temperatures above 300°C. The extruder is also easy to attach and maintain. Filament insertion is a breeze as well.
MK10 Extruder Hot End
Another upgrade that differentiates the Ender 3 from the 3 Pro and Ender 3 V2 is the MK-10 Extruder Hot End. However, you can purchase it separately for your Ender 3. We don't have much info on the exact capabilities of this upgrade, however Creality states that this hot end should allow for smoother extrusion.
Hardened Tool Steel Nozzle
If you want to print with carbon filament, metal or wood materials, a new extruder nozzle is recommended. The A2 Hardened Tool Steel Nozzle is coated with TwinClad XT, a nickel alloy designed to be extra strong and rust resistant.
That means your extruder nozzle will be much more durable. So if you use your 3D printer often, you should consider whether a good nozzle is a wise purchase.
Creality Pro 3 LED Strips
This upgrade provides the visibility you need by illuminating your print bed. There are several ways to light up your print bed. Most of the time, however, the magic word is LED.
You can connect the LEDs together and install them in the recesses of the frame. You can also print a mount for the LEDs. The shown LED ring can be found on Thingiverse. This ring illuminates exactly the area around the extruder nozzle.
Even if it should be no problem to equip your Ender 3 V2 with LEDs, this 3D printable LED ring is no longer suitable for this purpose, since the extruder housing has been changed for the V2. Hopefully a clever tinkerer will come around the corner with a V2-compatible solution soon.
Metal Filament Feed
3D printable filament feeders can also be found in our list. However, if you want to be on the safe side, you can also buy an inlet made of metal. The Ender 3's included feeder is a bit disappointing. This metal feeder is an original MK8 extruder made of aluminum, which is a big step up from the cheap plastic versions that are installed in most Creality 3D printers.
With this metal feed, you'll get more consistent print results. This upgrade comes with a feed tube, screws, and additional drive collar. It is also super easy to install. In fact, there's no reason not to buy this upgrade!
Uxcell Spring
They may seem unimportant at first, but the springs are an essential part of your 3D printer and are partly responsible for a smooth print job. By swapping out the print bed springs and replacing them with harder springs, you can increase print speed without fear of a wobbling print bed. These very strong springs are inexpensive and easy to install.
Creality Shock Absorbers
These Nema17 shock absorbers for the stepper motor help to reduce the noise level. When you put these shock absorbers on the x-axis and y-axis stepper motors, they reduce the print noise by 5 to 10 decibels. You can put a shock absorber ring on each stepper motor. This will also reduce the vibration of the otherwise rumbling Ender 3.
Capricorn Bowden PTFE Tubing
The Capricorn Bowden PTFE Tubing may not be the most necessary upgrade for your Ender 3, but it still makes an improvement to replace your extruder's old feed tube with this one. The feed tube is designed to allow the filament to pass through without forming waves or bumps. This is extremely advantageous, especially when printing with flexible filaments. This inconspicuous plastic tube measures one meter and is made of a patented blend of special plastic components that ensure extremely reduced friction.
Filament Guide
Another feature that the Creality Ender 3 lacks is a component that directs the filament in the correct paths. This easy-to-print upgrade is designed to slide into the recess on the frame. This Ender 3 upgrade ensures that the filament is unwound smoothly from the spool and transported onward.
Creality PTFE Clip
Have you also had the problem that the PTFE tube has jumped out of the fixation? Then you can print this fixing clip. It is easy to build and fits exactly around the end of the PTFE tube, making it better and more stable to connect to the pressure piece. The designer has uploaded this model in three different sizes. So you can print all of them and try which one is best for your 3D printer.
Clamping Arm Extension
One thing the Creality Ender 3 and Creality CR-10 have in common is that they both have a very short tension arm. If the spring on the filament feed is very strong, it can be quite difficult to hold the tension arm down and feed filament at the same time. If the tensioning arm were longer, this would be a much less difficult endeavor.
That's why this Ender 3 upgrade made it onto our list. With the tension arm extension, you create more leverage and have to use less force to open the filament feed. After all, there's no reason to break a sweat when 3D printing!
V-slot Profile Covers
Its all-black design gives the Ender 3 V2 an even sleeker look. However, if you still feel like pimping your 3D printer even further or giving it a CR-10 style, then you've come to the right place. With these 3D printable profile covers, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to pick small parts and scraps out of the V-slot profile, and also have the ability to customize your 3D printer just the way you like it.
Creality Micro SD Card Converter
Are you also always annoyed when you have to fumble the micro SD card into the Creality Ender 3? Then you should check out this SD card holder. It allows you to use a regular SD card instead of the micro SD. Unfortunately, it's not enough to just print the part, you still need the SD adapter. But if you have it all together, the transfer process of your models will be much faster and easier.
Petsfang Duct
If you want to take your extruder to master class, you need a decent and targeted venting system. The Petsfang Duct is one of the most popular vents that fits the Creality Ender 3 but also many other 3D printers. The design encloses the extruder from all sides. Therefore, you also need some screws to connect everything properly.
It's not the easiest printing project on our list, but it's worth the effort because it ideally directs the air around the extruder nozzle. This model is also designed to be used in conjunction with the BLTouch leveling sensor. Check out the design on Thingiverse. There you'll find lots of info on printing and installing this great upgrade.
Creality Cable Chain
A huge tangle of cables around a device is always a nuisance. With this flexible cable chain you can fight against the mess. The cable chain can be easily attached using a click mechanism and without screws. Moreover, this design can be printed without any support structures. What's more, it simply looks cool.
Creality Ender 3 Display Cover
Another shortcoming of the Ender 3 is the lack of a back cover for the LCD screen. The sensitive components of the screen are completely exposed towards the back. This Ender 3 upgrade remedies the situation. The rear screen enclosure protects the electronics and completes the printer.
Creality Ring Fan
The Ender 3 already comes with a cooling fan. However, this is designed to direct cool air to the extruder nozzle from only one side. When you use this 3d printable fan ring, the extruder nozzle is cooled evenly from each side. This increases the print quality.
Creality Cable Tie Clip
Again, the cable organization is the problem. However, the solution is pretty simple here as well. With this Display Cable Tape Clip, you'll keep the cable tape where you want it. To do this, you need to print the model on the side with 15 percent padding. And you'll have a sturdy clip for your Ender 3.
Creality Cable Clip
This upgrade consists of a small clip to hold together the cables that run between the extruder and the x-axis stepper motor. The clip ensures that the cables do not collide with the print bed. The feature is easy to print and solves a major Ender 3 problem!
Z-Axis Cable Routing
On the Creality Ender 3, the filament feed tube and extruder cables are tied together with zip ties. Maybe they wanted to keep everything nice and tidy that way. But well meant is not always well done. And here, too, the obsession with tidiness causes the filament hose to lose flexibility and makes it difficult to reach the connecting parts. To solve this problem, one designer came up with this spacer. It ensures that the cables and the filament hose can be moved completely independently of each other. You can even add an additional LED strip.
Creality Ender Silencer
There's actually very little to complain about with the Ender 3. However, the 3D printer can be quite annoying, as a loud beep sounds every time you click on the LCD screen. Another troubled Ender user has designed an upgrade that should remedy the situation. The silencer is supposed to bring the beeps down to an acceptable level. The model takes 10 minutes to print and attaches to the back of the LCD board.
Creality Ender 3 Cover
This upgrade has purely aesthetic function. If you like Creality's dragon logo enough to want it elsewhere on your 3D printer, this extra is for you. The designer has included an insert plate with this cover, so you can pick a color you want the dragon to shine in. In addition to the cover, the designer has also developed an SD card holder that can be attached directly to the printer.
Creality Ender Control Button
The stock control knob on the Ender 3 is a bit spongy when it comes to making precise adjustments. But there's an Ender 3 upgrade for that, too. Thingiverse has a lot of printable replacement buttons that can be used to navigate the menus more accurately. One Thingiverse user found that you can scroll faster with a smaller diameter button. The unique design ensures that you can operate the button with just one finger. If that still doesn't convince you, you can build this model without support structures.
Creality Ender Z-Motor Spacers
Another feature designed to increase the performance of your Ender 3 is the 3D printable z-motor spacer. The designer recommends building the model with 50 percent filler to increase stability. The users who have already tried the design on Thingiverse write that the z-motor spacer ensures that the movements in the z-direction are smoother.
Creality Timing Belt Tensioner
When it comes to print quality, the tension of the timing belt is crucial. Since there is a timing belt on x- and y-axis, we recommend you to print the belt tensioner for both axes as well. This design was adapted to the Ender 3. You will need some 5×25 mm pins and nuts to fix the belt tensioner. The print does not need any support structures.
Creality Ender 3 Board Fan Guard
The minimalist design of the Ender 3 is sometimes both a curse and a blessing. In this case, the upgrade solves a problem due to the fact that the base housing has a vent cutout. Since the opening is directly under the print bed, filament debris and dust could get in and damage the electronics. To solve this problem, the designer created the Board Fan Guard, a cover for said ventilation
Creality Ender Screen Stand
Not only can the Ender 3 V2's screen be attached to the left or right side of the frame, but it can also be removed entirely if neither option suits your needs. With this 3D printable touchscreen stand, you can pretty much place the display wherever it suits you. You don't need any additional screws or tools to do so. Note, however, that the included display cable isn't exactly the longest.
Creality Ender Double Cable Routing
Nobody likes tangled cables. So why not print a flexible cable guide that will make the back of your Ender 3 V2 look nice and tidy?
This cable guide was already available for the Ender 3 and has now been adapted to the Ender 3 V2. It's designed to attach directly to the rear cables, so you don't need any additional screws. In addition, the cable guide not only provides extra protection for your Ender 3 V2, it also looks very stylish. So you kill two birds with one stone.
Movable Display Holder
This display mount for the Ender 3 V2 can be 3D printed and is movable, so you can freely adjust the best viewing angle. Unfortunately, the Ender 3 V2's included display cable isn't particularly long, which is why the designer points out that the mount can't be tilted to the point where the display is vertical. But depending on where your printer is located, yes, even a tilted display can be extremely handy.