Hello everyone,
I’m currently working on a custom electronics enclosure project and recently ordered a few prototype parts through JustWay for comparison with components printed on my Creality K1 Max.
Most prints start out looking great, but on larger parts I’m noticing that the surface finish becomes inconsistent as the print progresses. The first several layers look excellent, but later sections begin showing visible artifacts and slight variations in layer appearance.
Current setup:
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Creality K1 Max
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Creality Print / Cura
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PLA and PETG
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0.4 mm nozzle
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Mostly functional enclosure parts and mounting brackets
The symptoms I’m seeing include:
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Surface quality changing during long prints
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Slight layer inconsistencies on taller parts
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Better results on small prints than large ones
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Occasional dimensional differences between identical prints
I’ve already checked belt tension, cleaned the machine, and verified filament quality, but I’m still trying to determine whether the issue is related to speed settings, cooling, vibration, or something else.
A few questions for experienced Creality users:
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Have you seen print quality change as print duration increases?
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Are there specific K1 Max maintenance items that commonly affect surface consistency?
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How much does print speed influence dimensional accuracy on functional parts?
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Have you found any Cura or Creality Print settings that significantly improve consistency on long jobs?
For those using Creality printers for engineering projects:
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What tolerances do you typically allow when designing enclosure parts?
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Do you oversize connector openings and mounting holes in CAD?
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How closely do your printed prototypes match final manufactured parts?
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At what stage do you usually move from printed prototypes to CNC-machined or production components?
I’d appreciate hearing from anyone using Creality printers for functional prototypes, especially enclosure or electronics-related projects where dimensional accuracy is important.