Creality Ender 3 S1 3D Printer - Dual-Gear Direct Drive

In this review of the Creality Ender 3 S1, the bottom line is simple: it is an excellent mid-range FDM printer for hobbyists and makers who want reliable prints of flexible and standard filaments with minimal setup. The most compelling reason to buy is the upgraded dual-gear direct drive extruder paired with CR Touch 16-point auto leveling, which together make printing TPU, PLA and PETG far less fussy than on many entry-level machines. Assembly is straightforward and the removable spring steel print sheet speeds model removal without compromising adhesion.

Key Features

• Dual-Gear Direct Drive Extruder: Two chrome steel gears with a 13.5 gear ratio provide up to 80N pushing force for smooth feeding and strong grip on flexible filaments like TPU.
• CR Touch Auto Bed Leveling: 16-point automatic leveling compensates for bed height variation so first-layer adhesion is more consistent and manual shimming is unnecessary.
• Removable Spring Steel Print Sheet: A PC-coated spring steel sheet with magnetic base offers good adhesion during printing and easy part removal by bending the sheet.
• Dual Z-Axis Precision: Dual Z-screws and dual motors synchronize motion to reduce visible layer artifacts and improve surface finish on taller prints.
• Resume Printing & Filament Sensor: Power-loss resume and filament runout detection save time and material by restarting prints from the last recorded position after interruptions.
• High Pre-Installation Rate: With roughly 96% of the frame pre-assembled, the printer is ready after a short 6-step build process suitable for beginners.

Who It's For

The Ender 3 S1 is aimed at hobbyists, makers, and small workshop users who need reliable handling of multiple filament types, including TPU and PETG, and prefer minimal manual leveling. Its direct drive extruder and filament sensor make it particularly attractive to those who print flexible materials or run frequent small jobs.

It is less appropriate for users who require an industrial enclosed build chamber for high-temperature exotic filaments or for those who need a very large build volume; the platform measures about 8.66in by 8.66in with a 10.63in height, so very large prints will require a different model.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Smooth, reliable feeding of flexible and standard filaments thanks to the dual-gear extruder.
• Easy, consistent first layers from the CR Touch 16-point auto leveling system.
• Convenient removable PC spring steel plate for strong adhesion and easy part removal.
• Resume printing and filament runout detection reduce failed prints and material waste.

Cons

• Build volume is modest, so it may not suit users who need to print very large parts.
• Open-frame design means prints of some high-temp filaments may require an enclosure purchased separately.

Specifications

Build Volume	8.66in x 8.66in x 10.63in
Extruder Type	Dual-gear direct drive (Sprite) with 13.5 gear ratio
Auto Leveling	CR Touch 16-point automatic bed leveling
Print Surface	PC-coated spring steel removable plate with magnetic base
Z Axis	Dual Z-screws and dual motors for higher precision
Filament Support	PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS and similar FDM filaments
Recovery Features	Power loss resume and filament runout detection

Our Verdict

The Creality Ender 3 S1 is a strong choice for enthusiasts who want a well-rounded desktop FDM printer that handles flexible filaments and reduces setup friction. With its direct drive extruder, dependable auto leveling, and removable spring steel bed, it delivers better out-of-the-box usability than many budget printers while remaining compact and affordable for hobbyist workshops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it print flexible filaments like TPU?
Yes. The dual-gear direct drive extruder with high pushing force is designed to feed flexible filaments smoothly.

Is leveling fully automatic?
The CR Touch performs 16-point automatic leveling to compensate for bed variations, significantly reducing manual leveling needs.

What happens if power is lost mid-print?
The printer records position data and supports resume printing so most prints can continue after power recovery or filament replacement.