Why update the firmware?
A firmware update is often necessary to benefit from the latest improvements and features. Here are some reasons why a firmware update makes sense:
- Bug Fixes: Earlier firmware versions may contain software bugs that cause unexpected printing problems. Updates fix these errors.
- New Features: Many firmware updates offer new features or improved control options for the printer, e.g., extended support for materials or enhanced user interfaces.
- Performance Improvements: Firmware updates can optimize the printer's efficiency and speed by enhancing motion control and other mechanisms.
- Security Improvements: Some updates include patches to close potential security vulnerabilities or avoid hardware issues.
Preparation for the Firmware Update
Before updating your Creality K1C firmware, you should make some preparations to ensure the process goes smoothly and no issues occur.
1. Required Equipment and Software
You will need the following equipment for the firmware update:
- Computer with USB Port: A computer that can be connected to the printer to transfer the firmware.
- USB Cable: Use the USB cable supplied with the Creality K1C or a compatible cable.
- MicroSD Card (or USB stick, depending on printer model): Used to transfer the firmware file to the printer.
- Firmware File: Download the latest firmware for the Creality K1C from the official Creality website.
2. Back Up Your Current Printer Settings
Before the update, you should back up your current printer settings, as the firmware update may reset some settings.
- Note Settings: Write down all important printer settings (e.g., calibration data, print speed, extruder temperatures) so you can quickly restore them after the update.
- Backup EEPROM Data: If your printer's firmware supports it, you can back up the EEPROM data (settings memory) via the printer's menu interface.
3. Ensure Power Supply
Ensure that the printer remains continuously powered during the firmware update. A sudden power outage during the update could damage the firmware and render the printer unusable.
Step-by-step guide to updating the Creality K1C firmware
After you have made your preparations, you can begin the actual firmware update. Here is a detailed guide for the entire process:
1. Download Firmware File
- Official Creality Website: Visit the official Creality website and look for the firmware for the Creality K1C.
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Select Latest Version: Choose the latest available firmware version for your printer model and download the binary file (usually in
.binformat). - Check Compatibility: Make sure to select the correct version for your model and printer board. Verify that the firmware is suitable for your printer's motherboard (usually V4.2.2 or V4.2.7).
2. Transfer firmware to the MicroSD card or USB stick
- Prepare SD card: Format the MicroSD card (or USB stick) with the FAT32 file system. Ensure no other files are on the card.
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Copy firmware file: Copy the downloaded
.binfile to the SD card (or USB stick). Make sure the file is in the root directory and not in a subfolder.
3. Insert SD card into the printer
- Find the SD card slot: Turn off the Creality K1C and insert the SD card into the printer's MicroSD card slot. Some models can alternatively be updated via a USB stick.
- Turn on the printer: Turn the printer back on. The printer will automatically start reading the firmware file from the SD card and begin the update process.
4. Perform firmware update
- Automatic update process: After turning on, the printer should automatically detect the firmware and begin installation. The screen may stay black for a few seconds or display the update. Do not turn off the printer during this process.
- Restart after update: Once the update is complete, the printer will automatically restart. Remove the SD card to ensure the printer does not attempt to update the firmware again.
5. Check the new firmware version
- Check firmware version: After restarting the printer, go to the menu and look for the printer information. The new firmware version should be displayed here to confirm the update was successful.
- Reset to factory settings: Reset the printer to factory settings to ensure all old data is erased and the new firmware works correctly. To do this, go to the settings menu and select "Restore factory settings".
6. Restore printer settings
Restore the previously saved printer settings. These include:
- Bed Leveling: Perform an automatic or manual calibration of the print bed to ensure proper adhesion of the first layer.
- Set Z-Offset: Adjust the distance between the nozzle and the print bed to ensure proper extrusion.
- Extruder calibration: Check if the extruder is properly calibrated to ensure consistent material feeding.
7. Perform a test print
Start a test print to ensure the new firmware works properly. Make sure the printer operates as expected and all print parameters are correct.
Current features and improvements in the latest firmware for the Creality K1C
The latest firmware updates usually offer many benefits. Here are some typical improvements you can expect after a firmware update for the Creality K1C:
1. Improved bed leveling
The latest firmware version often improves automatic bed leveling to optimize first layer adhesion and ensure the print bed is evenly calibrated in all areas.
2. Extended filament support
Updates often add support for new filament types, e.g., TPU, PETG, or special high-temperature filaments. This allows for a greater variety of materials and improves print quality with demanding materials.
3. Optimized extrusion and print speed
Updated algorithms for extrusion and motion control can increase print speed without compromising precision. This reduces print time and results in smoother print surfaces.
4. Bug fixes
Firmware updates often fix known software issues or bugs that previously caused irregular print failures, temperature fluctuations, or other printing errors.
5. Better user interface
Many firmware updates improve the user interface, e.g., through more intuitive menus or additional options that simplify the printing process.
Tips for future firmware updates
- Perform regular updates: Regularly check the official Creality website for new firmware versions. Often, smaller but useful improvements are released.
- Read change logs: Inform yourself about the changes in the new versions to understand which new features have been added or bugs fixed.
- Backup your settings: Before each update, you should save the current settings to be able to resume printing faster after the update.