K2 Plus Filament Optimization: Reduce Issues and Boost Print Quality

For 3D printing enthusiasts and industry professionals, fine-tuning the filament settings on the K2 Plus can elevate your prints to a new level.

This guide details the recommended filament parameters specifically for the K2 Plus, helping users navigate the specific needs of various filament types for consistent, high-quality results.

1. Essential Filament Parameters for K2 Plus

Each filament type comes with its own unique challenges, but by understanding and optimizing key settings, you can minimize issues like warping, clogging, and under-extrusion.

The recommendations here address the most common printing challenges and provide actionable solutions for smooth, successful prints.

Name	Brand	Nozzle Temp (℃)	Hotbed Temp (℃)	Cavity Temp (℃)	Pressure Advance	Maximum Volume Velocity (mm³/s)	Flow Ratio	Cooling Fan (Min/Max) %	(Min/Max) Layer Time (s)	Cooling Overhang Threshold Value (%)	Overhang Fan Speed（%）	Auxiliary Cooling Fan (%)	Retraction Length (mm)
Hyper PLA	Creality	220	50	35	0.04	23	0.95	100/100	100/4	50	100	80	0.8
ENDER FAST PLA	Creality	220	50	35	0.04	23	0.95	100/100	100/6	50	100	80	0.8
Hyper ABS	Creality	260	80	50	0.03	23	0.95	10/60	30/12	25	80	0	0.8
Hyper PLA-CF	Creality	220	50	35	0.04	23	0.95	100/100	100/8	50	100	0	1
HP ASA	Creality	260	90	50	0.04	14	0.95	10/40	40/10	25	100	0	0.8
Hyper PETG	Creality	240	70	35	0.05	23	0.98	40/80	30/8	25	100	0	1.2
HP-TPU	Creality	220	40	35	0.4	3	1	100/100	100/8	95	100	80	1.2
CR-TPU	Creality	220	40	35	0.34	2	1.02	100/100	100/8	95	100	80	1.2
CR-PETG	Creality	240	70	35	0.07	12	0.95	40/80	30/8	25	100	0	1.2
CR-ABS	Creality	260	100	60	0.04	18	0.95	10/60	30/12	25	80	0	0.8
CR-PLA	Creality	220	50	35	0.04	18	0.95	100/100	100/4	50	100	80	0.8
CR-Silk	Creality	220	50	35	0.04	10	0.95	100/100	100/4	50	100	80	0.8
CR-PLA Matte	Creality	220	50	35	0.04	18	0.95	100/100	100/4	50	100	80	0.8
CR-PLA Fluo	Creality	220	50	35	0.04	18	0.95	100/100	100/4	50	100	80	0.8
EN PLA+	Creality	220	50	35	0.04	14	0.95	100/100	100/4	50	100	80	1.2
Generic PLA	Generic	220	50	35	0.04	14	0.95	100/100	100/6	50	100	80	1.2
Generic ABS	Generic	260	100	50	0.06	16	0.95	10/60	30/12	25	80	0	0.8
Generic TPU	Generic	220	40	35	0.3	2	1	100/100	100/8	95	100	70	2
Generic PETG	Generic	240	70	35	0.1	9	0.95	40/80	30/8	25	90	0	1.2
Generic Silk	Generic	220	50	35	0.04	8	0.98	100/100	80/8	50	100	80	1.5
Generic HIPS	Generic	240	100	50	0.05	10	0.95	30/80	30/10	10	80	0	0.8
Generic PC	Generic	260	110	50	0.03	18	0.95	10/60	30/12	25	60	0	0.8
Generic ASA	Generic	260	90	50	0.04	14	0.95	10/70	40/8	25	100	0	0.8

2. Important Precautions for Different Filament Types

2.1 Filament Drying Process

Moisture absorption can degrade filament, leading to print issues like bubbles, stringing, and poor layer adhesion.

To improve results with sensitive filaments like PETG, TPU, CR-Silk, CR-PLA Matte, ENDER FAST PLA, and PA (nylon), always dry the filament before printing and keep it in a low-humidity environment.

This simple step often makes a noticeable difference in print quality, as it reduces filament expansion and ensures smoother extrusion.

#	Product	Price
1	Creality Official Filament Dryer Box 2.0 with Fans, Upgraded Filament Dry Box Pro 1KG 3D Printer…	$49.99	Buy on Amazon
2	Comgrow 3D Printer Filament Dryer Box, Comgrow 3D Filament Storages, Keeping Filaments Dry During 3D…	$54.99	Buy on Amazon
3	2024 SUNLU Official Filament Dryer Box S4,Four-Spool 3D Printer Dehydrator with Rapid Heating, Auto…	$129.99	Buy on Amazon
4	Filament Dryer Box, SH02 Dry Box Filament Sealed Storage Box 3D Printer 2 Spools Holder with PTC…	$79.99	Buy on Amazon
5	Sovol Filament Dryer 2024, SH01 Filament Dehydrator 3D Printer Spool Holder with Upgraded Fan, Dry…	$57.99 $52.99	Buy on Amazon

Print Tip: When drying filament, aim for a temperature between 40-50°C for 2-4 hours (depending on material). Investing in a filament dryer can be especially helpful for frequent users of moisture-sensitive materials.

2.2 Managing Warping and Cracking in High-Temperature Materials

Materials like ABS, ASA, PC, and PA can warp or crack due to thermal expansion. To prevent these issues:

Use the K2 Plus’s enclosed chamber, setting it between 50-60°C to maintain a stable print environment.
Ensure the top cover and front door are closed, which Creality Print software enables by default for these materials.

For larger models, like functional parts or enclosures, this setting significantly reduces the risk of cracks and warps, helping produce structurally sound prints.

2.3 Optimizing TPU Prints

Flexible filaments like TPU are popular but require particular attention to detail:

Avoid using the Creality CFS feeder with TPU, as it can kink in the filament tube and disrupt extrusion.
For TPU filaments below 80A hardness, note that the extruder gears may compress the material, causing nozzle clogs. Opt for TPUs rated 85A or above when possible.
Direct printing without a PTFE tube is ideal, as it reduces resistance and ensures a consistent flow.

Print Tip: For TPU, keep the print speed between 20-30mm/s. This helps prevent filament bending and optimizes extrusion for smoother layers.

#	Product	Price
1	GIANTARM TPU Filament 1.75mm Flexible Soft 3D Printer Consumables Blue,95A 1kg Spool (2.2 lbs.),…	$25.99	Buy on Amazon
2	OVERTURE TPU Filament 1.75mm Flexible TPU Roll, 95A Soft 3D Printer Filament, 1kg Spool (2.2 lbs),…	$30.99 $27.99	Buy on Amazon
3	ELEGOO TPU 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm Black 1KG, 95A Flexible Soft 3D Printing Filament Dimensional…		Buy on Amazon
4	Official Creality Flexible TPU 3D Printer Filament, TPU 3D Printing Material 1.75mm 1kg, Dimensional…	$29.99	Buy on Amazon
5	GIANTARM TPU Filament, 95A TPU Filament 1.75mm, Dimensional Accuracy +/- 0.03, Flexible Soft 3D…	$25.99	Buy on Amazon

2.4 Best Practices for Carbon Fiber Filaments

Carbon fiber-reinforced materials like PA-CF, PAHT-CF, and PET-CF are known for their strength but can be abrasive on standard nozzles and prone to clogging. Here’s how to manage them effectively:

Avoid using a 0.2mm nozzle, as it’s more prone to clogging. Instead, opt for a 0.6mm nozzle to balance durability and print quality.
Maintain a nozzle temperature between 280-300°C. Pre-clean the nozzle with a cleaning needle before and after using carbon fiber to remove residual particles.
If switching to other filaments afterward, perform a thorough cleaning to prevent clogging.

Print Tip: Consider using hardened steel nozzles when working with carbon fiber, as these filaments are highly abrasive and can wear out standard brass nozzles.

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2.5 Leveraging Default Filament Settings

The K2 Plus comes with over 40 built-in filament profiles in CrealityPrint. These profiles make setup easier by providing recommended settings for a range of common filaments.

If the filament you’re using isn’t listed, start by choosing a similar profile and adjust as needed based on test prints.

3. Process Parameters for Optimized Results

3.1 Standard Process Parameters (0.20mm Standard @ K2 Plus)

For general-purpose prints, these balanced settings with a 0.4mm nozzle ensure an optimal balance between speed and detail. This configuration is ideal for everyday prints where efficiency and accuracy are equally valued.

3.2 Fine Process Parameters (0.08/0.12/0.16mm Standard @ K2 Plus)

High-detail prints benefit from fine settings, which minimize layer lines and enhance surface smoothness.

Although print times increase, these settings work well for intricate models, like figurines and decorative objects, where detail is paramount.

Print Tip: Use fine settings for models requiring smooth surfaces and intricate details, as these settings reduce visible layer lines, enhancing the visual appeal of your prints.

3.3 Fast Process Parameters (0.24/0.28mm Standard @ K2 Plus)

When speed is the priority, fast settings with a larger layer height allow for quicker prints with more visible layer lines. This is particularly useful for prototypes, functional parts, or test models, where detail is less critical, and turnaround is key.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can optimize print settings for each filament type, improving both print quality and consistency of your K2 Plus.

Adopting these best practices not only reduces material waste and time spent troubleshooting but also maximizes the performance and lifespan of the printer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I know if my filament needs drying before use?
A: If your prints show signs of stringing, bubbling, or inconsistent extrusion, your filament may have absorbed moisture. For filaments like PETG, TPU, and nylon, it’s often best to dry them before every use, especially in humid environments.

Q2: What should I do if my filament keeps clogging the nozzle?
A: First, ensure the nozzle size is appropriate for the material. For example, carbon fiber filaments should use a 0.6mm nozzle to prevent clogging. Also, clean the nozzle before and after printing with a needle or cleaning filament to remove any residue.

Q3: Can I print all filament types with the same settings?
A: While some general settings may work across different materials, each filament type has unique characteristics that benefit from specific parameters. CrealityPrint’s built-in profiles are a good starting point, and you can adjust settings based on the filament’s behavior during test prints.

Q4: How do I prevent warping with ABS or similar high-temperature materials?
A: Warping is common with ABS, ASA, and PA filaments. Using the K2 Plus’s heated chamber (set to 50-60°C), along with closing the top cover and front door, helps stabilize the print environment and reduces the chance of warping.

Q5: What is the best nozzle for printing with TPU?
A: TPU generally performs best with a direct drive extruder and a 0.4mm nozzle. Avoid using a PTFE tube with softer TPU types, as this can create too much resistance and affect extrusion quality.