If you are looking for a case for an Arduino or a mount for a Raspberry Pi, you will surely have visited sites like thingiverse.com. Here you can find various 3D creations of cases, accessories and mounts as 3D models, as the video shows. These 3D models can be downloaded as STEP files. Using a 3D printer like the Creality Ender-3 V2, physical objects can then be created from the models using PLA (a printable plastic).

Creality Ender-3 V2

This printer comes as an inexpensive kit that is pre-assembled. Final assembly and alignment can be done in under an hour thanks to several video tutorials, if you take your time assembling it. If you want a printer that comes ready to go out of the box and just prints, you better not start with 3D printing. Every 3D printer will sooner or later need some mechanical care and knowing which screws to turn and how the components are screwed together is definitely an advantage here.    

The Creality Ender-3 V2 is a 3D printer that works according to the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process. With this printer, a filament is pressed through a hot nozzle and the 3D object is printed layer by layer. Printers using this principle are proven technology and those currently looking for a new or their first 3D printer will find the Creality Ender-3 V2, a device that offers a build envelope of 220x220x250mm.
 
Creality Ender-3 V2

Creality Ender-3 V2 (source: creality.com)
With a 4.3 inch (10.92 cm) color display and revamped rotary encoder with push button operation, the Creality Ender-3 V2 can be operated. The printer has a solid base that houses the power supply and the printer's electronics, which contributes to a tidy overall look. Also the electronics were revised with the 3D printer so that during the process of the print head less than 50dB should be generated.
Ender-3 V2 Display
Ender-3 V2 Dsiplay ( source: creality.com)
Like many 3D printers, the XY axis is moved with the print head by a belt that will stretch over time. To compensate for this stretch and keep the belt taut, a tensioning device has been added to the printer. This provides good printing results over a long period of time. Changing the filament has also been improved on this 3D printer. A rotary wheel allows you to change the filament in a short time.
 
Belt tensioner
New tensioner ( source: creality.com)

Which filament should I buy?

When you buy the Creality Ender-3 V2, you get a voucher for a filament from the Elektor Shop worth 30 euros with the purchase of a printer, so you can choose at your leisure which filament you want to use for your 3D prints. In the store you will find suitable Creality CR-PLA filament in the colors gray, blue, yellow, red, black or white. And if you want more than one color, take advantage of our 4 for 3 promotion. Choose 4 rolls of filament and pay only 3.

How does my 3D model get to the printer?

Models that are available as STEP files can be prepared for the printer with programs like Cura or Simplfy3D. These programs need some training time until the optimal settings for the printer and the filament are found. Tools like TempTower are more than helpful in determining the parameters. Cura or Simplfy3D generate a GCode file that the printer can then process. This is either delivered to the printer via SD card or you can supply the printer with data via USB interface, whereby for the beginning the variant via S-card is the simpler one.

If you work more with the printer later on, you will surely want to take a look at OctoPrint. A Raspberry Pi 3 or 4 then provides a comfortable web interface to supply the printer with new print jobs via browser, to provide a feed of a webcam and to manage the prepared GCode files.   

Creality Ender-3 V2 Summary

If you want to start with 3D printing, the Creality Ender-3 V2 is a solid machine that offers enough space for your 3D models with 220x220x250mm. Due to the suitability for PLA, TPU and PETG, a large number of common filaments can be processed with the 3D printer. Revised electronics and a reduced operating noise make the Creality Ender-3 V2 a loyal companion, which with the current promotional price is hardly cheaper to get within the EU. Due to the shipping from our European warehouse, there are no customs fees for shipments within the EU. High-quality filament as consumables is also available at a low price with the buy 4 pay 3 promotion. And if you are interested in the Creality Ender-3 V2 in combination with OctoPrint, why not order the matching Raspberry Pi 4 as well, in case you don't have one at home.