Revamp Your Creality Ender 5 Plus Upgrades and Mods Available

The Ender 5 Plus has certainly made a name for itself in the 3D printing community in recent months. Its massive 350 x 350 x 400 mm build volume capacity makes it an attractive choice for those eager to print bigger projects, while its competitive price tag of just $600 ensures that it won’t break the bank.  

Creators have crafted unique modifications to improve the Ender 5 Plus—some of which can be purchased online, while others require a bit of DIY know-how.  For those looking for an easier solution to enhance their Ender 5 Plus, we’ve compiled a list of the best modifications that can be bought or done yourself (DIY). 

Purchase

Upgrading your Ender 5 Plus doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Whether you’re just dipping your toe in the 3D printing world or looking to upgrade your existing machine, a few simple and inexpensive modifications below can go a long way. 

BigTreeTech SKR 2 Mainboard

If you’re looking for a less noisy 3D printing experience, upgrading the mainboard of your Ender 5 Plus with the BigTreeTech SKR 2 can be an easy and relatively affordable way to reduce the noise. The stock mainboard on the Ender 5 Plus has notoriously loud stepper motor drivers that can make prolonged 3D printing sessions more than a bit discomforting; thankfully, at just around $40, it’s a great deal to invest in quieter prints. 

The SKR 2 motherboard boasts advantages that far surpass its predecessor, the SKR V1.4 Turbo. Not only does it offer five stepper motor ports for increased workflow but also has swappable stepper motor drivers. This offers users the ability to upgrade their 3D printer and purchase higher-end drivers without sacrificing their existing motherboard setup in the process. Most notable of these advanced-level upgrades are TMC2209 drivers, widely known for their ability to keep motors quiet during operation, an effect not achievable on Creality’s “Silent” board. 

Aside from five motor ports and customizable stepper motor drivers, this board also has additional impressive features such as five fan ports, a 32-bit controller, a blazing-fast 168-MHz processor, and a USB Type-B interface for extra convenience. Moreover, you can effortlessly update the firmware of this mainboard using the convenient microSD card slot. 

• What does it improve? provides more ports, quietens down the Ender 5 Plus, and enables firmware updates via the microSD card slot.

Metal Feeder Extruder

The plastic extruder housing that accompanies Creality printers is prevalent in the 3D printing world, but due to its tendency to wear out quickly, it’s often not a favoured component. Overuse of the filament causes it to rub against the entry hole in the feeder’s arm, which progressively erodes the plastic and often becomes stiffer over time, making filament feeding difficult. Therefore, many 3D printer users have decided to opt for metallic upgrades for their Ender 5 Plus and other models from Creality.

These Metal extruder upgrades are quickly becoming popular due to their durability and robustness. Not only do they prevent the dragging and eroding of the feeder’s arms, but the best part is that they cost around $20. 

When removing the old extruder it’s essential to have a firm grip on the stepper motor, as it’s only held together by screws. Without proper support, it could succumb to gravity and consequently cause damage both to itself and other parts of the printer. For those still needing clarification with this process for Creality machines, fortunately, there is help available; the Tomb of 3D Printed Horrors YouTube channel has created a useful tutorial breaking down all the steps needed to safely remove and install an extruder.

• What does it improve? reduces resistance on the filament, lessens wear and tear on the feeder’s arm, and increases the rigidity of the extruder

Capricorn Tubing

When using a Creality Ender 5 Plus, one issue you might come across is the Bowden tubing being too large for the filament. Not only can this cause it to bend on itself and become tangled, but it could also eventually lead to a jam, particularly if you are using more flexible filaments. 

Capricorn XS tubing is an excellent upgrade for Ender 5 Plus owners, offering accuracy and convenience at a low cost of around $10. The tubing’s internal diameter is significantly more precise than the stock version, which creates a narrow passageway for the filament – one that won’t easily become clogged or jammed. This non-stick feature ensures that the filament will flow freely through the tube, eliminating problems associated with standard, stickier plastic tubes. 

• What does it improve? makes the filament path more constrained and decreases the likelihood of filament jams.

Enclosure

 Creality has recognized the need for a better printing environment and has developed an enclosure specifically designed for the Ender 5 Plus 3D printer. This enclosure does more than just keep printed parts safe—it also helps to regulate and maintain the ideal temperature needed for more temperature-sensitive materials. Inside its insulated walls, users can take advantage of the increased temperature stability by heating the air around their prints with a fan that circulates warm air when it is needed most. This way, they are able to access all types of materials, from PLA, PETG, TPU and even ABS, ASA, and nylon. 

A 3D printer enclosure traps heat inside, preventing dust from collecting while also containing fumes created during the printing process. The material used in these enclosures should be fire retardant, allowing it to resist catching fire and keeping the fire from spreading in the unlikely event one starts. Additionally, this same barrier acts as a sound damper so too much noise isn’t transmitted into your workspace. 

• What does it improve? prevents a printer fire from spreading and enables printing with materials that need higher ambient temperatures.
• How much does it cost? ~$110

PEI Build Plate

The Ender 5 Plus features a Creality tempered glass build plate, which is renowned for having great adhesion with the use of some extra glue or hairspray. Many users who are looking for this type of connection and reliability are opting to choose PEI to build plates though. This is because they have proven to be just as effective without the need to purchase an additional adhesive, making for a much simpler printing process. The prices for PEI plates are similar to the glass ones sold by Creality.

PEI build plates when compared to glass build plates,  are a great option: they are flexible and magnetic, allowing nearly all 3D prints to be removed with ease and without having to sacrifice build space for clips. Companies like FYSETC produce versions compatible with specific machines like the Ender 5 Plus making these plates an ideal choice for any 3D printing project.

• What does it improve? improves adhesion, lessens the likelihood of warping, and keeps the first layer down
• How much does it cost? $20-$50

Enhanced Nozzles for Improved Performance

The stock nozzle included with the Ender 5 Plus is made from brass, which isn’t ideal as it’s prone to clogging and difficulty working with certain materials. By replacing this nozzle with an all-metal version, such as one made from hardened steel or ruby, it’s possible to improve not just the printing results but also the range of compatible materials. 

To make this selection process smooth and easy, we offer an extensive guide on our website. You’ll gain insight into nozzle sizes, constructions, and compatibility requirements to help narrow down your search. For Ender 5 Plus printers, in particular, you’ll need an MK8 nozzle for optimal results

• What does it improve? enhances print quality and permits the use of abrasive materials for printing
• How much does it cost? Various

Raspberry Pi (with OctoPrint)

OctoPrint is an innovative open-source application that makes controlling 3D printers remotely and virtually from anywhere making more convenient than ever before. . The best part is that it runs on a Raspberry Pi single-board computer such as a Raspberry Pi 3B+. Thanks to OctoPi, which is an operating system specifically designed for these boards, OctoPrint can be set up quickly and easily.

With OctoPrint setup for your Ender 5 Plus, you’re ready to turn your printer into a smart device. Now with just a few clicks, you can start or stop prints, send G-code commands, see what parts of the printing process are in progress, and control advanced features like BLTouch devices (or any other plug-ins). Connecting a Raspberry Pi camera or USB webcam to your board further enhances your capabilities. You can check on the progress of printed objects remotely right from the OctoPrint dashboard. Don’t worry if setting up an OctoPrint server for your Ender 5 Plus seems daunting – our guides make it easy to use these powerful tools.

• What does it improve? enables you to manage and control your Ender 5 Plus from a distance.
• How much does it cost? $35-$60

Linear Rails

Linear rails provide an incredibly smooth and precise linear motion for the machine’s printhead, something that standard 3D printer implementations are unable to achieve. They are metal tracks with carriages that contain a series of rolling balls, allowing for much smoother movements than traditional mechanisms in 3D printers.

Consider upgrading to linear rails as the stock-bearing-wheel carriages can cause inconsistency, which affects 3D prints’ smoothness. Although this investment might be a little pricey, its benefits are worth it. With smoother curved prints, reduced ringing and the ability to print faster, linear rails can give your Ender 5 Plus a performance boost. If you’re feeling crafty, there are also some DIY options available to explore. For detailed instructions on installation, take a look at tutorials like Kersey Fabrications’ video tutorial

• What does it improve? produces higher-quality prints and smoother printhead motion
• How much does it cost? ~$100

Lights

Adding lights to your Ender 5 Plus is a great way to improve your 3D printing experience. With lights installed, you can easily identify problem areas or install new parts with greater precision. You will also be able to keep an eye on prints as they progress, ensuring that any small issues can be fixed before larger ones develop. Furthermore, by illuminating the workspace, you can watch the amazing science behind 3D printing up close. 

Adding illumination to your Ender 5 Plus printing area is an easy and straightforward process. There are many ways you can achieve this, but the simplest is by using a battery-powered cabinet light bar or a USB plug-in light strip. Not only does this illuminate your workspace, it also offers a degree of customization. For example, if you opt for LED strips you could position them in the divets of your aluminium extrusions as shown in the image above or even 3D print a mount that allows you to place the lights wherever you desire. 

• What does it improve? provides light to your printer or printed parts, either to improve images or to make problem-solving easier.
• How much does it cost? ~$10

TO DIY

Once you have stocked up on all the necessary upgrades for your Ender 5 Plus, why not put it to use and try out some DIY printing projects? You can experiment with a variety of materials like PLA, ABS, PETG and TPU. 

Hot End Cooling Shroud

3D printing depends on proper airflow and cooling in order to produce successful prints. The stock cooling shroud for the Ender 5 Plus does not adequately provide uniform circulation of air around the nozzle or onto the creation being printed. This inadequacy often results in increased stringing, compromising the intended shape of 3D prints.

Fortunately, a Thingiverse user stepped in and designed a replacement shroud that guides the heat away from the print material, thus preventing it from overheating. This mod doesn’t require any extra effort for installation; all you need is the shroud itself.

• What does it improve? Cools parts and improves airflow around the nozzle
• What does it cost? Nothing, you just need the filament
• Who designed it? fpikus
• Where to find it? Thingiverse

Comprehensive Cooling System

If you’re looking for an even more powerful cooling system, the Hero Me Gen6 is a great option. Developed by Thingiverse user media man, this system provides efficient and effective cooling from both sides of the nozzle. It also has robust compatibility with a variety of ABL sensors and hot ends, making it highly versatile. 

With its mix-and-match components and easy implementation driving it, this suite of files is an ideal solution. This system was carefully designed to make installation simple, requiring just a few extra screws or nuts depending on your desired configuration. Whether you choose to keep it stock or upgrade it with modifications, this suite of files ticks all the boxes. Even if you opt for previous versions in the past, the latest version is easier to implement than ever before.

• What does it improve? Cools parts to increase print quality, helps you print at faster speeds
• How much does it cost? ~$5 for hardware
• Who designed it? mediaman
• Where to find it? Printables

Direct Extruder

The extruder on the Creality Ender 5 Plus can be a tricky bit of technology, as it is a Bowden setup. This can lead to stringing and make printing with certain filaments, such as TPU, impossible. Upgrading to a direct extruder has been the go-to solution so far, however, this typically implies buying completely new components. But thanks to Thingiverse user paydayxray, you can now get around this problem without spending too much money. They have created a DIY option that only needs one extra part, which is a 400-mm stepper motor extension cable.  

• What does it improve? Reduces stringing, improves performance with flexible filaments such as TPU
• How much does it cost? ~$10
• Who designed it? paydayxray
• Where to find it? Thingiverse

Print Bed Cable Relief

The Ender 5 Plus is a popular 3D printer that offers great versatility, but it, unfortunately, has some issues concerning its heated bed. All 3D printers require one to print successfully and produce the best results, making a heated bed a key component; however, the cables are not properly supported in the Ender 5 Plus, leading to weakened connections over time. This can be an issue since it affects the performance of the 3D printer and requires frequent maintenance work to stay consistent.

Thanks to the innovative designs from Thingiverse, a user has created a bracket specifically designed to support your heated bed cabling and wiring. The additional hardware needed for its installation may cost less than $5, making this an absolute steal compared to the costs of repairing any broken heating beds.

• What does it improve? Reduces strain on heated bed cable, making it less likely to break
• How much does it cost? ~$5 for hardware
• Who designed it? BGDog
• Where to find it? Thingiverse

SD Card Adapter Housing

For Creality Ender 5 Plus users looking to take advantage of a full-size SD card while avoiding the relatively expensive microSD cards, mounting an adapter cable is the perfect solution! While these adapter cables can cost as little as ten dollars and provide greater visibility when it comes to quickly locating your software files, they do have the disadvantage of no longer being mounted on the original mainboard slot, leaving your SD card somewhat exposed. Fortunately, you have the option of 3D printing an adapter housing to both keep your card and its adapter safe, as well as out of the way.  

In this particular case, it’s a one-piece model that is surprisingly simple to screw into the aluminium extrusion on the frame with screws and T-slot nuts. Furthermore, the model itself features a tunnel that reaches all the way to your mainboard’s microSD card slot. Not only does this design clearly make it easier for you to access this essential feature, but it also keeps your adapter wire safely tucked away from any potential damage. The creator printed the model using settings of 0.2-mm layer height with 25% infill density and opted to use supports but not a raft.

• What does it improve? Allows you to use an SD card to store 3D print files
• What does it cost? ~$1 (an extra $10 if you include the cable)
• Who designed it? Blueprinted_Bulletproof
• Where to find it? Thingiverse

Extruder Knob

Upgrading your Creality printer with an extruder knob is a convenient and simple way to manually push or pull filament through the Bowden-driven extruder. One of the most popular knobs for the Ender 5 Plus printer is designed specifically for its stock extruder, providing a circular outline and grips that allow users to comfortably rotate the drive gear and switch between extruding and retracting filament.

When the designer of this beautiful, intricate knob didn’t list any instructions for 3D printing, one maker stepped up with great information gleaned from a successful print of a similar object they made. They recommend a 0.2-mm layer height and 10% infill density–no supports or raft needed.

• What does it improve? Allows you to manually extrude and retract material
• What does it cost? ~$1
• Who designed it? Hans_3d
• Where to find it? Thingiverse

Z-axis Stabilizer

Ensuring one’s 3D prints are of the highest quality depends on the stability and accuracy of a printer’s movements along its three axes, namely X, Y, and Z. The Ender 5 Plus offers unique features like dual Z-axis motors and conduit rails to secure the Z-axis lead screws at the cost of some working space, giving users more confidence that their circuits will turn out reliably.

Adding a z-axis lead screw stabilizer to the frame of an Ender 5 Plus 3D printer model is a great way to keep everything aligned. This clever stabilizer was specifically crafted for the Ender 5 Plus and easily attaches to its aluminium extrusion using two T-nut screws, while a 22-mm ball bearing can be fitted into the gap to reduce resistance. 

• What does it improve? Keeps the Z-axis lead screw straight, reduces the chances of Z banding
• How much does it cost? ~$4
• Who designed it? davorin
• Where to find it? Printables (it’s one of the three files

Cable Cover

The Ender 5 Plus has been much praised since its release for the way in which it organized its cables, surpassing earlier models from Creality. Nevertheless, even more, can be done to ensure a neat and tidy workspace. This 3D printable cable cover is an ingenious solution that fits with ease of installation in mind: no screws or nuts are required! Simply attach it to the V-slots of the 2040 frame aluminium extrusions and you have a convenient cable management solution.

Not only does this hide all of your cables and print head, but adding in the BLTouch upgrade is simplified too. You’ll have an eye-catching printer that doesn’t require support due to its lack of overhangs when printing this protective layer for added tidiness. 

• What does it improve? Organizes the wires on the 3D printer to make the machine look cleaner
• How much does it cost? ~$1
• Who designed it? Knuffelrups
• Where to find it? Printables

Anti-Z Wobble Wing

Layer lines are among the most prominent critiques of 3D prints, ruining the aesthetics of an otherwise finely-crafted piece of art. While layer lines may be unavoidable with 3D printing due to their nozzle movements along the Z-axis, a new innovation has been created to mitigate these significant flaws, an anti-Z wobble wing attachment that reduces the need for vertical layer lines and significantly improves the overall look of a model.

This simple, inexpensive addition attaches to the Z-axis lead screw nuts and separates them from the gantry holding up the bed, greatly reducing wobbling during Z-axis movements. The result is smoother, cleaner-looking prints with layer lines less visibly noticeable compared to before.

With this attachment, you’re equipped to experience something new on your 3D printer. Despite the absence of explicit instructions, the assembly can easily be figured out through the helpful illustrations provided. Cumulatively, you’ll need 4 3D printable parts, 20 10-mm neodymium magnets (5 per 3D printed part), some 3-mm bearing balls, and the stock screws for the Z-axis lead screw nut. 

• What does it improve? Reduces Z-axis wobble, making layer lines less visible on prints
• How much does it cost? ~$5
• Who designed it? EB3D_Printing
• Where to find it? Printables

Corner Support Bracket

One of the major drawbacks of the Ender 5 Plus is the size of the frame which can be susceptible to instability. Fortunately, a 3D printable corner bracket has been designed specifically to help strengthen the aluminium extrusions on the cube frame design of the Ender 5 Plus, so any movement of the frame should be minimal. Installing the corner bracket ensures that your prints will have maximum quality– no more layer shifting or poor dimensional accuracy. The corner bracket goes a long way in stabilizing this large-format 3D printer, so you can create models with great precision.

This corner bracket fits in the 90° angles on the printer’s frame design and features two screw holes (one at 0° and one at 90°), so you can properly secure the two aluminium extrusions together. While the designer didn’t mention what screw size the holes on the model are for, based on the provided images, we suspect an M3 or M4 screw with a T-nut should work. The creator of this support bracket also mentions that they printed the model with a 0.2-mm layer height and a 100% infill density for maximum strength.

• What does it improve? Stabilizes the Ender 5 Plus’ frame
• How much does it cost? ~$1
• Who designed it? 3D Try Outs
• Where to find it? Printables

Tool Holder

Creality’s Ender 5 Plus and other 3D printers come with an array of tools like wrenches, Allen Keys, and pliers that can be used for assembly and routine maintenance. Unfortunately, if left unchecked these items can quickly take over the desk or counter space next to the printer. This can make the cleanup and organization of those tools difficult. Fortunately, though, this 3D printable tool holder was designed specifically to fit onto the frame of your Ender 5 Plus without any extra hardware needed so that you can easily store all the machine’s associated tools in an organized fashion near the printer.

Attaching the tool holder to your Ender 5 Plus couldn’t be easier! All you have to do is slide it onto any one of the 2040 aluminium extrusions that make up the Z-axis frame. Even more convenient, it can also be slid along the extrusion if you need to keep this model out of the way for other attachments. What’s even better,  Unlike many printed models, this one is designed with no overhangs, meaning there’s no need to activate supports in your slicer – just prepare the model and let your printer do its thing.

• What does it improve? Organizes the tools included with the Ender 5 Plus
• How much does it cost? ~$1
• Who designed it? Steve
• Where to find it? Printables

Ganesh Divte

I am Ganesh Divte. I work as a Quality Assurance Engineer at Dhruvtara WireTech PVT LTD. I have experience in SLS, DMSL, FDM, and SLA additive manufacturing processes. I am very enthusiastic about additive manufacturing and its potential to change the way we manufacture products. I believe that Additive Manufacturing has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry and make it more efficient and sustainable.