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FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro, Metal Frame Structure, Acrylic Covers, Optimized Build Platform, Dual Extruder W/2 Spools, Works with ABS and PLA

4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 1,351 ratings

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Creator pro
Brand FLASHFORGE
Material Aluminum,Pla,Metal
Color Creator pro
Product Dimensions 5.9"D x 8.9"W x 5.8"H
Item Weight 11 Kilograms

About this item

  • Full manufacturer's warranty fulfilled by Flashforge, and free email support provided by expert FlashForge technicians
  • A sturdy metal frame that is substantially more stable than the Creator's original wood frame.Build volume 8.9 X 5.8 X 5.9 inches
  • Aviation level aluminum plate with a thickness of 6.3mm guarantee its surface is completely flat and will not warp during heating process
  • Metal platform support plus 10mm guide rod ensure a precise Z axis movement and prevent platform arm from deforming. Filament Compatibility- PLA, ABS, PLA Color Change, Pearl, ABS Pro, Elastic, PVA, HIPS, PETG, TPE, TPU, Conductive Filament, Flexible Filament, Metal Filled Filament, Wood Filled Filament, and PP
  • Enclosed chamber insulates and protects ABS prints.Filament Diameter:1.75 mm [0.069 in]
  • Please refer the user manual below for better use
Serve a springtime stunner
Get ready for Easter Learn more

Important information

On-mode power consumption

15 watts

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FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro, Metal Frame Structure, Acrylic Covers, Optimized Build Platform, Dual Extruder W/2 Spools, Works with ABS and PLA
FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro, Metal Frame Structure, Acrylic Covers, Optimized Build Platform, Dual Extruder W/2 Spools, Works with ABS and PLA
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PriceCurrently unavailable.$399.00$249.99$179.00$359.99$599.00
Delivery
Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1
Customer Ratings
Print Quality
3.8
4.3
4.2
4.0
4.2
3.7
For beginners
3.5
4.7
4.1
4.2
4.1
3.6
Tech Support
3.5
3.1
3.6
3.6
3.0
Adhesion
3.6
4.2
4.0
4.2
Value for money
3.5
4.1
3.5
3.9
Sold By
FLASHFORGE Direct
ELEGOO Official US
Entina3d
ELEGOO Official US
FLASHFORGE Official Store
compatible material
Polypropylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, Metal, Thermoplastic Elastomers, Aluminum, Thermoplastic Polyurethane, High Impact Polystyrene, Polylactic Acid, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polycarbonate, Wood, Pearl
PLA/PETG/TPU/PLA-CF/PETG-CF(SupportingABS and ASA in enclosed enclosure state)
Polylactic Acid, Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Thermoplastic Polyurethane, Polylactic Acid
Polylactic Acid, Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Thermoplastic Polyurethane
PLA/ABS/PETG//ASA/TPU/PC/PLA-CF/PETG-CF
file format
STEP, STL
Input:3MF,STL,OBJ,FPP,BMP,PNG,JPG,JPEG File;Output:GX/G File
STL
OBJ, STL
Input:3MF/ STL / OBJ/FPP/BMP/PNG/JPG/JPEG , Output:GX/G
material
Aluminum,Pla,Metal
PLA / PETG / TPU / PLA-CF / PETG-CF
Aluminum
Plastic
Aluminum
PLA/ABS/PETG/ASA/TPU/PC/PLA-CF/PETG-CF
power consumption
15 watts
360 watts
310 watts
connectivity tech
USB
USB Disk,WIFI,Ethernet,Cloud
USB
USB
USB
Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
operating system
Linux, mac, Windows
Win XP/Vista/7/8/10,Mac OS,Linux
Windows 10, OS X 10.11 El Capitan, Linux
ios window Linux
Windows 10, OS X 10.11 El Capitan
Win7/8/10/11, Linux Ubuntu 20.04+, Mac OS 10.9+

Product Description

Leaving our competition a step or two behind, these new features are only available on the new FlashForge Creator Pro:The new front door comes pre-installed, and has been re-designed to provide easier access to prints.The new injected PC top cover comes in one solid piece, making it stronger and more effective at regulating temperature.The new, larger platform adjusting screws have been re-engineered for easier use.The new extruder wiring router can protect wiring from wear and tear efficiently.What’s in the box?The Creator Pro Dual Extruder, 2x spool holders, 2 spools filament(N.W.:1 kilogram per spool, material and color are randomly selected), 2x spare blue platform stickers, 2x filament guide tubes, 2 M3×8 screws, 3 wrenches in different sizes, 1 spare leveling knob, 2 spare Teflon tubes, 1 unclogging pin and grease in tool bag.Extruder’s accessory kit Containing turbo fan duct, 2 M3×8 screws, M3×6 screw, Power cord,USB cable. Injected PC top cover: 1 x 16GB SD card (contains software ReplicatorG and FlashPrint, test sample files and operation manual). Compatible Software: ReplicatorG, FlashPrint and Simplify3D(Please kindly noted that Simplify3D is a third party paid software, which is not included in this package. If user want to use, please buy it by yourself) Compatible OS: Windows, Mac OSX and Linux, Print from SD card or over USB cable, Input file type: STL, gcode, x3g Printing Build envelope: 225 x 145 x 150 mm, Build volume: About 5 liters, Layer thickness: 0.1-0.3 mm(adjustable), Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm, Materials : Works well with 1.75 mm ABS and PLA.


From the brand

Product guides and documents

Looking for specific info?


From the manufacturer


Key Specifications:

- Printing Technology: FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication).

- Build Volume: 227 L X 148 W X 150 H mm; 8.9 X 5.8 X 5.9 in.

- Layer Resolution: 100~500 microns; 0.0039~0.019 in.

- Positioning Precision: XY: 11 microns [0.0004 in]; Z: 2.5 microns [0.0001 in].

- Extruder Quantity: Two.

FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro

Product Description

Sturdy metal frame is substantially more stable than the Creator’s original wood frame.Warp-resistant 6.3mm aluminum build platform remains perfectly level under the stress of high heat.New high heat resistant metal platform supports replace plastic supports.New heavy-duty (10mm) z-axis guide rod ensures steady and precise movement. New acrylic cover encloses the chamber to insulate and protect ABS prints.New LED light illuminates the printing area.New integrated LCD screen and button board functions error-free. SD slot is repositioned for more convenient access.

Product information

Warranty & Support

Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here [PDF ]

Feedback

FlashForge

FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro, Metal Frame Structure, Acrylic Covers, Optimized Build Platform, Dual Extruder W/2 Spools, Works with ABS and PLA


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Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
1,351 global ratings

Customers say

Customers are happy with the quality, ease of assembly, performance, and value of the 3D printer. They mention that it's built extremely well, provides pretty good results, and is easy to follow. They also like the support, and ease of printing. That said, opinions are mixed on print quality, and adhesion.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

523 customers mention454 positive69 negative

Customers like the quality of the 3D printer. They say it is well designed and produces a better quality finish than they are used to. Customers also say it has the quality and build volume to print most anything. They also mention that it has very high detail and quality. Overall, customers are happy with the quality.

"...front door that help keep the temperature constant which is useful for ABS printing...." Read more

"...Blender is not intuitive, but it is very much worth learning. Search YouTube for Blender and you'll find plenty of tutorials...." Read more

"...The side handles are built into the enclosure. Nothing flimsy. The door handle is similarly built into the door, where it vents out waves of heat...." Read more

"...Since it had a decent build volume, great reviews, and was considerably less expensive than most of the other printers I'd investigated, I was able..." Read more

338 customers mention266 positive72 negative

Customers find the 3D printer fairly simple to set up and follow. They also say basic operation and maintenance is very simple once you break it down to the individual components. Customers also say the unpacking instructions were spot on and the Maker Desktop software is easier to use. They say the printer is up and running in under an hour and that the swap is fairly straight forward.

"...It was packed well and everything was in it.The instructions for assembly are clear – but I also found a video of how to assemble a slightly..." Read more

"...I get the same results with hairspray with the bonus that it is much more convenient and it is clear so it works with any color ABS I'm..." Read more

"...instructions were emailed separately as a PDF and were pretty straightforward until the acrylic top shield...." Read more

"...packaging, it was very well packed, no damage, and the unpacking instructions were spot on...." Read more

324 customers mention258 positive66 negative

Customers like the performance of the 3D printer. They mention that it works beautifully, provides pretty good results, and prints perfect every time. Some say that the replacement switch has worked perfectly. The blue stock print surface works great, and the ReplicatorG software works well. Some mention that the MakerBot software works just fine.

"...This thing has worked flawlessly (use it to get the boat under a bridge) for 7 years now...." Read more

"...The next software I would recommend is Simplify3D. It works great and is very easy to learn and use. Why do you need this?..." Read more

"...It was pretty exciting to see everything working...." Read more

"...as I've only had this for a few weeks, but I've experienced no jams or other issues...." Read more

198 customers mention172 positive26 negative

Customers like the value of the 3D printer. They mention it has a very good price/performance mark, and the feature/cost ratio is superb. Some appreciate the build platform and dual extruders for the money.

"...It's open source, free, and has a huge support community so you can find answers quickly...." Read more

"...Since it had a decent build volume, great reviews, and was considerably less expensive than most of the other printers I'd investigated, I was able..." Read more

"...use, my conclusion is that the Flashforge Creator Pro is a great machine for the price." Read more

"...Overall ValueThis printer seems like a fantastic value for the money. I still can't believe it has all these features at this price point...." Read more

101 customers mention95 positive6 negative

Customers are satisfied with the support provided by the 3D printer. They mention that the support is top notch, phenomenal, and responsive. The product is open source, free, and has a huge support community, so you can find answers. Customers also mention that it has great features and capabilities, and is very easy to use. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

"...It's open source, free, and has a huge support community so you can find answers quickly...." Read more

"...(such as build statistics) is nice, as is the fact that many of the visible options work. One option I miss is the option to control the lighting...." Read more

"...Customer service is really good and Tang really seems to care about how his company is perceived. I appreciate that...." Read more

"...The support was great and all of the issues have been addressed as the came up...." Read more

77 customers mention58 positive19 negative

Customers find the 3D printing process of the product to be easy. They mention that the print speed and quality with the default firmware was already a huge improvement. Some say that the machine made their first time 3D print experience go very smoothly. They also mention that it produces good quality and is quite fast. Overall, most are satisfied with the ease of printing with the product.

"...model you either created or downloaded, the software has preconfigured processes to facilitate printing...." Read more

"...It will save you tons of headaches and you'll be printing very quickly and easily...." Read more

"...recognize the FlashForge but it works and is the quickest and simplest to print from so far although Simplify3d is definitely worth the money...." Read more

"...Printing must be done VERY slowly to prevent the belts from slipping (40 at 50%) At the start of every print job, there is a loud screeching noise...." Read more

291 customers mention202 positive89 negative

Customers are mixed about the print quality of the 3D printer. Some mention that it prints well, seems flawless during the print itself, and produces consistent prints of good quality. However, others say that the initial print quality is poor and the device will not print correctly. They also mention that the spool holder design fails and the build plate is uneven.

"...with hairspray with the bonus that it is much more convenient and it is clear so it works with any color ABS I'm printing...." Read more

"...but once I had the build plate properly leveled, the next print came out pretty good...." Read more

"...I got so frustrated that I could not get objects to print properly (just using the print preparation software – see below) that I bought the Pro..." Read more

"...pretty big blob as it starts to print a skirt, but it seems flawless during the print itself...." Read more

91 customers mention33 positive58 negative

Customers are mixed about the adhesion of the 3D printer. Some mention that it has good adhesiveness with ABS, while others say that it doesn't work well with other materials. Some customers also say that the prints stick to the bed well, with no need for messy glue or hairspray. However, other customers report issues with the extruded plastic not sticking to the print bed, and the filament not sticking.

"...about 10 minutes then the entire RAFT pulled loose and got caught against the extruder and I was not watching closely and a LOT of PLA got gummed up..." Read more

"...directly on the bed that came with the printer, no tape, no hairspray or glue or anything like that that I have read people do..." Read more

"...No screech, yet, but the pulleys are clearly slipping. The left extruder is jammed, AGAIN! Rrgh! I may try some different parts on it...." Read more

"...is pretty elegant although the nuts are small and easily dropped. Even so, the hardest part was pulling the paper off the acrylic...." Read more

Excellent Machine
5 Stars
Excellent Machine
Short Story: I purchased the FlashForge 3d Printer Creator Pro in mid December 2014 and started using it on December 25th. I have printed ABS things that came with it, an ABS bicycle I created with SketchUp, and a wrench using PLA glow-in-the dark filament. Everything works great. This is a fantastic machine and technology. And I had a couple of questions and the legendary Tang answered the first email within an hour on Christmas Eve and the second email within an hour on Christmas morning (Central Standard Time). Great product, great service and the concept of 3d printing is really cool.Long Story: I got interested in 3d printing about a year ago and began shopping and reading web sites. I noticed that the machines were getting less expensive and per the reviews, more reliable. In early December I decided it was time to buy one and I suggested to my wife that I was going to do this and ‘it could be my Christmas present’. She said that was fine, but I could not open it until Christmas day. That was not what I intended but it turned out to be a good thing. For the 3 weeks or so before Christmas I read everything I could find about how to set up and use this printer.The first thing I discovered is that there is a lot of software involved, and three ways to get objects to the printer. First, you can download files from the internet. Second you can create an object then print it, and third you can buy a scanner, scan an object, and then print it. And you can combine elements of all of those. You could download a file, merge that with something you scanned, and then import that file into a 3D modeling software like Google SketchUp and modify it.I’m a baby boomer and we all learned things by reading the manual. Kids today never bothered with manuals so when they started inventing all this stuff they don’t bother writing manuals. You have to figure everything out by reading Customer Reviews and researching on the internet.Scanning. I purchased a Matter and Form MFS1v1 3d scanner. I wrote a review about it, so won’t repeat that here. It works.Create a Model of your own design. You have to learn to use a software program to do this. I selected SketchUp because there are good reviews and it is free. But there are no manuals. You load it on your PC, then work through 4 training tutorials provided by Google, then you just have to do google searches to try to figure out everything else you need to know to create an object that you can print.Here is what I learned about SketchUp essential to 3D printing:1. Build your object in a large size, then let the printing software (more on that later) reduce it in size. SketchUp was developed as a 3d tool for architecture and lacks the ability to make very tiny parts. But you can make a big part with high detail then reduce it.2. Every time you create an object on SketchUp – you must select it then “make a group”. Then you right-click and look at ‘Entity Info’. If you see ‘volume’ you have created a solid that will print on a 3d printer. If you try to print something that is not a solid the print software will discover “manifold” problems, and the print won’t work.3. After you create solids, you join them together using a tool called “outer shell”. This is the tool on SketchUp 2015. I think tools on earlier versions had other names. You get to this tool by: View, Toolbars, Solid Tools. A bunch of solid objects joined together with ‘Outer Shell’ result in a model that can be printed.4. When you first download Sketchup you get the Pro version (for 30 days). With the pro version you get other Solid Tools and you can output ‘object’ files. I got so frustrated that I could not get objects to print properly (just using the print preparation software – see below) that I bought the Pro version. I now don’t think you need it. The free version will output STL files and the Print Prep software can use either an “STL” file or and “OBJ” file5. When you are finished building your object – export it as on OBJ file or Export it as an STL file. To export as an STL file you have to add the STL functionality to your SketchUp program. Again, just Google: “Add STL to Sketchup” and you will discover how to do thisConvert your File to a Print File: Next – you prepare your file to print. This is required regardless of whether you download a model from the internet of use a model you created from SketchUp. You must have software that is capable of creating a file in the format expected by your printer. The Print File provides all the info the printer requires heat the extruders, move the print bed, move the extruders, push out the plastic, and so on.The directions that come with this printer instruct the user how to download free software and install it – along with other programs and drivers and so on. I found this baffling and for $140 bought Simplify3D, which is an alternative to the free software. Simplify3D has about 9 tutorials that explain how to use it. Remember, I’m killing time until Christmas and working through these was very helpful.When you first launch Simplify3D you tell it the brand and model of your printer. Then, as you import the model you either created or downloaded, the software has preconfigured processes to facilitate printing. You can change all these but I found the defaults to work great. When you are ready to print the software shows you an extruder suspended in space above a print bed and it prints your model, on your computer screen. You can watch it and use the “repair” menu to find all the problems – before even using the actual printer. When you have the model printing correctly on your PC, you move the file to the actual printer.But this is the cool thing – if you are thinking about buying a 3D printer – get SketchUp and buy Simplify3d. Make some models; see how they print. You can learn an awful lot before making the leap to buy the printer.Now to the FlashForgeIt came, from Amazon, in two days. It was packed well and everything was in it.The instructions for assembly are clear – but I also found a video of how to assemble a slightly older version that was helpful.This version includes an acrylic cover and front door that help keep the temperature constant which is useful for ABS printing. The instructions that come with the printer provide a web site with a video that shows how to assemble the acrylic cover that goes on the top of the machine. Hint: Take all the protective paper off the acrylic, use some of the painters’ tape that comes with the printer to tape the acrylic pieces together, install the screws, and remove the tape. This is a lot easier than the process in the video.It took 20 minutes and a lot of patience to get the print bed level. I finally settled on this procedure – Launch the ‘Level Build Plate’ on the printer, push the extruder assembly until it is right above the leveling wing-nut closest to you. Adjust that wing-nut until paper just barely slides; move extruder until it is above the other wing nuts and do the same thing. You just push it with your hands. Keep moving the extruder and adjusting the wing nuts until paper just slides, anywhere on the bed.Printing was the easiest part. First, I printed the objects that are on the SD card that comes with the machine. These printed fine. I was a little impatient getting the first print off the print bed, which has a layer of Kapton tape. I used a sharp knife from the kitchen to pop the model loose and actually cut into the tape. So on every subsequent print there is a little flap of Kapton tape sticking up. Note, however that when you use the Printing Software (in my example Simplify3D), you can check a box for “Include Raft”. When you do this, the printer creates a lattice of plastic under your actual object. That lattice just peels right off when finished. And the lattice covers up the Kapton tape tear and minor imperfections in levelling.Then I moved to printing from my PC. I could not load the driver necessary to connect my PC directly to the printer – but just copied ready-to-print files from Simplify3D to the SDCH card that came with the printer. Then put the SDCH card in the printer and it works fine.ABS. First 10 prints were using the ABS filament that came with the printer. I had studied all the settings and variables available to control the print – but when it came time to do it I just told the Simplify3D software that I was using ABS and wanted a ‘raft’ and everything came out fine. NOTE regarding “Supports”. The reason I bought a two extruder printer was because I thought you needed a second extruder to generate ‘supports’ for parts with a big overhang, using one of those soluble plastics that can later be dissolved. It turns out that the Simplify3D software (and probably most others) can print ‘supports’ just using the same ABS spool as your model. Somehow the supports are printed so they don’t stick very much and they just break off. The only time you would really need soluble supports is if they had to be printed inside your model where you could not easily remove them.PLA. Same story (almost). I backed out the ABS filament and loaded some PLA (that actually glows in the dark!). Everything had been printing so smoothly on the Kapton tape that I just told Simplify3D I was using PLA – and printed! I did not bother to use the Painters’ Tape as instructed because that would require re-leveling the print bed. The PLA print on the Kapton tape worked fine for about 10 minutes then the entire RAFT pulled loose and got caught against the extruder and I was not watching closely and a LOT of PLA got gummed up on the end of the extruder. Cleaned it up, installed a couple strips of painters’ tape, re-leveled and it prints fine. LESSON: follow the instructions.This machine and all the software are really fun. About the equivalent to a two hour college course, I think. I highly recommend this machine and the company that backs it up.11/5/2018 Update: I have had this machine for 4 years. I had to replace the print nozzles when they got too clogged, and I NEVER use the dual nozzle feature but this machine is a champ.11/16/2023 Update: That machine finally wore out. I could have emailed the vendor and purchased parts but I like the printer so much I just bought a new one. And meanwhile about 4 years ago I bought another one for a different house. I’m convinced this printer is the best one available. Sketchup (mentioned above) is much better now and it works great for 3d parts.One more suggestion: Use klapton tape on the bed and clean it every time with acetone. Replace the tape when it wears (maybe every 10 prints or so) and after removing the worn out tape clean the bed with alcohol.Strength: I bought a boat in 2017 that has an 8’ x 8’ Bimini top (big heavy monster). I got 2 Linco lifters and created brackets with this printer (and ABS+ plastic, 10 layers) to print the brackets that connect the lifters to the boat and to the top. Total force on these plastic brackets is about 100 lbs! This thing has worked flawlessly (use it to get the boat under a bridge) for 7 years now. One bracket cracked so I just pushed the button on the printer and made another one.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2014
Color: Creator proVerified Purchase
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Machine
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2014
Short Story: I purchased the FlashForge 3d Printer Creator Pro in mid December 2014 and started using it on December 25th. I have printed ABS things that came with it, an ABS bicycle I created with SketchUp, and a wrench using PLA glow-in-the dark filament. Everything works great. This is a fantastic machine and technology. And I had a couple of questions and the legendary Tang answered the first email within an hour on Christmas Eve and the second email within an hour on Christmas morning (Central Standard Time). Great product, great service and the concept of 3d printing is really cool.

Long Story: I got interested in 3d printing about a year ago and began shopping and reading web sites. I noticed that the machines were getting less expensive and per the reviews, more reliable. In early December I decided it was time to buy one and I suggested to my wife that I was going to do this and ‘it could be my Christmas present’. She said that was fine, but I could not open it until Christmas day. That was not what I intended but it turned out to be a good thing. For the 3 weeks or so before Christmas I read everything I could find about how to set up and use this printer.
The first thing I discovered is that there is a lot of software involved, and three ways to get objects to the printer. First, you can download files from the internet. Second you can create an object then print it, and third you can buy a scanner, scan an object, and then print it. And you can combine elements of all of those. You could download a file, merge that with something you scanned, and then import that file into a 3D modeling software like Google SketchUp and modify it.

I’m a baby boomer and we all learned things by reading the manual. Kids today never bothered with manuals so when they started inventing all this stuff they don’t bother writing manuals. You have to figure everything out by reading Customer Reviews and researching on the internet.
Scanning. I purchased a Matter and Form MFS1v1 3d scanner. I wrote a review about it, so won’t repeat that here. It works.
Create a Model of your own design. You have to learn to use a software program to do this. I selected SketchUp because there are good reviews and it is free. But there are no manuals. You load it on your PC, then work through 4 training tutorials provided by Google, then you just have to do google searches to try to figure out everything else you need to know to create an object that you can print.

Here is what I learned about SketchUp essential to 3D printing:

1. Build your object in a large size, then let the printing software (more on that later) reduce it in size. SketchUp was developed as a 3d tool for architecture and lacks the ability to make very tiny parts. But you can make a big part with high detail then reduce it.

2. Every time you create an object on SketchUp – you must select it then “make a group”. Then you right-click and look at ‘Entity Info’. If you see ‘volume’ you have created a solid that will print on a 3d printer. If you try to print something that is not a solid the print software will discover “manifold” problems, and the print won’t work.

3. After you create solids, you join them together using a tool called “outer shell”. This is the tool on SketchUp 2015. I think tools on earlier versions had other names. You get to this tool by: View, Toolbars, Solid Tools. A bunch of solid objects joined together with ‘Outer Shell’ result in a model that can be printed.

4. When you first download Sketchup you get the Pro version (for 30 days). With the pro version you get other Solid Tools and you can output ‘object’ files. I got so frustrated that I could not get objects to print properly (just using the print preparation software – see below) that I bought the Pro version. I now don’t think you need it. The free version will output STL files and the Print Prep software can use either an “STL” file or and “OBJ” file

5. When you are finished building your object – export it as on OBJ file or Export it as an STL file. To export as an STL file you have to add the STL functionality to your SketchUp program. Again, just Google: “Add STL to Sketchup” and you will discover how to do this

Convert your File to a Print File: Next – you prepare your file to print. This is required regardless of whether you download a model from the internet of use a model you created from SketchUp. You must have software that is capable of creating a file in the format expected by your printer. The Print File provides all the info the printer requires heat the extruders, move the print bed, move the extruders, push out the plastic, and so on.

The directions that come with this printer instruct the user how to download free software and install it – along with other programs and drivers and so on. I found this baffling and for $140 bought Simplify3D, which is an alternative to the free software. Simplify3D has about 9 tutorials that explain how to use it. Remember, I’m killing time until Christmas and working through these was very helpful.

When you first launch Simplify3D you tell it the brand and model of your printer. Then, as you import the model you either created or downloaded, the software has preconfigured processes to facilitate printing. You can change all these but I found the defaults to work great. When you are ready to print the software shows you an extruder suspended in space above a print bed and it prints your model, on your computer screen. You can watch it and use the “repair” menu to find all the problems – before even using the actual printer. When you have the model printing correctly on your PC, you move the file to the actual printer.

But this is the cool thing – if you are thinking about buying a 3D printer – get SketchUp and buy Simplify3d. Make some models; see how they print. You can learn an awful lot before making the leap to buy the printer.

Now to the FlashForge

It came, from Amazon, in two days. It was packed well and everything was in it.
The instructions for assembly are clear – but I also found a video of how to assemble a slightly older version that was helpful.
This version includes an acrylic cover and front door that help keep the temperature constant which is useful for ABS printing. The instructions that come with the printer provide a web site with a video that shows how to assemble the acrylic cover that goes on the top of the machine. Hint: Take all the protective paper off the acrylic, use some of the painters’ tape that comes with the printer to tape the acrylic pieces together, install the screws, and remove the tape. This is a lot easier than the process in the video.

It took 20 minutes and a lot of patience to get the print bed level. I finally settled on this procedure – Launch the ‘Level Build Plate’ on the printer, push the extruder assembly until it is right above the leveling wing-nut closest to you. Adjust that wing-nut until paper just barely slides; move extruder until it is above the other wing nuts and do the same thing. You just push it with your hands. Keep moving the extruder and adjusting the wing nuts until paper just slides, anywhere on the bed.

Printing was the easiest part. First, I printed the objects that are on the SD card that comes with the machine. These printed fine. I was a little impatient getting the first print off the print bed, which has a layer of Kapton tape. I used a sharp knife from the kitchen to pop the model loose and actually cut into the tape. So on every subsequent print there is a little flap of Kapton tape sticking up. Note, however that when you use the Printing Software (in my example Simplify3D), you can check a box for “Include Raft”. When you do this, the printer creates a lattice of plastic under your actual object. That lattice just peels right off when finished. And the lattice covers up the Kapton tape tear and minor imperfections in levelling.

Then I moved to printing from my PC. I could not load the driver necessary to connect my PC directly to the printer – but just copied ready-to-print files from Simplify3D to the SDCH card that came with the printer. Then put the SDCH card in the printer and it works fine.

ABS. First 10 prints were using the ABS filament that came with the printer. I had studied all the settings and variables available to control the print – but when it came time to do it I just told the Simplify3D software that I was using ABS and wanted a ‘raft’ and everything came out fine. NOTE regarding “Supports”. The reason I bought a two extruder printer was because I thought you needed a second extruder to generate ‘supports’ for parts with a big overhang, using one of those soluble plastics that can later be dissolved. It turns out that the Simplify3D software (and probably most others) can print ‘supports’ just using the same ABS spool as your model. Somehow the supports are printed so they don’t stick very much and they just break off. The only time you would really need soluble supports is if they had to be printed inside your model where you could not easily remove them.

PLA. Same story (almost). I backed out the ABS filament and loaded some PLA (that actually glows in the dark!). Everything had been printing so smoothly on the Kapton tape that I just told Simplify3D I was using PLA – and printed! I did not bother to use the Painters’ Tape as instructed because that would require re-leveling the print bed. The PLA print on the Kapton tape worked fine for about 10 minutes then the entire RAFT pulled loose and got caught against the extruder and I was not watching closely and a LOT of PLA got gummed up on the end of the extruder. Cleaned it up, installed a couple strips of painters’ tape, re-leveled and it prints fine. LESSON: follow the instructions.

This machine and all the software are really fun. About the equivalent to a two hour college course, I think. I highly recommend this machine and the company that backs it up.

11/5/2018 Update: I have had this machine for 4 years. I had to replace the print nozzles when they got too clogged, and I NEVER use the dual nozzle feature but this machine is a champ.

11/16/2023 Update: That machine finally wore out. I could have emailed the vendor and purchased parts but I like the printer so much I just bought a new one. And meanwhile about 4 years ago I bought another one for a different house. I’m convinced this printer is the best one available. Sketchup (mentioned above) is much better now and it works great for 3d parts.

One more suggestion: Use klapton tape on the bed and clean it every time with acetone. Replace the tape when it wears (maybe every 10 prints or so) and after removing the worn out tape clean the bed with alcohol.

Strength: I bought a boat in 2017 that has an 8’ x 8’ Bimini top (big heavy monster). I got 2 Linco lifters and created brackets with this printer (and ABS+ plastic, 10 layers) to print the brackets that connect the lifters to the boat and to the top. Total force on these plastic brackets is about 100 lbs! This thing has worked flawlessly (use it to get the boat under a bridge) for 7 years now. One bracket cracked so I just pushed the button on the printer and made another one.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2017
Color: Creator proVerified Purchase
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Works great, nice print quality
Reviewed in Canada on April 16, 2023
Color: Creator proVerified Purchase
Udo Meeßen / TrashHunter
5.0 out of 5 stars Er macht, was ICH will
Reviewed in Germany on December 6, 2021
Color: Creator proVerified Purchase
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Udo Meeßen / TrashHunter
5.0 out of 5 stars Er macht, was ICH will
Reviewed in Germany on December 6, 2021
Meinen ersten 3D-Drucker habe ich nach sieben frustrierenden Wochen zurück gegeben, weil absolut nichts funktionierte. Dnach suchte ich erneut nach einem Dual-Extruder, weil ich viele filigrane Teile drucke, welche viele Stützstrukturen benötigen und ich diese Stützen aus wasserlöslichem PVA drucken will, um sie einfach abzuwaschen und mir das Entfernen mit Messer, Seitenschneider und Feilen zu ersparen.
Meine Wahl fiel auf den Creator Pro und der kam nach nur drei Tagen optimal verpackt bei mir an. Schon das Auspacken und das Herstellen der Betriebsbereitschaft waren eine helle Freude, weil man lediglich fünf Schrauben einsetzen, bzw. kurzfristig lösen, und drei Kabelbinder entfernen muss. Die beiliegende Anleitung zum Auspacken ist perfekt gestaltet und im Zweifel hilft ein Video auf der mitgelieferten SD-Karte.
Nach dem Auspacken und Herstellen des Grundzustandes hilft ein auf der SD-Karte mitgeliefertes kleines Programm beim Nivelieren des Druckbettes und siehe da... der Drucker wird offenbar schon ab Werk nahezu optimal niveliert, denn ich hatte das Druckbett schon nach weniger als zwei Minuten ideal eingerichtet.

Auf der SD-Karte sind Testdateien für den Druck nur mit rechtem, nur mit linkem und mit beiden Extrudern, um deren Funktionalität zu prüfen. Alle drei Drucke wurden von Anfang an PERFEKT.

Anders als bei anderen Drucker, welche sich als Slicer-Software auf Cura oder das total veraltete Repetier verlassen, kommen die Geräte von FlashForge mit einer hauseigenen, auf diese eingerichtete Software zum Benutzer und dadurch wird das Arbeiten / der Spaß mit Software und Drucker zum Kinderspiel und Vergnügen.

Der Creator Pro macht, was ich will und beschert mir keine Alpträume. Beim vorherigen Drucker ging ich ins Bett, hoffte es würde funktionieren und bekam Stunden später wieder einen Schock, weil immer und immer wieder nur Mist produziert und Filament sinnlos verbraten, zu Müll, wurde.

Dem Creator Pro sage ich, was ich will, starte das Drucken und lasse ihn danach auch durchaus mal 24 Stunden unbeaufsichtigt. Das Resultat war bislang IMMER dasselbe... Perfekt.

Die in den Bildern gezeigten Schwert-Träger wurden mit PLA gedruckt. Mit dem anderen Drucker waren die Teile NICHT in der Lage, das Gewicht meiner Katanas, Wakizashis und Tantos zu tragen und zerbröselten. (Wenn sie überhaupt fertig wurden und der Drucker nicht nur Mist baute und Filament zu Plastikmüll verarbeitete.)
Wie in den Bildern zu sehen ist, tragen die mit demselben PLA mit dem Creator Pro gedruckten Schwert-Träger meine Schwerter problemlos. Diese handgeschmiedeten japanischen Klingen aus 12-fach gefaltetem Kohlenstoffstahl sind KEINE Deko, sondern echte, scharfe Waffen, welche dementsprechend Gewicht haben und die mit dem Creator Pro gedruckten Konstrukte tragen diese dauerhaft ohne Probleme.

Ich bin vom Creator Pro absolut überzeugt und ich denke, ich kann ihn auch an Einsteiger empfehlen, weil der Benutzer mittels Aufbauanleitung, Handbuch und mitgelieferter Software intuitiv erfolgreich geführt wird und auch der Laie sehr schnell zu befriedigenden Ergebnissen kommen kann.
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Juan Antonio
5.0 out of 5 stars Primera impresora 3D
Reviewed in Mexico on January 19, 2018
Color: Creator proVerified Purchase
9 people found this helpful
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Hugo Alonso
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente impresora
Reviewed in Mexico on July 7, 2021
Color: Creator proVerified Purchase
One person found this helpful
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mrfresh
1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth $1200
Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2016
Color: Creator proVerified Purchase
15 people found this helpful
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