FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro, Metal Frame Structure, Acrylic Covers, Optimized Build Platform, Dual Extruder W/2 Spools, Works with ABS and PLA
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
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Important information
On-mode power consumption
15 watts
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Customer Review: It's an excellent FFF printer
J.J. Scott
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This Item FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro, Metal Frame Structure, Acrylic Covers, Optimized Build Platform, Dual Extruder W/2 Spools, Works with ABS and PLA | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | Currently unavailable. | $399.00$399.00 | $249.99$249.99 | $179.00$179.00 | $359.99$359.99 | $599.00$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
FilaBees 3D Printer Filament
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About FilaBees
FilaBees is a brand specializing in 3D printing, with decades of experience and qualityassurance.
Why choose us?
We prioritize quality and innovation, ensuring that our products deliver exceptional results every time. Trust The Brand of FilaBees for all your 3D printing needs.
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Adventurer 5M
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Adventurer 5m Pro
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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
Product Dimensions | 16.14 x 22.05 x 18.9 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 24.2 pounds |
ASIN | B00I8NM6JO |
Item model number | 7.09652E+11 |
Customer Reviews |
4.0 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #35,710 in Industrial & Scientific (See Top 100 in Industrial & Scientific) #55 in 3D Printers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | February 4, 2014 |
Manufacturer | ZHEJIANG FLASHFORGE 3D TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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.
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.
Setup is a breeze, but be sure to look at the owners manual before you begin trying to get the packing foam out of the interior. It will make things much easier. Setup, leveling the print bed, loading of the filament (comes with two spools of ABS), and test print (the little traffic cone) is very easy. You'll be surprised at how well it prints and the quality of the finished product. I've seen 3D printed models (both online and in person) in the past, and they were not very good. I have to say that after using this printer and seeing the quality of the output, I have been very impressed.
After a few weeks of using this at work I liked it so much that I purchased one for my home. Since then we have printed everything from bird houses to doorstops and many other things. I'm now printing a drone. Besides ABS (which I use most of the time), I've also purchased and printed with PLA and PETG. PETG would be what you'd want to use if you intend to make and use something that comes in contact with food or liquids (I used it for a bird feeder).
Since I had to learn all of this the hard way, I'll give you a few pointers that hopefully will save you some time. For what I was doing at work I needed to create my own 3D models. After looking at all the options I went with Blender. It's open source, free, and has a huge support community so you can find answers quickly. Blender is not intuitive, but it is very much worth learning. Search YouTube for Blender and you'll find plenty of tutorials. The first few days are frustrating, but after you begin to figure out how to use Blender, you'll be hooked. I've made some amazing things after learning Blender.
The next software I would recommend is Simplify3D. It works great and is very easy to learn and use. Why do you need this? Whether you download a model (.stl file) from Thingiverse or create a model in something like Blender (which you would then export as an STL file), you need a way to get that STL file converted to gcode for the printer. The printer comes with some software for this, but in my opinion the included software is nowhere near as powerful or complete as Simplify3D.
Simplify3D does all the work and makes it super easy to go from STL to printer. You basically open an STL file, view it in Preview Mode, and then export it (save it) to the SD card that goes in the Flashforge Creator Pro. That's it. Simplify3D has a lot of options you can play with if needed (most of the time you don't). This software costs $149, but I would recommend purchasing it. It will save you tons of headaches and you'll be printing very quickly and easily.
Before I forget, this is the 2016 model of Flashforge Creator Pro. I didn't know they had a different model before 2016, so if you download and print an add-on (see below) for the printer, be sure you're downloading something for the 2016 model, otherwise it may not fit after you print it (I found that out the hard way)
Once you are printing, I would suggest downloading and printing two "add-on" parts for the Flashforge printer (neither of these are my designs, I just found them on Thingiverse):
1. Filament Feeder (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1582238). This makes it much easier to load/unload the filament, and keeps it better aligned with the center of the filament reel.
2. Universal Filament Holder (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1641112). You'll need one of these because not all filament spools are the same width, and many will not fit on the hubs supplied with the printer. These are simple to use and can be swapped for the ones that come with the printer in about 10 seconds. They mount exactly like the ones supplied (requiring no tools... simply hangs on the back like the factory ones).
There are many variants of both of these add-ons on Thingiverse. I personally have printed and use these, so I can vouch for them. They work just fine, but I'm sure others would work equally well.
The last thing that I would highly recommend is replacing the blue print bed platform sticker that comes with the printer with a glass plate. After having used the blue sticker for about a month, and then switching to glass, I still can't figure out why they wouldn't ship the printer from the factory without a glass print bed. In my opinion glass is far superior. I don't need a scraper of any kind to remove a print. It simply cools and pops right off. I use a light coating of Aqua Net hairspray on the glass (wiped off with a paper towel after spraying) before printing. This makes the glass sticky so the plastic will stick while it is printing. As soon as it prints and cools, however, the part will pop right off without even prying. The glass bed kit that I purchased (from Amazon) is borosilicate glass that is cut to the right size for this printer (220mm x 150mm x 5mm high). The kit I purchased was from Makersome. There are two corner brackets (part of the kit) that mount on opposite corners of the print bed and the glass plate simply sits on there. The beauty of this design is that as soon as I print something I can lift the glass plate out (usually with a pot holder because it is hot), and set the glass on the granite counter top. It cools very quickly (1-2 min) and the part literally unsticks itself.
Instead of hairspray I have also used an ABS slurry by mixing ABS scraps with some acetone (must use a polypropylene spray bottle for that) and spraying and wiping it off the glass. I've done both, but 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 printing.
I clean the glass between printings with just dish soap and warm water. When I'm ready to print something else, I simply spray on (and wipe off) the hairspray and print again.
Hope this helps, and enjoy printing. The Flashforge Creator Pro is a great printer.
Top reviews from other countries
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.
Reviewed in Germany on December 6, 2021
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.
For those customers considering buying this and reading this review: This is not in any way shape or form an out-of-the-box, read-to-print, 3D printer. I've built kits that required less maintenance. If you are looking for something to tinker with avoid this because it will give you much less options for modding and changing parts. If you are looking for a ready-to-print printer avoid it (consider buying the Dremel idea maker!)