The FlashForge Creator Pro 3D printer is an excellent choice for small prototypes and objects. With a 3D printer, you can have your prototype ready in a matter of hours, instead of days and at a fraction of the cost. This FlashForge Creator Pro review will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this printer made for home users.
FlashForge Creator Pro Technical Specifications
| Max Print Size: | 225 x 145 x 150 mm (8.9 X 5.8 X 5.9 inches) |
| File Format: | Gcode, STL |
| Supported Filament Types: | ABS, PETG, PLA, PVA |
| Filament Diameter: | 1.75mm (0.069-inches) |
| Printer Speed: | 100 mm/s |
| Extruders | 2 |
| Extruder Diameter: | 0.4mm |
| Printing Plate: | heated |
Design and Features of the Creator Pro
The FlashForge Creator Pro is an improvement over the previous model with some major upgrades. This model has an enclosed bed, which achieves better results when printing with ABS. It also now has a three-point platform leveling system, which also improves the quality of the final object. It has a durable metal heat-resistant build-platform support that will not deform. The newer model also has a thicker Z-axis rod that will allow for steadier movement of the print head. All these improvements mean better final results.
The biggest improvement is moving from the original wooden frame to a metal one. It is now made from warp-resistant 6.3mm thick aluminum that remains level, even under high heat. This means that your project will not be off-center or lopsided. They also replaced the platform supports with metal too. This helps keep the platform more stable during the print process. The acrylic cover insulates and isolates the print chamber from the outside environment.
This is particularly useful when printing temperature-sensitive ABS, but it will also provide better results with other plastics, too, because it offers some protection from the ambient room temperature and airflow. They also added an LED light to the build chamber so you can keep an eye on the process. Other improvements include improvements on the LCD screen and button boards to provide more reliable functionality. Several software changes were also made to improve reliability and functionality.
This printer is considered suitable for personal use, but it could be used for small one-off prototyping. It comes with ReplicatorG software installed, but it will work with Simplify3D. It only accepts GCode and STL file types. It is compatible with most Windows, Linux and most Mac OS X operating systems. There is not a wide range of compatible software and file types, but it will get the job done.
The Creator Pro is a definite improvement from previous models of the printer. Replacing the plastic parts with metal ones was a good move. It increased the weight, but the unit looks and feels more like a professional unit. It is sturdier, and the parts do not warp when heated. This will make it last longer and create more consistent objects, especially when printing multiple copies of the same object. Overall, this new and improved model has a more professional look and feel.
How Well Does the Creator Pro 3D Print?
This print quality is better than you would usually expect from a printer designed for the home user. It has a maximum build area of 225 x 145 x 150 mm or 8.85″ X 5.7″ X 5.9″. It has a build volume of about five liters. One thing that is nice about this printer is that it has an adjustable layer thickness of between 0.1 and 0.3mm.
In terms of speed, it depends on what you are printing and the quality that you choose. Smaller items can take about 30 minutes, and larger items can take as long as seven or more hours. For example, a set of 5″x5″x1/4″ ABS plates takes about 1.5-2 hours to print at average quality. This is not an industrial printer and is not as capable of high speeds. However, for a printer in the lower price range, it does a good job and is average speed, and about what you would expect from a printer on this level. In terms of wall thickness, the extruder nozzle is 0.4mm, but it is suggested that you add about 5-10 percent to improve the quality of the item. This would create a wall about one half a millimeter thick.
One thing that would improve the printer is to add auto-leveling. Nonetheless, it is still easy to level, so this is not problematic. It easily gets up to 240 degrees Celsius, but it can go as high as 260. It can reach temperatures much higher, but it is not recommended. Goiing above this maximum temperature could damage the machine.
What does the Creator Pro Come with?
The printer comes well-packed to prevent damage during transport. It weighs only 24.3 pounds and has an overall dimension of 320 x 467 x 381 mm. The packing dimensions are 590 x 470 x 580 mm. It is easy to locate all the components in the package, and everything is well-labeled.
Everything you need is included in the box. The contents include:
- FlashForge Creator Pro unit
- Two spool holders
- Two filament spools of about 2.2 pounds each. Random material and color.
- Two filament guide tubes
- An accessory bag that contains hex wrenches, screws, and nuts needed for assembly
- Power cable
- Spare end stop switch cable
- USB cable
- All acrylic covers
- SD card – 4GB with software, user manual, a few test sample files to try
This model is made for the home user, and it has everything that you need for assembly. Some extra hand tools may be helpful, such as needle-nosed plyers and screwdrivers. Even if you have never used a 3D printer, the instructions are clear and easy to follow, if you just take it step-by-step. Once you assemble it, you will have a good idea of how it works. You will also be able to replace any parts that break by yourself, even if you are a beginner.
Support
FlashForge is located in City of Industry, California. They offer excellent support and have numerous ways to contact them. You can access software downloads, video tutorials, and contact them through their website. The videos were found to be exceptionally organized and demonstrate the basic functions and things you need to do clearly. Their videos include topics such as leveling the building plate, unclogging the nozzle, and disassembling the extruder. They have different video sets for their different products, but they are only limited to three or four videos per machine.
They are available by phone at 1-626-322-3855 weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST. Their physical address is 17747 Railroad Street, City of Industry, California. They also offer email support, and you can contact them through the Contact page on their website. Groups on Thingiverse are also available. Support seems to be very good, and they are easy to contact with problems or questions.
Pros & Cons of the FlashForge Creator Pro
Pros:
- Creates good quality prints
- Easy to assemble and use
- Compatible with major computer systems
- Lower end of the price range
- Works with a large variety of materials
Cons:
- Not compatible with a large range of software
- Does not auto-level
- Not as fast as industrial printers
Verdict
All in all, the conclusion of this FlashForge Creator Pro review is that this is an excellent printer for the home user, or business that only occasionally needs to do a small print job. It is not as fast or large capacity as industrial printers, but it is not bad at all. One thing that we liked about it is that you can print using a large variety of materials. Its predecessor worked well, but the new metal upgrades are a definite improvement and make it more consistent and long-lasting. Overall, this printer is an excellent basic machine and would be perfect for the beginner who is just starting into the maker world.
Last update on 2024-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
