3D printers are not among the cheapest products in the world. In other words, you should research carefully to get one that fits your budget and serves your needs.
The FlashForge Creator Pro is one of the quality 3D printers from the FlashForge’s Creator family. Unlike most other products within the same family, it boasts many structural improvements and has a compact structure.
The upgraded 3D printer offers more stability and precision than the previously released models. The open source technology offers more possibility, which means that the product is user-friendly and more powerful for beginners and professionals.
FlashForge Finder 3D Pro Overview
The first thing that you are likely to identify when you come across the Creator Pro 3D printer is that it is a closed unit.
Therefore, it does not feature the raw building volume common with most open models but you will manage to maintain a constant temperature throughout the printing process.
This model comes fully assembled and boasts a universal power supply, which means that regardless of the voltage the power grid in your country provides, you will be able to use it.
The machine is not completely vertical. The manufacturer maintains the controls at 45 degrees angle. The touch is seemingly small to many individuals, but it is highly useful.
And even though the original FlasForge Finder Creator came with a wooden case, the manufacturer uses heat-resistant metal solely to make this one. As an added benefit, the machine’s front door opens to around 180 degrees to allow the creation of large prints.
FlashForge Creator Pro Dual Extruder (source)
The machine offers two extruders – one to print the supporting structure and the other to print the main material. You can also use the two extruders to print a multi-color model without having to swap extruders.
And because the 3D printer supports PVA filaments, you do not need snap-off supports. You just need to soak your finished print in water and the supports will dissolve leaving the primary material alone.
However, you will have to remember that the printer does not allow you to use many support filaments. Apart from PVA, you can only choose either ABS or PLA.
The printing support materials are perfect for individuals very new to the 3D printing world, but if you are ready to experiment with the technology, you will require something that supports numerous printing materials.
You can set the layer resolution between 100 and 500 microns. Including at the highest setting, the small objects will have ragged edges or imperfections. Therefore, the printer is ideal when creating large or medium-sized items.
The printer comes with a 6.3mm build plate made of aluminium. Because the build plate is heat resistant, it will not warp including in the case of long exposure to heat.
You can heat to around 130 degrees Celsius, but you would better stick to 90 degrees Celsius if you do not want your prints to stick. The manufacturer does not provide a way of leveling the print bed automatically.
To some people, that may not sound as complicated and you will have to set aside a few minutes for the preparation work before you start printing. That can be seemingly daunting to the people at beginner level but after you get used to it that will not be a huge problem.
The machine does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. If you want to use the form of connection, you can go for a Wi-Fi SD card. It also supports printing from SD cards and USB, which means that you will have the two common connectivity options.
Speaking of the cost, the FlashForge Creator Pro retails at around $900. If you need a Simplify3D copy, you will have to pay an additional $30. Considering that the manufacturer sells the software at around $150, it is a good deal.
Each time you order two printers, the manufacturer will provide you with the software for free, but without more discounts, that is not worth it.
The price is on the average for mid-level printers. Even though it comes pre-assembled, you can remove most of the pre-assembled units such as the extruders and swap them out if a need arises. The maintenance cost is not very high, but to keep it low you will have to take proper care of the crucial components.
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How to Setup the FlashForge Creator Pro?
The printer comes as fully assembled and with the leveling system, you will just need to do several tweaks before you start the printing. It comes with a 3.5 inches touchscreen panel, USB stick and filament-run-out detection.
The product provides a great user experience that most other printers cannot match.
The setup process will highly depend on the part you want to print. Any software program will work provided that it is able to export .STL file format.
You can also use online sites to locate and download your desirable models.
To get the files into printable form, you will have to export them from your modeling software in the .STL or .obj format. An STL file will not encode units.
To make all your prints at the right scale, remember to export from the CAD software in millimetres (mm). The construct relies on Cura to create and slice parts.
FlashForge Creator Pro FAQ
Below you can find some answers to some of the most frequent asked questions regarding the FlashForge Creator Pro 3d printer:
Q: What is the power usage for FF Creator Pro?
A: Most people do not think about the power consumption of their 3D printers and the associated costs. When idling, the FF Creator Pro will consume 13W power.
To preheat the print bed, it will consume around 300W and 280W to preheat the nozzle. Things will not cool down during the printing part because it will pull 250W.
For one hour of printing, you should be ready to spend 24kWh. The enclosure around the heating bed does not reduce the consumption of electricity.
Q: Which are the best filaments for the FF Creator Pro?
A: The Flashforge Creator Pro is among the mid-range 3D printers that produce professional results and those that can use various filaments.
You can experiment with anything from Nylon to PLA because the extruder reaches 260 degrees Celsius and the heated PEI print bed hits 110 degrees Celsius. The machine is also a good candidate for some support filaments like PVA and HIPS.
The biodegradable PLA is non-toxic and has been the main choice for most individuals. It requires extrusion temperatures between 190 degrees Celsius and 230 degrees Celsius.
The material does not require a hot print bed. If you need a hot print bed, it will adhere perfectly at temperatures between 60 degrees Celsius and 80 degrees Celsius.
ABS is suitable when printing functional parts or working prototypes. It is durable and more flexible than PLA.
It can withstand high levels of moisture exposure and sunlight. It prints at very high temperatures – around 210-250 degrees Celsius and requires a heated print bed at 60-110 degrees Celsius.
The other material, PETG is easier to use and provides tough flexible finishes. Any model you make with this material is recyclable and eco-friendly.
PETG is the best choice when you require a clear material. To print, you will need temperatures between 220 and 240 degrees Celsius with or without a hot print bed.
Nylon offers durable and flexible models. It prints at relatively high temperatures that range between 240 degrees Celsius and 260 degrees and requires a controlled environment with temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius.
Some people choose wood material due to the pleasant smell and appearance. They are able to stain it so that it can look like real wood. The uses of wood filaments are endless and the material is easier to use.
Q: Can you use wood filament with the FF Creator Pro?
A: Most people like using wood filaments due to the smells and smells. There is also the possibility of staining your wood filament so that it can look like real wood. Its uses are endless and it is easier to work with.
The filament requires 190-220 degrees Celsius extrusion temperature and does not require a heated print bed for good results. The FF Creator Pro 3D printer supports wood filament in addition to Nylon, PLA, ABS and PETG. For the support material, you will need to choose between HIPS, PVA, or ABS.
Q: What file types does the FF creator Pro use?
A: The FF creator Pro requires you to change each of your files into the printable format before you can start printing. To get a file into a printable format, you will have to export it from your modeling software in .obj or .STL. STL files will not encode units.
Therefore, to make your parts print on the right scale, you will have to export from the CAD software in millimeters (mm).
Q: Why WiFi not working on FF Creator Pro?
A: FF Creator Pro does not offer WiFi connection option. However, if you still need to use WiFi, you can opt for a WiFi SD card. After that, you will be able to transfer files easily through your WiFi network.
Q: Why FF Creator Pro stopped working?
A: If the FF Creator Pro fails, you should start by contacting the people who sold you the device. They will help you with the diagnostic part and the repair.
Alternatively, you could contact another person within your area for the repair service.
The Verdict
The FlashForge Finder 3D Pro Printer is precise and provides high-quality prints. With the many upgrades based on proven popular models, the Creator Pro has taken quality and precision to a higher level and offers many possibilities. It is a perfect choice for 3D printing enthusiasts. It is also stylish and user-friendly.
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