Flashforge 3D Printer Creator Pro Review

Introduction

The increasing demand for 3D printers has given rise to the production of budget-friendly 3D printers. There were the days when 3D printers were expensive, and only a few privileged people could afford them. But, today, anyone with a tight budget can also enjoy the perks of 3d printing. It is because many corporations have manufactured 3D printers with reasonable price tags. And you can easily choose a printer that values your hard-earned money.

In addition to price, many other factors also require your attention before choosing a printer. You should have a keen knowledge of the features and specifications of 3D printers. The manufacturers prepare different printers with different users’ requirements in their minds. So, you should be clear to know your requirements first.

Addressing this problem, today we are providing you with a detailed review of the Flashforge 3D Printer Creator Pro. It is a mid-budget printer having remarkable qualities and features. Its metal frame structure, optimized build platform, acrylic covers, dual extruders, compatibility with both ABS and PLA filaments make it an eye-catching device.

 Read on to find more about its specs, features, and qualities:

Flashforge 3D Printer Creator Pro Review – The Details

View Price on Amazon

Flashforge Creator Pro is a 3D desktop printer. Flashforge, a Chinese company, produced it. It is an affordable dual extrusion 3D printer that is a closed-form and ensures a consistent temperature. Its closed structure eradicates the need for constant ventilation during printing.

It comes completely assembled with a universal power supply. It is a composition of a heat-resistant metal instead of a wooden box. Undoubtedly, its metal structure is sturdier than Creality’s original wooden frame. The heated build plate, temperature sensitivity, and enclosed chamber add to its worth and make it a favorable choice.

The top cover of the PC is the new introduction to Flash Forge Creator Pro. It comes in one solid piece and make it useful and resilient at regulating temperatures. The new extruder wiring router efficiently protects the wirings from wear and tear. The manufacturer has re-designed the platform in this version by adjusting screws.

This 3D printer includes a versatile dual extruder. Its two aligned print heads allow fast dual extrusion printing as the print head’s traveling time reduces. To prevent any oozing from the inactive nozzle, a bit of tinkering can adjust the retraction time.

Completely enclosed chamber and dual-extruder allow printing a wide range of materials such as PLA, HIPS, ABS, T-glass, Flex, and many fusions like CopperFill, BrassFill, WoodFill, and many others. The closable door and removable cover provide temperature stable printing conditions. It is necessary while working with ABS. But, while working with PLA, it is better to remove the top cover because well-ventilated conditions can offer better results.

Flashforge Creator Pro 3D printer is compatible with various printing software due to its open-source technology such as Flash Print, Simplify3D, Cura, and many more. Moreover, you can also introduce many upgrades and modifications to it.

Its manufacturer has composed its build plate with industrial grade aluminum. The dual extruders provide dual-color 3D printing. It is compatible with not only ABS and PLA but also a wide range of other filaments. This model has sleek handles, which provide a mode of easy transport.

Instead of a vertical embedded LCD, it includes an LCD tilted to 45-degrees, which make it more comfortable and ergonomic.

Flashforge Creator Pro Specs

• This 3D printer has a Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology.
• It is a Cartesian style mechanical arrangement.
• It has a pretty good build volume of 227 x 148 x 150 mm.
• The height of the layer is 100 microns.
• The maximum temperature of its extruder is 260C.
• The maximum temperature of the heated bed is 120C.
• The size of its nozzle is 0.4 mm.
• It provides a positioning accuracy of 11 microns along the XY –axis and 2.5 microns along the Z-axis.
• The power of the Flashforge Creator Pro is 320 W.
• It offers a printing speed of 100 mm/sec.
• The diameter of its filament is 1.75 mm.
• It is compatible with various types of filaments, such as ABS, PLA, PETG, and PVA.
• The dimensions of the frame are 480 x 338 x 385 mm.
• The printing resolution of this printer is 0.2 mm.
• This Flashforge Creator Pro weighs 19 kg.
• It involves Flash Print software.
• It works with Linux, Windows, and Mac.
• USB and SD Card are the available connectivity options.

Flashforge Creator Pro Build Volume

The Creator Pro 3D printer offers a decent build volume of 227 x 150 x 148 mm. It is suitable for producing small and large products. This build volume makes it a widespread consideration among beginners and professionals.

Flashforge Creator Pro Print Quality

The Flashforge Creator Pro has earned a good reputation for its print quality. Print quality is the best parameter to judge a 3D printer’s performance. Flashforge owns a dual extruder that makes the print quality better because water-soluble support can be spent to texture the print smoothly. It also provides the facility to print by using dual colors and dual material.

Some users consider the print quality of Flashforge Creator Pro average as compared to its price range.  It gives a hard time while printing small objects but works well in printing outcrops. Its range is 100-500 microns, but small objects do not come out good even at 100 microns.

It is an anticipation of Fused Deposition Modeling printers. The main factor that plays a role in the quality of prints is bed leveling. So, bed quality makes a significant difference in the print quality of this printer also.

Flashforge Creator Pro Bed Size

This 3D printer offers a compact and versatile bed size of 227 x 148 x 150 mm. The 6.3 mm thick aluminum heated bed is perfect for printing archetypes, education, and unbridling creativeness. It is the aerospace industry-grade aluminum that the company used in its composition.

The rigid build plate makes an excellent thermal conductivity possible and prevents it from deforming during heating. A three-point metal leveling system is present as the feature of auto bed leveling is absent. This metal leveling system is better and provides a stable adjustment that is better than the previous plastic version adjustments.

Setup

Although the Flashforge Creator Pro 3D printer comes in a well-assembled form, its setup is not easy. Its box contains a filament guide tube, quick start, leveling card, build tape, power cable, USB cable, dual extruder, and a lid. It also includes a spool holder, tool bag, extruder’s accessory kit, 4G SD Card, PLA filament, and ABS filament.

Take all the accessories out of the box and remove the plastic covering carefully. After unpacking, the next step is hardware assembly. First, lower the build plate and hold both sides of the extruders. Position it on the extruder seat with the fan facing forward. Then align the screw holes in a specific direction and fasten them with two small silver bolts.

Install the turbofan baffles and screw them. After completing this, the next step is the installation of spool holders. For this purpose, level the spool holder and insert the end into the opening. Turn the spool holder down so that the bottom of the holder becomes cleaved to the holder back. After assembling the hardware, the next step is the installation of the software.

The first method is to download an appropriate version of ReplicatorG that is best suitable for your system to install the software. Decompress the RAR files after completing the downloading process and run python-2.7.8.amd 64 and python 2.7.8. After it, double click on the Replicator G, and it will start the software. 

After opening, click on the machine option to select the machine type. After selecting the type of machine, click on the GCode located on the navigation bar’s top. Select the Skeinforg under the GCode generator. It provides an introduction on how to import a file in Replicator G software and then to create a GCode for printing your design.

After all this, USB connection and temperature settings are essential. After completing all this filament installation and feeding, it is the last thing to cover. Now, your Flashforge Creator Pro is ready to print your first model.

Pros

• It comes in an affordable price range.
• It has a reliable and sturdy metal frame.
• It includes dual extruders.
• It works very quietly.
• The aluminum plate of Flashforge Creator Pro 3D printer avoids draping.
• Its closed chamber protects all the prints.
• Its plate can withstand high temperatures.
• It has endless creating options due to its open-source nature.

Cons

• Some consumers complain about the reliability after using it for some time.
• Not enough instructions are available for its setup and working.
• The process of setting it up is quite complicated.

View Price on Amazon

Alternatives

Suppose the Flashforge Creator Pro 3D printer’s quality and features did not impress you. In that case, there is nothing to worry about, as there are hundreds of other options that are available in the market. You can choose one that can suit best to your needs and taste. We have chosen the best three printers from the massive list of 3D printers as alternatives to Flashforge Creative Pro 3D printer.

Creality CR10 V2 3D Printer

View Price on Amazon

Creality CR10 V2 is a reasonable choice. It is an upgraded version of Creality CR 10 S, one of the most popular 3D printers. It comes with all the innovative features within a friendly budget. The name of Creality is standing at its back, and it is one of the main reasons for its popularity.

Its structure involves a light control box that attaches the surface umbilically. A Mean Well Power Supply and 24V hotbed has made the heating process faster. It has also made it compatible to work with various materials such as ABS. It features an upgraded motherboard. A super silent driver, TMC2208 supports it.

Navigating CR10 V2 is a little inconvenient, but after spending some time learning its quirks, you can work smoothly. This 3D printer offers a straightforward process of printing, and its setup is quite simple. The print bed provides good adhesion, and the removal of models is also easy.

It delivers exceptionally great results regarding the details of the model. Although its design is a little clunky, the print quality is incredible. Overall, it is an intelligible and standard 3D printer having remarkable features.

Key Features

• CR10 V2 offers a large build volume of 300 x 300 x 400 mm.
• It provides a layer thickness of 0.1-0.4 mm.
• The nozzle diameter of this 3D printer is 0.4 mm, while the filament diameter is 1.75 mm.
• The standard printing speed is 30-60 mm/s, but it provides a printing speed greater than 180 mm/sec.
• Overall, it is a complete metal structure. And a high-quality aluminum extrusion frame adds to its strength.

Maker Bot Replicator+ 3D Printer

View Price on Amazon

Maker Bot Replicator+ is an advanced version that seeks the attention of many professionals. It is the best choice for those working for a goal and don’t want to waste their time with cheap printers. Although this version also has some limitations, it is better to compare it with the others.

It is an FDM printer and comes in a cardboard container with all the components packed neatly inside. People with minimum computer abilities can start printing quickly with this printer. It is straightforward to set up, and the control software guides you in alignment with all the details.

It has a solid structure with a black plastic cover. The LCD screen provides you with access to all the inner components, including the inboard camera. Replicator+ has a large build volume, but you can print only with PLA filament. ABS printing is not compatible because the acrylic print plate does not heat well.

This printer is biodegradable and requires less energy and low temperature.  Its software is the king of all while its features amaze the users.  All in all, it is a perfect choice for professionals. Its high price is the only reason it is not common among beginners, but it is an ideal option if you want to upgrade yourself.

Key Features

• This 3D printer provides a decent build volume of 285 x 152 x 155 mm.
• Its layer resolution is 100 microns, and the nozzle diameter is 0.4 mm.
•  It offers a good printing speed of 80-100 mm/sec.
• It is a closed-form printer and includes a dual extruder.
• Maker Bot comes with Maker Ware software, which is an industry-leading software. Its downloading is free.

XYZ Printing Nobel 1.0 A

View Price on Amazon

XYZ Printing Nobel 1.0 A is a decent printer that brings SLA printing to a new point. It can produce more detailed models than many FDM printers. It also has some limitations. For instance, it is slower than other SLA printers, works with a limited range of filaments, and needs struggle for fine details.

This printer is hardly cheap, but it is the most inexpensive among other SLA printers. In addition to the printer’s price, the resins you would need for printing, mainly the liquid resins, are also not cheap at all.

Overall, this printer is an ideal option to consider. It has a subtle and straightforward design with a detachable print bed. A translucent plastic cover blocks all the harmful UV radiations. A motor in the base holds the print bed. It embraces an automatic resin refilling mechanism.

Nobel 1.0 A 3D printer provides an excellent printing quality with fine details, smooth and natural curves. The most fascinating of all is its print quality; as always said, quality matters the most in the end.

It has a compact design just equal to the size of a coffee maker. A substantial black plastic hood covers the resin tank and the print platform from the outer environment, especially the light source and dust from interference.

Its setting-up is very simple as it already comes in assembled form, and you have to install the 500ml resin bottle and the resin tank. Its biggest drawback is that it is slower than many FDM printers. Its cool features add value to its worth.

Key Features

• It has a decent build volume of 127 x 127 x 200 mm.
• It is compatible with a wide variety of printing resins such as castable resin, standard resin, flexible resin, rigid resin, and tough resin.
• USB is available for connectivity purposes.
• It offers a layer thickness of 300 microns along the XY-axis and 25 microns along the Z-axis.
• It includes the XYZ Nobel Ware software.
• It can work with Windows XP, Windows 7+, and Mac operating system.

Final words

The Flashforge 3D Printer Creator Pro, is one of the best printers available in 3D technology. Its reasonable price and incredible features make it a smart addition to 3D printers. The few limitations it comes with are not a deal-breaker. It is an ideal choice for both professionals and beginners in terms of quality and price. But, if you do not find this remarkable printer compatible with your needs and requirement, you can consider the alternatives we reviewed above. They can act correctly for you, and you will not regret buying them. So, without further delay, go and get one for you!