FlashForge 3d Printer Creator Pro - Does It Really Work?

The newest 3D printer from FlashForge is the Creator Pro. They basically took all of the great things from the original Creator X, and improved on it.

Unlike the Creator X, the Creator Pro is now enclosed, which makes it a much quieter machine. Also, a thicker Z-axis rod makes for a smoother and more accurate movement.

The build platform has been improved with a three-point leveling system, heat resistant and it is guaranteed not to deform.

A new LCD screen and an LED light for better viewing into the chamber. The sturdy metal frame now replaces the original wood frame.

What Is A 3D Printer? 

A 3D printer is an additive process, making solid objects created from a digital file. The object is created layer by layer, building incredible intricate three dimensional objects.

The only limit is the size of the printer. Not all printers use the same technology to craft their objects. Some methods use a filament material or a material that melts to produce every layer.

The most common types used are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Another common technology is Stereolithography (SLA) which uses liquid type material to layer into an object.

What Is A 3D Scanner?

A 3D scanner is a device that scans an object, down to the tiniest details. The scan records the information in two dimension and stores it in data files to be manipulated later.

Usually a scan of an object will not record all sides, so possibly hundreds of scans are taken from every angle. The files are put into a reference system to align and merge all layers together to form a 3D version.

These scanners are very similar to cameras, they both collect information about surfaces. The difference is that cameras collect information about color in relation to the surfaces, and the scanner will collect information about distance in relation to the surfaces.

It has become a great way to capture historical sites and objects, they can be reproduced without ever touching the surface with plaster casting. The David, by Michelangelo, was scanned and reproduced, the detail was so crisp that the chisel marks could be seen.

How Is The Creator Pro Different? 

Creator Pro is the latest model from FlashForge. A second generation device, it has been upgraded from the capabilities of the Creator Dual. The reviews say that the upgrades are mostly from the users’ recommendations.

The Dreamer model comes with Flashprint software and has Wi-Fi connection for ease of uploading to the machine. It also has 4g memory built-in with the familiar files and file folder interface, but is not compatible with Linux.

What Is A Dual Extruder? 

As the 3D printer prints its job, it extrudes a filament material one layer at a time to produce the final 3D object. With a dual extruder, it would seem that this relatively new addition would make your printing faster, however it really does not print faster.

The time savings come from using two different material filaments. This could be two different colors or it can be used for one as a component material and the other a support material. If you are printing simple objects or are a beginner, a single extruder may fit your needs.

What Do The Reviews Say?

Some reviewers are saying that it can hold its own against 3D printers costing around $1,000 more. Others say the upgrades from the first generation of the Creator have really been worth the wait.

Before buying any 3D printer or scanner, it is obviously important to read the online reviews to determine if a particular printer is going to be right for your particular use. Since these are an investment, you want to make sure you buy the right one for you.

I Am A Hobbyist, Is The Right For Me?

The FlashForge Creator Pro Extrusion 3D Printer will provide the hobbyist the user experience that they have been waiting for. It also comes with new hardware, improvements and prints well with ABS. It will also print with PLA and dissolvable natural PLA. Furthermore, it has a port for USB and SD card connectivity as well.

ABS and PLA are popular thermoplastics that have slightly different characteristics for fabrications. The Creator Pro has enough capacity in the printing area to accommodate the hobbyist’s larger projects. It is a nice size to sit on a desktop, and has the capability of precise layering to get those tiny details.

The internet is a good place to learn more about the Creator Pro. You can read the reviews and compare options and models, and what each has to offer. The decision may come down to a price comparison and in that case, the Creator Pro will be the best buy of any second generation printer with all it has to offer.

An Overview Of 3D Printer Comparison

In this 3D printer comparison, we will be looking at the top three printers on the market today, and a budget 3D printer. The first one is the Makergear M2, the third generation of 3D printer from Makergear’s US manufacturer. The second printer to compare, is the FlashForge Creator Pro, the second generation of 3D printers for FlashForge.

The third printer to compare is the Ultimaker 2, by a European company. It is the second generation for them. The original Ultimaker is still sold as a DIY kit and they advertise it as totally hackable. The UP Mini is a printer originating from China, and will be our budget printer review.

What Are 3D Printers? 

A 3D printer can make, called printing, a solid object from a special picture file, a 3D scanner or software. The nozzles, called extruders, force through a material of either ABS, PLA or PVA to a platform below. The image of the object begins to take shape, layer by layer, until the object is finished.

The difference between printers, will commonly be in the size of the build area, the material it can use and the printing speed. Most will have heated platforms and some are easier to use compared to others.

The prices will vary greatly from around $500 for a budget or low end version to over $6,000 for a high end personal use, plug and play model. For professional/commercial 3D printers, the high
end models will top off at around $185,000.

What Are The Price Comparisons?

The Makergear M2 retail price starts at $1,475.00 and is recommended for intermediates and professionals. The FlashForge Creator Pro starts at $1,349.00 and is suggested for intermediates. The Ultimaker 2 starts at $2,500 and our budget model, the UP Mini, retails at $599.00.

How Do The Build Volumes Compare? 

Makergear M2 has a build volume of 25.4 x 20.3 x 20.3 cm, FlashForge Creator Pro has 22.5 x 14.5 x 15 cm., the Ultimaker 2 has 23 x 22.5 x 20.5 cm, and our UP Mini has 12 x 12 x 12 cm.

The build volumes are one of the main shopping questions, your objects that are printed can be no larger than your build volume area. We can see that the Ultimaker has a larger price tag than the Makergear but the Makergear has a slightly larger build volume.

What Are The Materials Used? 

The standard material used in most 3D printers, and in all printers we are comparing are ABS and PLA. With the exception of the FlashForge which can also use PVA material, a selling point for some users.

How Many Extruder Heads?

Out of all four printers, they all have one extruder head, with the exception of the FlashForge, which has two extruder heads. In reviewing, users have mentioned that having the extra extruder head speeds up print time. This is due to the time it will save changing out one material to another, or in changing to a different color filament.

What Are The Printing Speeds? 

The Makergear has a printing speed of 80-200 mm/s, the FlashForge has a 40-100 mm/s, the Ultimaker is 30-300 mm/s and the UP Mini’s speed is unavailable.

Minimum Layer Height?

Makergear had a semi-impressive 25 micron minimum layer height, but was beat out by Ultimaker at an incredible 20 microns. FlashForge came in at 100 microns and UP Mini has a 200 micron minimum. The thinness in the layers affords for more precise details, the thicker the layer, the less definition you will have.

Open Source?

All of our printers had open source hardware and software, with the expected exception of the UP Mini.

What Do The Reviews Say?

For intermediate to the pro users, the level of customer service was the biggest concern after purchase. Those companies that have listened to, and made upgrades according to consumer suggestions, have a loyal following.

Based on many of the online reviews that you will see, it seems as if paying a little extra for a quality 3D printer is well worth it, especially if you plan on getting a lot of use out of it over a longer period of time.

The Conclusion Of The Comparison

All, with the exception of the UP Mini, allowed third party filament material to be used. Across the board, all have heated platforms, and all have a level of noise concern with the exception of the Ultimaker 2.

However, the lack of a two system extruder and the high running costs brought Ultimaker 2 down on our scale, as well as Makergear M2 which also lacks a dual extruder system.

Our choice, with consideration of the options and technology, is the FlashForge Creator Pro. According to reviews, it has good print quality and community support, and the price is competitive as well.