Is a safe, precise and versatile 3D printer at the top of your list of tech devices to purchase this quarter? If yes, then the FlashForge Creator Pro might just be the one for you. Before taking that leap, here is a quick highlight of what to expect:
Bottom Line Up Front
The Pros: The FlashForge Creator pro is a durable 3D printer that enables you to 3D print with precision and accuracy. It is basically a workhorse that has the strength and framework to keep on working where others fail. This is a 3D Printer with a number of additions many similarly priced 3D Printers do not have. Speaking of price, it is very affordable too!
The Cons: While its aluminum build brings great stability, the 3D printing process is far from quiet. Therefore, due to the noise, you do not want this near your primary living space. 3D Printing is not a quick process for the most part, so expect it to print while you are doing other things. You want to put this printer somewhere it won’t bother you while you go about your day. This con is a common problem for most at home 3D Printers.
My Bottom Line: If your interest as a hobbyist lies in 3D printing fine-details with the precision and accuracy they require, then the Creator Pro is definitely for you. Its durability, aesthetic appeal, and affordability are great reasons to purchase one now.
Already Convinced? Stop reading here and Buy the FlashForge Creator Pro Now!
FlashForge 3D Creator Pro: Precision and Durability in a Box
The FlashForge Creator Pro is a desktop 3D printer built for domestic use. Are you a 3D Printing hobbyist, or planning on becoming one soon? If you are, then you are in the right place. The Creator Pro is an admirable machine that lives up to most hobbyist requirements. Therefore, when searching for a 3D printer with the keywords—affordable, entry-level and durable—your search engine will roll out the Creator Pro as a valid option. And these are the reasons why…
The Durability provided by a Metal Frame
If you’ve been paying attention while doing your 3D Printer research you probably already know that the strength of a 3D printer’s framework significantly affects the performance of the entire device. In fact, this is a primary reason to consider buying a pre-made 3D Printer vs. a DIY printer. Not only is it easier to start out, but they are engineered to be sturdy and durable.
As for beginners, the rule of thumb where durability is concerned, is that a stable 3D printer works better and is impervious to wear and tear. Stability means less movement. Less movement means less rubbing and wear and tear, as well as more precise printing. On the other hand, an unstable or shaky printer is susceptible to errors and the frequent wearing away of its parts. A less stable machine might have other benefits, but down the road, when you are replacing parts, you’ll be looking at a more stable machine.
Tested and Improved
The Creator Pro was built as a direct upgrade of the now discontinued FlashForge Creator. Essentially the company put out a great product with some minor problems, fixed those problems and put out an even better product. One example of the added advantage it has over its predecessor is the use of Aluminum to build the supporting structures of the device. A further look at its design unveils the use of transparent chassis as a cover for its interior parts. There were a number of small changes, but the point is that this machine isn’t gen 1, and you won’t have to suffer through minor glitches.
Working with a Great 3D Printing Technology
3D printing is fun! There is no doubt that watching what you’ve got in your head come to life as an actual physical object right in front of you. As a hobbyist, you want your experiences while printing to be exciting. You don’t want a project to run into a myriad of problems, and you certainly don’t want to be struggling to find answers to your problems when you do inevitably run into one.
Despite the jokes, I’m going to assume something here. Most of the 3D Printers you’ve been researching are FFF/FDM. I am also willing to bet they are Cartesian. Don’t worry if you don’t recognize those terms. You don’t have to know what they mean, but if you are interested, I did put some links on them to help you out.
What you need to know is that those are the two powerhouses of the hobbyist 3D Printer world. What this means is that you have the support of a community to refer to if you do run into problems. You can also be sure FFF and Cartesian 3D Printing process are pretty well ironed out at this point.
On top of excellent community support, what you get when you buy a FlashForge 3D Printer is great customer support. Other users have reported great success when contacting FlashForge, and that is a huge bonus in my book.
Dual Extruder Technology Equals Amazing Benefits.
The FlashForge Creator Pro is a Dual Extruder 3D Printer. What does this mean for you? The obvious is the ability to print in two colors. Is that exciting for you? It is for me. While painting is a fun process, sometimes printing in two colors and just buffing the piece has a totally different feel. I like having options.
Another benefit of a dual extruder setup is the ability to use different filament for supports. If done correctly you can significantly ease your workload when finishing your 3D Print. It seems silly, but this excites me. Two colors can be really cool, but easy print finishing… That is on a different level for me.
Modern Build specifications
Some of the important criteria you must look into before purchasing a 3D printer are the build volume it provides and its capacity to print with precision for fine details. Applying these to the Flashforge Creator Pro, you will notice its build volume of 225 x 145 x 150 is relatively average when compared to other desktop 3D printers. It’s not going to blow you away with build area, but it’s not going to slow you down too much either.
Despite the average build volume, it prints at a layer resolution of 100 microns. When considering layer resolution, and how companies depict them understand that doesn’t always mean you’re going to get the best detail work. It’s a fairly general measure. The FlashForge Creator Pro; however, has the added advantage of its stability. Notice I keep bringing that up.
Here is where stability really shines. Consider, the 3D Printer is moving the extruder around while it prints. It has to start, stop and change direction repeatedly. Any extra swing equals the potential for problems in your 3D Pring. A stable 3D Printer like the Creator Pro will print with more precision at a higher speed more consistently than many other 3D Printers claiming high resolutions.
Another factor that ensures printing stability is its’ 6.33 mm thick aluminum bed. It’s a good, solid print bed that reduces some of the other common problems you will face when 3D printing.
Open Source all the Way!
Although the FlashForge Creator Pro comes installed with FlashForge’s Flashprint software, it is important to note that this 3D printer is totally open-source. This means it supports the diverse 3D printing software application out there. With the rapid growth of the 3D Printer community, it is nice to have a system that can grow.
This is the type of machine you can buy, and get running quickly with their software. You can learn about the process and slowly wade into the community. Once you know what you are doing you can quickly, and surely move on to some of the open source software out there. You will know what you want, where your limitations lie, and what software is best for you. For me, a smooth learning curve is a thing of beauty, and not to be understated.
What are Some Other Cool Features of the Creator Pro?
Hobbyists who are interested in keeping tabs on every process during the 3D printing circle can take advantage of the LCD screen and button board integrated into the Creator Pro. This added accessory gives you great control over the 3D printing process. Another feature to note is the use of LED lights to illuminate the build platform which adds an aesthetic yet functional touch to the Creator Pro.
Do you need these? No.
Do you want them? I leave that up to you, but I’m the type of person that likes my things to look cool.
I know it’s silly. We are focused on function here, but I like being able to look into my workspace and feel that little sense of excitement and pride when I look at the machine. Aesthetics help me here.
A Workhorse Built for Regular Use
Saving the best for last. I mentioned in the pros and cons that this is a workhorse. We talked about stability meaning it can stand the test of time. This is the true crowning achievement of the FlashForge Creator Pro. It’s meant to print, over, and over and over again. It’s meant to keep going with consistency.
Many other 3D Printers will run into problems the more they are used. You’ll find yourself spending progressively more and more time fixing minor, then major issues. You will not have that problem with this 3D Printer. The Creator Pro is a beast that keeps on ticking.
Not only does it keep going, but it produces consistent results. Every 3D Printer is different. Once you learn the settings that get the most out of your machine you don’t want to have to replace parts. As soon as you do that the settings will change. The less time we spend focusing on settings the more time we can spend on creating cool prints.
The second thing of note is how precise it prints across the Z-axis due to the 10mm guide rod integrated into its nozzle structure. This guiding rod prevents the platform arm from deforming and keeps things stable which in turn enhances its’ precision levels.
Lastly, the Creator Pro is thoroughly warp-resistant and prints stick to the printing platform without you having to add adhesives or other materials to ensure it does.
It is Decision Time!
You have heard about the durability levels and how precise the printing process of the Creator Pro is. It’s an amazing machine, and added to all of that is an affordable price, which ensures you can start 3D printing today with a limited budget.
While it’s not an under $400 dollar printer, the Creator Pro is a printer that will last. Not only will the machine keep going, but it will grow with you. Many of the more inexpensive 3D Printers out there are limited. The build volume, precision, print speed just aren’t enough. Users grow, and the machines just can’t keep up. The Creator Pro is different. This printer will be with you from the start, and continue keeping you fulfilled well into your 3D Printing career.
The Creator Pro offers you a low-entry point into the world of additive manufacturing while assisting hobbyists with 3D printing industrial grade objects. If these are some of your personal objectives, why not purchase the FlashForge Creator Pro?
It’s time to say goodbye now, but first here’s what you do now. Click the button below to go to Amazon, add this bad boy to your cart, and proceed to checkout.
I’m Ready to Buy a FlashForge Creator Pro Now!
Don’t forget to stock up on filament to start too.