3dpGeek
1
So I have read the new 2016 Guide and have a couple questions. First, what is the difference between the Dreamer and the creator? I see they are about the same price but are there any differences other than the lcd screen? The specs look the same. Second, can the nozzles be switched out for different sizes or to be replaced don’t ware? Finally, anyone with either printer please let me know your opinion. Thank you very much, Chris Brown
2 Likes
KDan
2
The Creator Pro is more open - being a clone of the original Makerbot 2X. The Dreamer is more of a closed design, and won’t use generic filament. Each has it’s advantages. The Creator Pro is better for an enthusiast, while the Dreamer might be better for a novice who wants things a little more dumbed down at the expense of versatility and operating costs.
1 Like
3dpGeek
3
Can the nozzles be switched or replaced?
6123D
4
Yes they can, if I’m correct they use 4mm Mk10 nozzles. I’d research the powerspec 3D printer from Microcenter, it’s it’s made by flash forge and rebranded at 2/3 the cost. I think the newest powerspec model is only $799 right now and it has upgraded touchscreen, wifi and filament cooling fan for pla.
I Agree with KDan. The dreamer lacks a lot all the bells and whistles that you would want if your and experienced 3D printer and have the settings already thought of. Not much customisation of the profiles etc. If it’s between these two i would suggest the creator if you have experience. But if you have experience and want the full package I would chose a different 3D Printer altogether 
hope I’ve helped and not confused your decision even more
From what I’ve seen the Creator Pro and the Dreamer essentially have the same mechanical hardware. Different boards though. Dreamer is more a consumer ready machine but I won’t say it lacks features compared to the Creator Pro. Also, it can use any generic filament. Limitations are all software based and you can use Simplify 3D or other open source slicers.
To the consumer the Dreamer has more features - Wifi, touch screen etc. For the true Maker - the Creator Pro is probably theoretically more feature rich. Spec wise they are the same. If that makes any sense.
I find them both to be excellent machines
KDan
7
I think you will find the price on the PowerSpec is now $699. I have a friend who bought one and it is identical to my Creator Pro. It’s a fantastic deal, but be aware that the software that comes with it (ReplicatorG) is next to useless. I’d strongly recommend buying Simplify 3D along with the printer. There really are no good free options that work with the Mightyboard and x3g code. Makerware is just as bad as ReplicatorG.
KDan
8
The only minor issue I have with the Dreamer is that it uses smaller filament spools, and since the spools are inside the printer, there are obviously problems getting generic 1kg spools to fit inside. You are pretty much locked into using their spools unless you want to rewind them or hack some external spool holder. The Creator Pro already has external spool holders - but may need special spool spindles to accommodate some 3rd party spool holes. I’ve designed some to use HatchBox and Taulman spools (two filaments that I use most).
From what I have seen - all the parts that matter (which effect print quality) are the same. I completely agree that from a print quality standpoint, they are both excellent.
3dpGeek
9
What printer would you choose then? I have a XYZPrinting Da Vinci that I am trying to replace and built a delta. I have also put many many hours on a makerbot 2x so I have a good idea of how to print. I want to print every, pla, abs, aND composites.
6123D
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Hands down the powerspec, I own 5 myself! The best part is that parts are available everywhere. I do recommend Simplify3D as well, it is really an awesome piece of software!
3dpGeek
11
Okay, it’s the same exact machine as the flash forge, specs, parts, and all? I already use simplify3d.
6123D
12
Yup! They come from the same factory.
I use the dreamer. When i did my research between the creator pro and the dreamer i saw theres a lot of misconceptions about the differences. I use simplify3d and im sure theres nothing i cant do with the dreamer that the creator can do. I use generic spools inside with an upgraded spool holder and it keeps everyteverything inside in a neat package. I have printed multiple different materials without issue and the only reason i haven printed with abrasive material yet is the fact i have to buy more expensive nozzles which are the same midek the creator uses. The way i see it theyre both the same and it all depends on the package it comes in. If theres something the creator pro can do that i cant with the dreamer let me know because i am genuinly curious.
6123D
14
Note that the newest model they have is called the “powerspec3D ultra” and it takes the wifi and touch screen from the dreamer and adds it onto a flash forge creator pro basically. Kinda the best of both printers. Gee the way I’m talking up these printers Microcenter should hire me as a spokesman! Lol
i just saw that on the Microcenter website. If i had that option at 699 when i bought my dreamer it would be a no brainer. Thats 2 powerspecs for the price of one dreamer.
The Creator Pro is actually a clone of the MakerBot Replicator Dual. It has a metal frame and enclosure like the 2x, but all the kinematics are from the Replicator Dual. I mention that because if you use any MakerBot compatibile software, you want the Replicator 1 Dual profiles not the 2.
I have both Creator Pro and Dreamer. Here are the noticeable differences, in my opinion:
1) Print speed. Dreamer is a bit slower, even with the same settings as the Creator Pro, this might be because the extruder gantry is a lot more bulky than the Creator Pro. When I saw slower I mean about 10-20% slower.
2) Quality is in the software. They don’t really differ in quality of print, they are both capable of the same outcome. The Makerware software that comes with the Creator Pro is useless (IMO) and the Creator Pro needs good software. I use SImplify3D but that is an extra purchase. Flashprint is Flashforge’s own slicing software and works just fine with the Dreamer.
3) Temperature settings. You can go hotter with the Creator Pro than the Dreamer, only 20C, and maybe get into a variety of exotic filaments over the Dreamer. But the bread and butter is still ABS or PLA.
4) Cooling. The Dreamer wins in the cooling department due to having 3 extra fans that the Creator Pro does not, so it is capable of bridging without support better than the Creator Pro.
5) Touch Screen vs. Manual LCD. This is more of a preference idea to me, however, it is easier to follow what is going on with the Dreamer screen, also faster to manipulate the settings. Especially the preheat settings.
6) Wi-Fi on the Dreamer. I don’t think Flashforge was thinking things through when they added this to the Dreamer, it is buggier than all heck and I have not had a single successful wireless print yet. But I just slap my files onto an SD card and it works just fine.
7) Maintenance / Breakdown. I have thousands of hours on both of my printers and have not even had to replace a nozzle. That being said, I clean my nozzles out about every 5 prints.
I think that the Dreamer is a more user friendly machine that I would recommend over the Creator Pro. You don’t have to purchase any extra slicing software for it or even go searching for a program that will work properly.
Cheers,
Chris
3dpGeek
18
I have other printers, the idea of grating one was to print exotics, hince replacing worn nozzles. I already own Simplify3d so slicers are not big deal.
Creator Pro is great for exotics. There is another company from China, BIBO, that is based off Ultimaker 2. Their hotend will go to 350C. I bought one to try, it was seriously cheap but it can print any and all materials. Not to take away from Flashforge here but if you are getting into PC and Nylon it might be worth a few minutes of research. Drawback to this BIBO is that you have to make your own profile on S3D and takes a few minutes to wrap the head around it. Certainly is a quiet running machine though.
