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I would like to buy my first 3D printer for prototype purposes such as mechanical parts (approx 100*100 mm) so I am quite a rookie in this area, let’s be honest. I am ready to put £1000 in it no more.
I would like to go for the Flashforge Creator (attached picture), I would say it’s the safest and basic one and it has overall good reviews.
Could you please tell me if it’s a wise choice or if you have any recommendations or any other printers in mind ?

This printer is working both with ABS, PLA filaments so I guess that’s perfect for mechanical parts, isn’t it ?

Also, is it safe to buy 3D printers already used for a bargain instead of taking the brand new one ?

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I’ve heard some good things about the Flashforge but ultimately this is Makerbot architecture clone.

IMHO I will not buy it especially if you have a £1000 budget. First things you’ll have to do with that printer is buy some fan and print a pla cooling shroud as it will produce poor pla print if not appropriately cooled and there is nowhere on the board to power the fan believe the headache are endless. Don’t believe any of the dual colour advantage this machine offer because you might only get proper dual color print when it’s brand new. From personal experience on a similar machine it become somehow useful when combined with Simplify3D slicer who is not free. How last things over time the machine might loose it’s precision and it require you to tweak the firmware.

Most likely the same printer (officially I cannot says the same printer)

http://creative3d.co.uk/wanhao-duplicator-4s-dual-extruder-3d-printer-black&currency=GBP&language=en?gclid=CIb8ub2B1scCFUZAGwoddfEGtQ

I’ve put 2 other example below as fully assembled machine that will be a much better choice from my point of view.

Assembled and better!

http://robosavvy.com/store/printrbot-assembled-metal-plus-with-heated-bed.html

Alternatively you should strongly consider this machine as it is a third of the price with bigger build platform and easier to maintain and tweak

http://creative3d.co.uk/wanhao-duplicator-i3

Hope this help

ps: I took the link at random from google and I’m no way affiliated to any of the vendor.

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Alright, thanks a lot #elmuchacho, indeed it’s very helpful knowing my limited knowledge on this area. I will have a look on the different printers you linked me :slight_smile:

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Wanhao is also good option but i chose Flashforge since the quality is quite good in my opinion. I think that you should also invest in software , I bought Simplify3D and quite happy with the performance. I am using Flashforge with 2 months and ABS performance is poor while PLA is great.

my buy decision list:

- Invest on software and filaments

- Durable product cycle

- Buy Dual Extruder for sure, since you have a plan B if it is stucked!

I was going to get Ultimaker and later on decided to buy Flashforge.

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You should also read the 3D Printer Guide, which was put together based on the reviews and experiences of our community. It should give you a firsthand overview of the best printers on the market as seen by our Hubs. Hope this helps.

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I have a Falshforge Creator Pro, and designed , printed and programmed this bot. I do not have anything to compare it with but if you check the video, it speaks for itself.

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Hi,

Indeed Flashforge Creator would meet your needs. Another printer that can print both in ABS and PLA, is closed box and has a print surface of 22,5 cm x 14,5 cm x 15 cm. The printer has a double extruder (so you can print 2 colours) To print real mechanical parts depending on the strength of the part you most likely need to print in ABS at a higher fill rate.

We are a webshop and have this Wanhao printer on sale at 1,199 € (new version 882 £), you can find this on http://www.3dfutura.be/en/wanhao-duplicator-4s.html. Exceptionally, I can offer you free transport to UK. Best Regards, Dirk Pelgrims

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Thanks, I will do straight away !

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Hey, that’s really nice stuff mate ! thanks for this vid, indeed, it really shows what I could accomplish. Meanwhile, I’ll have a check on the printers guide on this website to have a better insight of what features I really need. Thanks anyway

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That’s good to hear that, that’s true that dual extruder is a basic good idea. Will definitely stuck with that I think. But I thought the Software was provided with the printer, isn’t it ?

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Hi, to obtain the code for free transport, please e:mail me at info@3Dfutura.be. Thanks, Dirk

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HI,

To your question on software. The printer works with opensource software (Replicator G) and with Simplify3D (payable software). Best Regards, Dirk

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Hi, Thanks for the offer but I’m not in a rush. I will take my time to buy the good one and come back to you if interested in one of your printers. BTW, I can get this Wanhao last version replicator 4s for £699 shipping included so you should maybe revise your offer, just saying.

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Yes but i had issues. I have a mac and there are compitability issues with mac and flashforge software. Simplify3D worked like a charm.

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When I got my FF I used Slic3r and I got good results with some prints, but for prints with large vertical surfaces I couldn’t get it to work properly. Also I got nozzle jams occasionally. In the end I decided to buy Simplify3D and I haven’t regretted a single second. Every print comes out perfect right out of the box. So if you’re looking for a simple, problem-free print experience I can’t recommend Simplify3D enough. After all, a 3D printer is really a pretty simple machine and it’s all about the software. Good software means good results.

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My FF Creator Pro came with a cooling fan so they’ve obviously listened to their users and updated it. Also the FF has the advantage of having a closed printing environment which is something you definitely want if you’re going to print in ABS since ABS will warp if the surrounding temperature varies or is uneven.

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It depends on what you need. For example, If you only need to print PLA, Flashforge’s Finder hk 3d printer - 3d printer hk I Flashforge Finder - FLASHFORGE , which is cheaper than Creator pro, would be also suitable for you.