The FlashForge Adventurer 3

The FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer is an FDM/FFF 3D printer manufactured by FlashForge. The FlashForge Adventure 3 3D Printer is the first series produced by FlashForge among Creator 3, GUIDER IIS, Max 3D printers and Explorer.

Technical Specifications:

• Build Volume: 150mm x 150mm x 150mm
• Build Speed: Maximum 150 mm per second
• Filament Diameter: 1.75   
• Nozzle Diameter: .40mm
• Extruder: Single, removable
• Connectivity: USB, WIFI, ETHERNET, Cloud Printing
• Software: Flash Printing
• Print Bed: Heated, removable
• Leveling: Automatic

Sold at $441, it is regarded as one of the most affordable large format 3D printers in the market.  It is light weight and equipped with a user-friendly system for all users.  It has a Megapixel camera, cloud-based printing abilities and a removable extruder structure.

Features of FlashForge Adventure 3 3D Printer

An enclosed Frame: The FlashForge Adventure 3 3D Printer provides an enclosed frame for users that enable you to take charge of your printing environment effectively.

A Compact design: The FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer is sizable, which makes it fit into a small space.

Easy-to-use slicer: The FlashForge Adventure 3 3D Printer comes with its slicer to provide ease and convenience to users.

Easily Detached and upgraded Nozzle: The FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer comes with an easily detached nozzle which makes it easier to remove for cleaning and repair. It also comes with a nozzle that has a heating wire. This nozzle lets you regulate the temperature of filaments during the printing process.

Filament sensor: The FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer comes with a filament sensor that alerts you when you are running out of filaments so you can add more filaments before they get exhausted. This ensures you are never caught unaware while printing.

2.8-inch Touch Screen: The 2.8-inch touch screen sends alerts and signals during printing process.  It is also quite responsive and easy to navigate through.

Heated and removable bed: The FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer is equipped with a heated and removable bed which makes it easier to remove prints once completed.

Pros of FlashForge Adventure 3 3D Printer

• It is easier to print filaments due to its advanced features.
• FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer can build your files from anywhere you want because you can connect through many ways such as USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Cloud printing.
• The build plate is heated and can be removed easily due to its flexible nature.
• It prints quietly which enables a better printing experience.
• You are always notified whenever you are running out of filaments through it filament sensor feature.
• You can always pick up printing from wherever you stopped in case of power outage or other circumstances through its resume print feature.

Cons of FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer

• The build plate maybe unstable and move around during printing process which may affect quality of prints.
• Large filament rolls cannot be inputted due to the small size of area.
• It might be a bit difficult to understand the manual.

User Stories’

Below are some of the experiences users had while using the FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D Printer:

Phillip Malone on Amazon reviewed that he loves his FlashForge Adventurer 3 3D printer because it prints fast.

‘’I’ve done my first 3 prints and I’m loving this printer. It was tricky to setup the networking and attach the printer to Polar Cloud, but once it was done, it’s really fun to print.

I design the parts online with OnShape, set up the print with FlashPrint, and then watch it run using the internal camera through Polar Cloud. All without leaving my desk.

The first prints have been fast and sharp. I’ve used some pretty expensive uPrint machines and the FlashForge Adventurer 3 is wonderful by comparison’’

Davis on Amazon reviewed that he loves his printer because it prints PLA without complications, has a readable touch screen and set up and running can be done under thirty minutes.

‘’I bought this printer a few weeks ago with very little expectation from it because of its size limitations.

Boy was I surprised. This printer was ready to go straight out of the box. I plugged it in turned it on fed the filament and away it went. I had my first print running under 30 minutes.

The only issue I have with this machine is that it doesn’t hold the standard 1kg spools of filament. They are just a bit too large for the holder area. ( It’s an enclosed assembly. )

It prints PLA and PLA+ without breaking a sweat although I haven’t tried ABS yet.

The touch screen LCD isn’t real big but it’s big enough to read and works very well.

I have only had one failed print and that was operator error.

I would definitely recommend this machine to any beginner that wants to get into 3D printing but doesn’t feel comfortable with coding and modding their own open-air printer’’

Lane on Amazon reviewed that printing with FlashForge Adventurer is quick and perfect.

‘The FlashForge Adventurer 3 shipped on time and was ready to go right out of the box. I was printing very quickly. There could be better instructions for the FlashPrint software but, YouTube is full of helpful videos. The first print, the little test cube printed perfectly. I did notice excessive stringing between objects if there are several objects on the build platform. This could be fixed by FlashForge tweaking the retraction settings in the slicer. I haven’t been able to find a way to change those settings as of yet. i haven’t used any filament except PLA so far. For a ready to go printer, I believe it’s a good buy’’

Verdict

From the reviews, it can be concluded that apart from the inability of the FlashForge Adventure 3 3D Printer to contain large print rolls and its difficulty to comprehend manual, the FlashForge Adventure 3 3D Printer is a great choice for large format printing. It offers high functionality and a great user experience. If you are looking into getting a large format printer that offers high functionality and a great user experience, then FlashForge Adventure 3 3D Printer is a great pick for you.

Original Prusa I3 Mk3s

The Original Prusa i3 MK3S is an improved model of the MK3S produced by Prusa Research Company.  Prusa research constantly improves on their products based on feedback from their community and the Original Prusa i3 MK3S is no exception.

Technical Specifications:

• Build volume: 25 x 21 x 21cm
• Memory: Integrated LCD and SD card reader (8gb SD card included)
• Layer height: 0.5mm (50 micron)
• Nozzle size:0.4mm nozzle
• Software: PEO print platform
• Power: PLA 80W/ABS 120W      
• Bed: Automatic leveling bed.

Upgraded Features of Original Prusa i3 MK3S

Removable Heat Bed:  The original Prusa i3 MK3S has a magnetic heat bed that has a replaceable alloy spring steel sheet with a PEI surface. It consists of two types of sheets, the Smooth Pei sheet which is a default setting and textured powder coated PEI. This makes the heat bed easy to remove once printing is done.

New Filament Sensor: The MK35 filament was selective as it did not work well with some filaments. However, this upgraded model comes with a new filament sensor that uses an optical sensor which is enhanced by a simple mechanical server that accommodates a wide range of filaments.

Power Panic: Original Prusa i3 MK3S helps you to fully recover all your prints whenever there is a power outage. During a power outage, it temporarily shuts down the heat bed and extruder heating and restores their activities immediately the printer is powered on. This ensures that your prints are safe and intact whenever power outage occurs.

Bondtech Extruder: The Original Prusa i3 MK3S has been upgraded with a Bondtech drive gear which holds the filaments at both sides to prevent them from falling and also increase push. This makes the printer more reliable as you can be certain that the prints won’t fall off during printing.

Trinamic 2130 and Noctua Fan: The Trinamic 2130 and Noctua fan ensures that the printer is silent during printing when it is in the stealth mode and normal mode.

Auto bed Leveling: Original Prusa i3 MK3S helps you level your print bed automatically and saves you the stress of having to adjust the bed to the right position whenever you want to print.

Automatic filament loading: The automatic filament loading helps you suck the filament into the machine and saves you the stress of loading.  

The Pros of Original Prusa i3 MK3S

• Offers excellent print quality
• Easy set up
• The Prusa slicer is easy to use
• It provides a straightforward navigation
• It offers convenient options such as the cut option that enables you to cut models in half and ‘Place on Face’ which helps you rotate the model in the right position.

The Cons of Original Prusa i3 MK3S

• It has an open design which makes it a bit unsuitable to use inside the home

Users’ Stories

Below are users’ experiences with Original Prusa

Facunda Molina on Amazon considered Original Prusa i3 MK3S as a good upgrade.

‘I am upgrading an old printer and this is a good upgrade, like to make this similar to an Prusa MKS. Had to make some modifications and everything is great’.

Trung on Amazon reviewed that his Original Prusa i3 Mk3S worked greatly

‘Works great came with extras like u-bolt and some beatings. Used for my mk3 clone worked great! Would buy again for another build’.

Verdict

Original Prusa i3 MK3S is a great choice for you if you are looking for a large format 3D printer you can rely on for good quality prints. Its upgraded features have made it one of the top large format 3D printer as it offers ease, convenience, and quality. It is sturdy and built to last so you can be certain to use it for a long period of time.

Creality Ender 5

The Creality Ender 5 3D printer produces large quality prints for most 3D print hobbyist and for those who like to print at home by themselves.  It has a print area of 220 x 220 x 300 millimeter. It can produce print models that are 8.6-inch-wide, 1.8 inches tall, with a Z depth of 8.6 inches.

General specifications

• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 300 mm
• Min. layer height: 100 microns
• Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
• Nozzle quantity: 1
• Max. nozzle temperature: 260℃
• Hot bed temperature: 135℃
• Recommend print speed: 60mm / s
• Frame: Aluminum
• Bed leveling: Manual
• Connectivity: SD Card
• Filament diameter: 1.75 mm
• Third-party filament: Yes
• Filament materials: PLA, ABS, PETG
• Operating system: Windows, Mac OSX, Linux
• Recommended slicer: Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier-Host
• File types: STL, OBJ, A
• Frame dimensions: 552 x 485 x 510 mm
• Weight: 11.8 kg

Features of Creality Ender 5 3D Printer

• Cube Core XY: Cube Core XY allows you install sidewalls for printing materials like ABS.
• Enclosed Printer: This ensures that you have control over the area you are printing in.
• Print Bed: The print bed movement is on the Z axis (up and down movement) which enhances precision.

Pros of Creality Ender 5 3d Printer

• Great Print Quality: Creality Ender 5 offers a layer transition that enhances a great print quality.
• Easy Set up: The Creality comes with everything you need to set up which makes things easier. Besides, most of the parts of the printer are already fully assembled so it takes less than 40 minutes to do a complete set up.
• Affordable Price: The value of the Creality Ender 5 printer is more than its price. It is one of the cheapest 3D printers you can find with its type of upgraded features.

Cons of Creality Ender 5 3d Printer

• Print volume can be limiting depending on what you want to do.  The Creality Ender 5 is suitable for DIY projects.

User’s Stories

Patricks on Amazon reviewed Creality Ender 5 3D printer as “fun’’

‘It’s been a few weeks and I am hooked now. My family is hooked; co-workers too. The quality I am getting from my prints is amazing and it is a lot of fun. 3D printing is no longer just a curiosity for me. This will probably be a lifelong hobby now thanks to my Ender 5. I highly recommend this printer’’

Johnjoe84 on Amazon considers the build volume of Creality Ender 5 as large.

This is my second Creality machine, I purchased an ender 3 prior through Comgrow. I ordered my Ender 5 through Comgrow because I could tell from my ender 3 that they have great quality control on their parts. I was able to set each machine up quickly and enjoy printing without any real hassle…. The build volume is generous as well, I’ve printed the max height of 300mm no problem.

Verdict

The Creality Ender 5 printer is a great printer for its price. If you are a 3D hobbyist on you are about to embark on DIY projects, you should consider purchasing this printer.  Also, if you are looking to explore a wide range of filaments, you should consider this printer as it has the ability to print different filaments without hitch.

Flyingbear Ghost

Flyingbear ghost has a print size of 230mm along X axis and 230mm along Y axis and 210mm along Z axis. This allows it to produce print models which are about 9 inches wide, 8.25 inches tall and 9 inches of depth.

Technical Specifications

• Print size: 230x230x210mm
• Printer size: 371x357x410mm
• Layer thickness precision: 0.05-0.3
• MAX printing speed: 150 mm/s.
• Material type: PLA, ABS, Wood, HIPS.
• Material specifications: 1.75mm in diameter.
• Positioning accuracy:  Z 0.002mm, XY 0.01mm
• Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
• Recommended extruder temperature: 220 Celsius (the max 260 Celsius).
• Hot bed temperature: 60-120 Celsius
• Extruder number: 1
• Power requirements: 24V, 350W
• Connectivity: WiFi, SD card, USB.
• The file print format: G-Code, Stl, Obj
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac.
• Control software: Repetier-host, Cura

Notable Features of Flyingbear Ghost

• Wide Touchscreen: The LCD display is very responsible and sensitive.  This grants you easy access to input commands and navigate your printing process with ease.
• Glass Print Bed: The glass print bed let you print from a wide range of filaments and enables easy prints removal after printing process.
• Wireless Printing: The Creality Ender 5 is Wi-Fi enabled. Which means you can send print commands to the printer through Wi-Fi.
• Power lost resume: The power lost resume let you take off your printing wherever you stopped. You can put your printing on a hold if you want to do anything else and resume from where you stopped without altering the work you have done.

Cons of Flyingbear Ghost

• It produces high quality detailed prints due to its 0.05 – 0.3mm layer resolution.
• It can print larger models without any difficulty even though large models usually take more time to print. Especially ABS and PLA.
• All the major parts come preassembled so set up is easy. It does not come with a manual but you can always refer to a video instruction that visually showcases a step by step guide of the entire process.
• It has a large print volume that is suitable for home and DIY projects.

Verdict

If you are looking into taking up a larger print production, then this printer is for you. It has a large print volume and has the ability to print different large filaments. It also offers convenience as it is easy to assemble.

Artillary Sidewinder X1

Artillary Sidewinder X1 has a built volume of 300 x 300 x 400 which enables you to print models that are 11.81 inches wide, 15.75 inches tall with 11.81 inches of depth.

General Specifications

• Version: Artillery Sidewinder S1 V4
• Year: 2019
• Assembly: Pre-assembled
• Technology: FDM
• Mechanical arrangement: Cartesian-XY-Head
• Build volume: 11.8 x 11.8 x 15.75 inches (300 x 300 x 400 mm)
• Outer dimensions: 550 x 405 x 640 mm
• Weight: 16.5 kg
• Layer height: 0.05 mm
• Nozzle type: Volcano
• Nozzle size: 0.4 mm
• Extruder type: Direct drive
• Maximum extruder temperature: 240°C
• Maximum heated bed temperature: 80°C
• Bed leveling: Manual
• Print bed: Rapid-heating AC bed
• Print chamber: Open
• Frame: Aluminum
• Display: Touchscreen
• Connectivity: SD, USB cable
• Print recover: Yes
• Built-in camera: No
• Filament sensor: Yes
• Filament diameter: 1.75 mm
• Materials: ABS, HIPS, PLA, flexible PLA, PVA, TPU
• Third-party filaments: Yes
• Operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Recommended slicer: Cura, Simplyfy3D, Slic3r

Features of Artillary Sidewinder X1 3d Printer

Extruder: The sidewinder X1 is equipped with direct drive Titan Aero extruder and a Volcano hot end that helps boost its overall performance.

Aluminum Open Frame: This enhances its durability so it can last longer.

Ribbon Cables: The ribbon cables are in place of untidy wires which gives it a clean and more tidy look.

Responsive Colored Touch Screen: This LCD display let you input instructions in to your printer seamlessly.

Pros of Artillary Sidewinder X1

• Artillary Sidewinder is affordable for its worth at $389
• Amazing Print Quality.
• Easy to assemble to set up: You can set up the Artillary side winder easily, you only have to link the two main assembles and with a few screws, you can install under ten minutes.
• Easy to Understand Manual: The Artillary Sidewinder x1 comes with a manual that is easy to read through which makes set up faster.
• The Artillary Sidewinder X1 offers an extremely quiet sound when in use.
• It prints filament at a relatively faster rate.

Cons of Artillary Sidewinder X1 3d Printer

• The filament older is lesser than Lesser than the ideal one. 
• It does not dissipate heat evenly

Users Review

Amazon customer finds Artillary Sidewinder X1 3D printer

‘This Artillery is so whisper quiet that I literally set it to print a 2hr job, closed my eyes and fell asleep sitting right next to it (It was evening after work). I’m not sure how they made it so quiet but that’s a big thing for me’’

‘’DragonStyne on Amazon reviewed that he has not had any difficulties with his Artillary Sidewinder X1 3D printer

This is a fabulous printer. I haven’t had any issues with it.

The only things I have done with it was to put aluminum tape around the outside edge of the bed on the bottom to dress up the bed. The other was to modify Marlin to allow micro-stepping, which is easy because the manufacture made the firmware open-source.

This printer (Sidewinder X1) heats up incredibly fast. I don’t know what size heating element it has and I have really not timed it. I set it to preheat and within a few minutes it’s already ready to go. I can understand why the bed would heat up so fast (It’s mains voltage, in my case 120VAC) but, the nozzle heats up extremely fast as well. It’s also, very quiet and looks cool when you print in the dark.

I’ve used this printer for a couple of months now and, I’m extremely happy with it’’

Toddl on Amazon reviewed he found set up quick, printing fast and quiet.

‘This is my first 3d printer and was holding out for an affordable printer with a direct drive extruder because I primarily print in TPU.

I was saving for the Prusa mk3s, but the sidewinder showed up, received fantastic reviews and came in at 1/2 the price.

Assembly was simple and quick, it prints very fast, is extremely quiet (it’s in our bedroom and printing all night doesn’t wake us up at all) and very pleased with the quality of the print’’.

Verdict

The Artillary Sidewinder X1 should be your pick if you looking into printing good quality large prints at a low noise rate. Artillary Sidewinder X1 prints at a very quiet rate and produces fine and detailed prints.

Things to Consider When Buying a Large Format 3d Printer

There are certain things you should look out for when buying a large format 3D printer. They include:

Build Volume        

When purchasing a large format 3D printer, one essential thing you must look out for is its volume. Ensure that the printer you are purchasing as enough print volume to print the objects you have in mind.

Self- leveling Bed

When it comes to printing large 3D, you must consider the self-leveling bed. Purchasing a 3D printer without an auto leveling bed would be a lot of hard work and it might also have a negative effect on the outcome of your prints. Therefore, when purchasing a large format 3D printer, ensure that the printer as an auto- leveling bed to get a seamless experience when printing.

Connectivity

A large format 3D printer should come with connectivity options such as wi-fi, USB cable to enable a better printing experience.

Price

Purchasing a large format 3D printer should not equate to breaking your bank, there are many large format 3D printers that are below $500 with a great printing experience such as the ones listed above.

Print Quality, Precision and Accuracy

These three qualities are essential if you want the best from your prints. Ensure that the 3D printer provides a good print quality and high precision and accuracy before making your purchase.

This review has evaluated top five large format printers below $500. Each printer has its unique features that make it stand out from the rest. However, these printers can be counted on to produce great quality large print with minimal challenges based on their unique features and reviews from users, it can be deduced that any of these printers produces quality large prints with minimal challenges.