Really thought the review was just a bit on the pissy side. Here we are in April of 24 and the Orca slicer is now available (2.0) with the wifi fully functional for this printer. Sure the firmware on the printer itself is proprietary (a jail break is available already) as FlashForge tries to keep a handle on the nightmare of broken or bad performing printers due to firmware modifications that do not work and then customers asking for remedies under warranty. I've several years experience with FlashForge and have had no problems with support from the company. I loved my Creator Pro, Finder, and now my Adventurer 5M Pro, which I dare say is the best performing fdm printer on the market at this point.
I almost wonder if their secrecy around the firmware is because they’re using a modified version of klipper that they would have to release as open source if they admitted that their firmware is built on it due to the license that klipper uses. Whether it is or isn’t based on klipper, I would not be willing to buy a printer from any company that won’t at least tell me if the firmware is based on open source or not. While I’m definitely not the target market for FlashForge, and I likely wouldn’t buy a printer from them in the first place (of the 6 or so printers I’ve acquired since ~2019, every one has been fully open source, and either a from scratch build or a complete DIY kit), the lack of transparency here is pretty wild. Bambu, as much as I am not personally a fan of their locked down ecosystem, has been pretty transparent about the fact that they are using their own firmware - but they’ve also been very good about being honest about the fact that their slicer is based on PrusaSlicer. So that’s a huge mark up on Bambu compared to FlashForge. What a shame.
> but they’ve also been very good about being honest about the fact that their slicer is based on PrusaSlicer. They were not at all initially. They actually tried to cover it up, just like Flashforge are doing with their use of Klipper. It was only when people did analysis and discovered that it was mostly PrusaSlicer, and then subsequently called out Bambu on it with irrefutable evidence, that Bambu finally caved, admitted it, and revised their PR strategy to now state that they are openly using their own variant of PrusaSlicer, and made theirs open source as a result.
You seem to be missing something... the last nut to crack in the entire 3D Printing World is the Slicer and Firmware Software. The company, or companies, that owns the IP and patent to them will control the entire 3D Printing Industry. Think of it... The firmware and slicer software has the setting to your particular 3D printer; i.e. completely calibrated, etc. You take a file into the slice and AI takes over. It slices each step PERFECTLY for each layer, regardless of the geometric pattern. Slowing down when it needs to, speeding up when it can, heating and cooling the nozzle as needed, fans actually increasing and decreasing at a logical interval, etc. And, this will definitely be a situation where AI will outshine itself. The result being a perfect print... even by first-time user! Nothing to know, mod, test, research, etc. What we have today for slicer and firmware is already becoming, or become, legacy. So, I have a question for you. Do you really think that someone is going to give away this Mult-Billion-Dollar Technology for free?
@@Damien_Clarke I don't think I'm actually missing any of the points that you made. My comment was not relevant to your comment at all. I was stating that I am irked that they won't even say "yes it's based on Klipper" in which case, they legally need to open source their firmware, or "no, it's not Klipper - it's our own proprietary firmware built from the ground up." - that's all that I'm annoyed about. If they built their own firmware from the ground up, good for them; they have every right to keep the firmware private. I would have no problem with that. I also wouldn't have a problem if they did use Klipper as a base - as long as they then open sourced their own code, per the guidelines of Klipper's license. Again, if they made their own closed source firmware from the ground up (or from open source projects that don't require attribution or publishing of code) then I would have no issue. The problem from my perspective, stems from them being unwilling to say whether or not their firmware is based on Klipper. To me, their reluctance to state what their firmware is based on looks like they did use Klipper as a base, and they are figuring that as long as they don't say anything about it and don't get caught, they can use Klipper to make their lives easier, and keep their own improvements to themselves. That's what I have a problem with. Outside of that, I don't actually agree that an AI empowered slicer will be the be-all and end-all of the other slicers that are currently on the market, but that's would add a considerable length to this already quite long comment.
@@KaminKevCrew Thank you for your response. Please understand that my intent was not to conflict with your statements, merely to include other aspects where many companies are fighting to be on the top-of-the hill. As for Kiipper's open-source, you have me curious on the specifics in the T&C's, I may just have to take a look. In regard to AI, I have already seen what it can do in the hands of the right people. Before retiring, I led a team of data professionals, after taking on AI we did in 6 months what was thought impossible before without it. Taking that project into perspective, having an AI Slicer would merely a natural evolution of the technology. But you're right, that's a long topic for debate, so we shall both have to see where technology goes. Time will tell! In reality, I guess I would love to take on the role to lead such a project. I have seen so, so many changes in technology over the years that I can almost predict where things are going, before they get there. I started computers at a very, very young age back in 1982. I guess I didn't learn computers and tech the regular way, I guess I evolved with it through each of its stages, successes and failures. Thanks again for your response. Cheers!
@@Damien_Clarke You're missing the point, Klipper and its add in products are OPEN SOURCE, the advantage is huge for the endusers where as the closed model is not working for them, I know I'm not interested even with hardware that is better than anyother 600mm/s 3D printer currently on the market at this price point.
So i have this printer, I love it. I believe they havent told you about things as clearly as one would like but it is there. To access the camera you can use flashprint, Flashcloud or even just type the printers ip address followed by :8080 and it takes you to a remote viewing browser. They have updated their firmware to have better file transfer connectivity, I dont see why not telling what the firmware is a problem? Its not aimed at those who want to tinker the printer or upgrade it. So i cant see them wanting to disclose information that may not be able to. I also havent had an issue with the touch screen. Its only taken one touch every time.
@@TheEnd secrets? Its not secrets, its company info they do not wish to provide. Its like someone asking you something about your business that is unique to you, its a 3-d printer not a conspiracy theory
I have one and using it at 2 weeks already and honestly Im super happy with it! print all perfect with great quality from day 0 without tweaks or adjusts! at high speed even better then my other 3d printer creality k1 max!!, the only advantage i have with k1 max is the size. i will buy another second one soon because for the price|speed|quality is amazing deal
Nice review. Regarding the touch screen not being responsive, this is likely due to it being screwed on too tightly. This created pressure, especially around the edges, which affects the ability for the screen to respond to inputs. If you can access the screen's mounting screws and then back them out by perhaps half a turn, try it and see if that improves things there.
I believe I'm experiencing a similar issue with the display, however it appears to be software. After pressing an onscreen icon (while the printer is busy) I experience a lag or at times the display seems unresponsive. While the printer is idle, I experience no such issues.
I use a tiny little stylus from an old pda (personal digital assistant) that just works wonderfully - the lightest little touch is all it takes and it instantly responds. Printed a little holder for it which I mounted just above the touch screen.
I have 2 flashforge adventurer 4, one recived an autoupdate in july and bricked it (3 weeks outside the warranty) and they don't want to know about it. They even admitted not to use this after the fact and it took them weeks to send out an update on it. Was basically told that it wasn't their problem after communication with them for months and told to buy a new motherboard. The machine worked ok out of the box but constant issues with the extruders (Along with them being constantly out of stock in australia) along with some other dodgy practices (Paid full price for flashforge filament but got sent their discount voxelab version) means I can't recommend this company. Looks more of the same here, good on the surface and to start with but give it time and the all the issues overall come to the surface. Same business, same results and strategy meaning the consumer loses. Cheers for the review.
Sadly the Adventurers 3 and 4 are problematic machines - I owned a Adv 3 which had extruder problems. Loved my Creator Pro, Finder, Dreamer, and now my Adventurer 5M Pro however. If the power glitched during the update I can't see that FlashForge is responsible for bricking your machine - was just bad luck. If it was the fault of the update firmware then every machine that loaded it would have been bricked...
@@cazznazz8016 They sent a new motherboard and once I received this I sold both and replaced with a single Bambu lab p1s. Has been smooth sailing since, great machines so every cloud has a silver lining
You summed this up great! I was gifted an adventurer 3 pro, had to bring it back to life. Works great, but flashprint does not work on updated IOS a month later, WiFi printing does not work, and support has been lacking. RU-vid videos from FF were not helpful.
I recently got that same burnt titanium filament and it's freaking gorgeous. A little spendy but got it on sale at a good price. The black and blue makes it perfect to use for a case for a Sega controller shaped retro handheld that looks like a Genesis which I'll do once my Magneto X gets here bc that thing is 20+ hours on my current slow bed slinger. 🤣
I was just about to buy this printer on Amazon and I decided to look at the reviews came across your review and thank God I did not knowing what the firmware is makes this a deal breaker for me
if you use 55c temp on your bed you should never need to use glue i have a x1c and the smooth plate dose not stick at the default 35c and they tell you to use glue but if you raise your temps to 55c you should not have an issue
Recent indications are that the wifi does work with the OrcaSlicer Dev 2.0 version. I saw it in a video. I downloaded, and installed the new version, but I've been too busy printing the enclosure parts for the Adventurer 5M (non pro version) and have not yet actually succeeded with the wifi. However it looks promising.
I'm considering pulling the trigger on this (to replace my abysmally frustrating Anycubic Kobra) and I'd love to see a follow up revisit to this printer. From what I've been able to gather, it appears that some of your software complaints and limitations have been addressed. Curious if this bumps up your opinion, as this does seem to be a capable machine from all of the reviews I've seen.
You're so spot on. I almost was excited about it. Until the secrecy BS. Some people don't care, but for those who do, it's definitely a no go. It's incredible how how they can ruin a printer with otherwise great potential. I feel like an analogy is in good order for this one. Buy this super sports car, with innovative engineering designs. Maybe not a Bugatti Veyron, but you can actually afford it and it will be competeive against some of high end sports car. Customer be lile: Wow, that looks awesome. The car looks amazing and performs great. And I can actually afford it. Can't believe it. Great speed and acceleration. Before we close, can you answer me one thing: What engine does it run on? - That's a secret. - WTF? - Can you at least tell me if it has Ferrari engine or not? - No. OK thanks, bye.
I’ve seen a lot of reviews on this printer, and after seeing all the reviewers do things incorrectly, such as complain about the filament roller on the backside of the printer, instead of simply switching it to the side with widely available or easily makeable printed parts, and complaining about the lack of Wi-Fi on orca when it is indeed actually available and the software is already jailbroken. I decided to go ahead and buy one of these printers. And as for the glue problem, only Two can print PLA on a cold because impressive texture build plate. All other printers should be 60° for using PLA. Anybody using colder than that better have some special situation and better not complain when it doesn’t stick. And the fans were probably drying out the glue, so you have the fans for at least two or three layers amateur shouldn’t give printer reviews and complain about things that aren’t real problems.
I know right!! Completely agree.. it’s almost as if the solutions to the problems you listed weren’t available at the time of review which was pre-release. How can all of these stupid RU-vidrs not predict the future… it makes them so incorrect
I must thank you for encouraging me to actually buy this printer, which will be a delight. I got an adventure 3C for 50 bucks because it was “broken”. All it needed was a power cord and a new nozzle lol. At this point, I expect a 3-D printer reviewer to know that he can simply relocate a spool of of filament. No psychic powers required. And to know that 60° is the documented standard for PLA so complaining about glue is pretty unacceptable. Again without psychic powers required. Within three weeks the community developed orca 2.0 to solve the Wi-Fi issue. And if the Wi-Fi is such a big issue, then just use the flash forge that already allows the Wi-Fi lol. no psychic powers required. The jailbreak isn’t even necessary. My only gripe with this printer that wasn’t covered is that you cannot adjust the speed while it’s printing on the adventure three. I hope you can on the adventure five
@@FauxHammer Incorrect???? this has been the case for 12 MFing years 60 for PLA or you hyper glue that shit down. I came specifically looking for the bad for this printer and you complained about shit that existed since the dawn of time the X1C sure as hell doesnt tell you any of this info much less the k1. This is petty and beyond ignorant.
@@snintendog What are you even talking about? You suggesting he set the bed temperature to the wrong value, where does he say he set it to something else than 60? What he said was right, how would he know the things he complained about would be fixed in the future? This review is 7 months old, no wonder the things he complained about are fixed 6 months later.
Got the cheaper Flashforge Adventurer 5M variant. I got it because I wanted more time printing than fixing or fine tuning the printer itself, to which it perfectly delivers. Bed adhesion hasn't been an issue for me coz I use a bit more bed temperature and add brims to my prints. The quality and speed is fantastic imo. This machine runs a modified/locked down version of Klipper and if it was open source then it would have been great. Hope they go the Creality K1 route in future. The only problem for me is the inability to send print via wifi or lan using Orca slicer. If you want a no frills 3D printer or its your first 3D printer like me, you can get it or if you want to tinker a lot then maybe wait till they open source it or get another machine.
From what I’ve seen the reason why the Flashforge glue wasn’t helping with bed adhesive is because the fans dry out the glue if you do a bed level before the print (my prints have failed every time I don’t do this) so yeah
If it’s in the plan to have in Orca Slicer connectivity it’s Klipper. So they are definitely breaking the open source agreement by using it and not releasing the source code.
There's no direct correlation between klipper and usage of OctoPrint remote API which is implemented in Moonraker and, surprise, Octoprint. And well, orca supports RRF and marlin remote API as well
@@SquaidsGaming You can use Klipper without Fluidd or Mainsail. They are probably trying to spin up their own version and spent all their dev time on their version of KlipperScreen.
To be fair, I'd rather have "we are working on it" than looking forward to a date that gets postponed or even worse a rushed buggy mess because they felt like having to publish at a promised date.
These are the exact reasons I stopped using flashforge. They don't care about their users. There slicer is rubbish. You said it straight away. Prints don't stick to their beds unless you use glue stick and sorry but I am against glue stick. It's an unnecessary mess. There is no support to speak of either. You have to rely on the ever so lovely forums, youtube and Facebook groups.
Modern firmware is non-trivial to produce; it's much easier to use some existing open source code and alter it for your printer, and this is what I suspect has happened here. If that's the case then what Flashforge are doing is freeloading off an O/S project (probably Klipper) whilst stiffing the end user who is entitled to see the source code. They then compound this by locking everything down and preventing the community from fixing the (apparently numerous) software issues, and making the printer much more capable. And incidentally is one reason why people are so interested in what it runs. Sadly having done business with Chinese firms I can say this is pretty typical behavior and a major and compelling reason *not* to buy anything from this manufacturer. At least Creality (amongst others) has unlocked the firmware on the K1 and even Bambu Labs has openly admitted to using their own propriety code, even if this is severely limiting on what the end user can do. And one other thing, a resistive display on a new product in 2023 is borderline astonishing. If the firmware was open source then at least this could probably be replaced or at least augmented with a phone app. Thanks for the good review though.
Well, I am very very sceptical about such reviews. The missed point here is: start f@cking printing ASAP. That is it. Solid tech, easy to use, no need to dive 10 years back to understand all the nuances of 3d printing art. If yo are not a printer nerd like the author of this video who could also benefit from nail fungus treatment, this printer is definitely worth your money. I use it all the time and I love it. It is super easy to switch between filament profiles, no manual setup on the printer itself needed. Love, love, love. Let the snobs use their custom made 3d machines that do not work properly anyway and go with a bulletproof tech like 5m pro. Cheers!
I was into this comment until you decided to be a c*nt. I smashed my thumbs in a vice when I was a kid and now the nail bed is damaged beyond repair. Are you perfect? Are you physically flawless? no? then fuck off.
Worth noting too you can’t run a marlin calibration on any of their older machines despite them having K-factor in the slicer The firmware was the nail in the coffin for me, why bother with their painful slicer and restrictive firmware when competitors do better at a similar price I’d prefer not to find out after buying it that I can’t run most calibrations other brands use without a headache and a half The moderators of their support group are always constantly bashing any competition which is really unprofessional IMO, the bias is clear and just makes me want to not bother with them
Might be nice, but smaller than helmet class automatically disqualifies it for me. Still, good to see that other manufacturers are trying to catch up to BambuLab.
great review, this is what we want... objective, no-nonsense review. We are entering an era where, with easy access to capital and proliferation of open source hard work as quite acceptable products, some groups of people and certain countries are taking advantage of this to produce products and release them to market with half-baked, or sometimes disconnected user experience -- hoping to hush reviewers on platforms like youtubers and tiktok in order not to expose these obvious stuff that lead to wasted consumer spending. We need some reputable folks to stand tall and real, and so thanks for being just that kind of reviwer.
I had 2 Flashforge printers so far and only excuse I had for myself is that im stupid enough to do the same mistake twice. Firmware is "not the best", hardware is mediocre and extruder is worst of the worst. I dont have any experiences with the new hotend but as the client support was before I dont even want this crap for free.
I had to adjust my z offset in the start gcode. And it's klipper in the Orca profile. They have made a great machine but they have botched the software badly. You can't adjust z offset in the printer, you cant slow the print speed, and other things. But it's a BEAST in the hardware.
Thanks for the good informative video. I have a loyal good Prusa-mini, and considering to have a 2nd one, such as Prusa MK4 or Bambu. At first, I liked what you presented about Flashforge, yet some features were NO-GO: 1) Is the glue really needed? I print PLA only. I hate the idea of glue. 2) No remote control? Stopping bad prints? . You didn't discuss the support. Prusa has 24/7 chat support. DO they?
I find it ridiculous that my first printer 7 years ago was a Flashforge, which I got rid off because of the issues it had, and watching it now, this printer has literally a carbon copy of the issues my other Flashforge had... I promised myself not to buy FF printers and I see nothing changed. And FF was always very hush-hush with their stuff.
@@ShayyanAli Let me put it like that: Worst printers I ever had were Creality Ender printers and they still worked better than Flashforge, And the issues described in this video, are still the same issues that I had with Flashforge some 7 years back. So that tells you all you need to know about their printers and their process.
Flashforge being secretive is hilariously stupid and ignorant of the consumer market. They may be able to sell to schools or libraries, but this will drive away hobbyists.
Been into 3d printing for 9 years. I've never had the need to use glue stick or hair spray. Its odd to me that in 2024 they recommend to use a gluestick.
I’ve been playing with the idea of getting one of these printers and this review definitely helped answer some questions I had with it and with flash forge as a brand. My only real concern now with it is the support or lack thereof for the printer as firmware releases come out that could brick the printer.
Thank you So much for your Honest review and helping me shy away from getting one of these as of yet... Very disappointed about the Software experience and crappy camera which are Both Very important to me and don't come close to the experience I'm looking for in core XY printer... I like the Bamboo on paper etc, but the Poop waist when doing color prints etc is a Major turn off. 😁👍🏼
I havent had the chance to check out this printer, but I like the looks of it. I dont like the company attitude behind it. As a consumer I understand and expect nothing to be perfect. Own your mistakes and embarrassing aspects and tell me what I want to know. If you beat around the bush it can make things bad when before it was merely a curiosity. And then especially when you tell me not to share something it that's absurd.
So the question is being that i'm considering this printer. If i don't care about the wifi functionality and i do not plan on connecting it to any network, will the thing just work? I have experience with other 3d printers ( i have 3 others, one that i've heavily modified with a custom board and custom firmware). I plan on printing mostly pla, some abs, petg, and possibly a little tpu. Or should i be aiming for a creality k1 or k1 max and throw in one of micro swiss's new custom hotends for it?
yeah, it works pretty well, I was so bback and forth on this review becasue I was honestly, Ohh I like it, oooh that's a pain, oh but this is goo. but that's annoying. butt yes it works.
That’s crazy I’ve printed hundreds of things on bambu p1s and haven’t had to use the display once because the software and cloud integration is so good. I can’t imagine having to use a flash drive again and deal with that unresponsive touch screen 💀
Hey Ross Great Video, Never used a FlashForge. Just reviewed the JG Maker R1 on my channel and its a great little starter printer. Ive got my K1 Max coming Saturday .
@@FauxHammer They just released Klipper firmware for the 5M Pro so it should be more worth it going forward at least! It's a lot of hardware for the money.
Bowden feed gets a bad rap but I can't help but feel like these rear feed machines are a great use case. Bowden feed + auto load sensor would make things so much nicer. Even if they added a tiny pancake stepper and cam just to load to the print head ala an MMU device would be nice.
@@FactionalSky Correct, they are direct drive. I was meaning that the machines like this that insist on putting the spool on the back of the machine would be a bit easier to load if they were a bowden set up instead of direct drive. Especially if you added an auto load feature.
Bambu Lab. Bambu Lab or Bambu Lab. Size wise, it;s smaller than the Kobra for sure, but you'll have such a different user expoerience you'll laugh at the Kobra
@@FauxHammer thanks, I like the AMS with it, now to go P1S or X1C… doubt I’ll need the LiDAR sensor, don’t think the X1 is worth double the price of the P1S tbh
I have an Adventurer 3 Pro, and it works well, but yes I wouldn't get another Flash Forge in the future. Bed adherence must be an issue on all these printers, as mine takes a good amount of glue, and rafts on everything I print (Glass bed). The software is limited, and the printer is slow, but it does produce good results. Their products are probably aimed at newbie's, like I was when I bought mine.
I gave up on 3d printing about 3 years ago. Recently got the regular adventurer 5m and its amazing! Like absolutely amazing. Amazingly quick. Bed has had no adhesion issues (though i heat it to 55 for pla) and the qulity of prints is very impressive. The interchangable nozzle was the deciding factor. At £350 from amazon its a no brainerz I’m not aomeone who cares about the firmare/wifi/ stuff. I just always wanted a printer that printed out of the box and the 5m does just that.
something. is wired, first few prints without any glues work fine. but after just fail fail fail, even you use their own glue I have to factory reset and do the calibrating again. it worked for few prints again, then something happened again.
6:15 Bambu lab does this, not dynamically (it doesn't turn on ventilation depending on real temperature reading), but I don't think this does that either.
Not telling users what firmware the printer is using and the WiFi not working and stonewalling you means I will not consider FlashForge for any purchase. And I am actively looking for a new printer.
@@FauxHammer I'm not a "big" tinkerer but I did jail break my FLSun v400 and have modded my Ender 5 Pro (2019) pretty extensively. :) It is FlashForge's response to you. If they treat you in this way as a reviewer how are they going to treat me as a customer. However, I am considering a Bambu P1S but I liked the chamber cooling for PLA and PETG which Bambu does not have. :o
I don't care if the machine functioned out of the box and looks reasonably well designed and manufactured... If they're cagey it's a solid NO from me. As soon as something goes wrong you can kiss your time and money goodbye. At least dodgy budget Chinese companies are generally open about what their products are.