Flashforge Finder 3D Printer

Great first time home printer – I've had the opportunity to use much more expensive 3D printers at my workplace but this was my first foray into a personal purchase. I was looking for something fairly simple and reliable and as a potential hobbyist user, did not want to pay a lot for something that might sit around unused for much of the time. When the Flashforge Finder came up on special, I felt this was an idea time to jump on in.

Out of the box

The printer is essentially a bright red 420mm cube and comes well packed with recyclable cardboard packaging. Moveable parts are taped down ...similar to what you get with a new “paper” printer. These need to be removed with the only area to be careful with is where the ribbon cable attaches to the extruder head. There are also a couple of zip ties to remove. The supplied instruction manual has some screen shots to assist with the setup although there are a number of YouTube videos which do a better job of explaining how to do this. The sides are open but this is not really a problem as the platform is not heated. It does, however, mean you are limited to use of PLA filament and cannot use ABS. This wasn't a problem for me as the PLA is quite strong...particularly if just using it for modelling etc and not needing super high strengths. Whilst I used both types of filaments at work, I've since found out the ABS filament can give off toxic fumes during use. This is something I don't want seeping around the house. On the other hand, the PLA is biodegradable and made from a derivative of corn starch. Perfect!

Use

After turning the unit on, a brief electronic jingle plays and you receive a menu on the small touchscreen which forms the basis for all command inputs. Before use (and I would recommend before doing any print job), it is vital the platform be levelled and adjusted in relation to the extruder nozzle. This involves accessing the maintenance menu on the touch screen. You are then led through a process of adjusting three nuts under the platform (in a triangular pattern). I would recommend doing this twice (at least the first time the printer is used) as the process is critical to a successful print.

To try it out, I downloaded some .stl files from the internet with some fairly simplistic designs to make. I have seen many mentions online where it is said a USB thumbstick is supplied containing some samples plus the modelling software. I did not receive this nor did I see any mention in the manual or on the box as to its inclusion. Probably a cost cutting measure as the modelling software is easily downloaded off the Flashforge web site. After playing with the computer software to scale, position and add a raft/supports the model can be transferred to the printer by cable, WiFi or USB stick. I was already familiar with the software from work use but if you are new to it you will need to research the instructions is its use is not intuitive. I prefer the USB method and once transferred, the model design is then stored in the 3D printers memory if you need to reprint at a later date. There is also a small image shown on the screen in the event the filename is not descriptive enough to remind you what it is.

The printer is able to print models up to 140mm cubed. I haven't taken it to those limits yet but have printed a “Robbie-the-Robot” which stands around 132mm high. The quality of the finish seems slightly better than that of the work printers which cost around three times the price of the Flashforge Finder. Printing the robot took just over four hours so if you are unfamiliar with using a 3D printer, be aware that printing is not a fast thing on these. It really is a case of walk off and leave it to do its own thing.

Printing issues

One problem I have encountered is the model detaching from the platform while it is still being made. This is a common issue with all 3D printers and it is a combination of good platform surfaces and levelling along with getting extruder and platform temperatures correct. As this unit does not have a heated platform, you need to take particular care with the preparation to ensure neither the model or platform surface is damaged due to the model breaking loose or, conversely, attaching too firmly (unlikely on a non heated platform). To this end, Flashforge includes a glue stick in the box to rub across the surface to improve adhesion. I didn't find this to work well ...particularly with objects that are tall and have a small footprint such as Robbie-the-Robot. My first effort got through almost four hours (with only a small section of his head to complete) before he detached. Once detached, it is impossible to reattach and continue. You must start over.

A solution was found online where others have laid down strips of blue painters tape. This seems to form a better surface to stick to. Also, in extreme cases, I have paused the printing process after it has laid down a raft (rectangular section of print which creates a larger footprint for improved adhesiveness) and then literally taped this down onto the platform.

The unit is relatively quiet when operating and is lit to show the model. Looks great in a darkened room. Cleanup is simple with just removal of any stray filament from the platform surface, around the extruder and any filament that made its way into the base area of the printer.

Summary

As my first home based 3D printer I have no regrets with my purchase. The unit was relatively cheap, stands out (mostly due to its bright red colouring) and produces models that meet my expectations in surface finish and detail. I've only been using it for a couple of months but thus far, the unit has proven reliable and works somewhat better than what you would expect for a printer in the budget range. 3D printing is still somewhat of the “black arts” but I would definitely recommend this printer to anyone wanting to give it a try. It's simplicity of use would also make it suitable for use by children around 12+. The lack of heated platform and toxic ABS filament would certainly make it a safe unit for them to dabble with.