Flashforge printers come with their own built-in firmware called Flashprint. You can use it to create new projects or import existing projects from a regular flash drive.
The software is pretty easy to use and most functions have their own icons that allow you to cut, move, modify and rotate your prints as you want.
Let’s take a deeper look into Flashforge printers to understand how you can use them for projects to make prints.
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Flashforge Overview
Flashforge was one of the first companies that started marketing professional 3D printing equipment and materials. The company is based in LA and most of their printers are manufactured by Zhejiang Flashforge3D Technology Co., based in China.
The company specializes in manufacturing business machines for research, development, and prototyping.
In the last ten years, the company has dominated the local 3D printing industry in China. According to 3D Hubs, Flashforge currently ranks as the third-largest global producer of consumer-grade 3D printers in the world. The company was awarded the prestigious title of “Famous Brand in Zhejiang Province” in 2017 for its accomplishments in the field of 3D printing.
Flashforge Products
Flashforge currently makes 10 different product categories for the 3D printing industry. These include 3D printers, 3D printing filaments, 3D design software, and other 3D related products and services.
They produce equipment in three categories namely: industry level, commercial level, and civil level. They serve a diverse portfolio of customers from public universities and research centers to private corporations and individual hobbyists. Their wide variety of equipment meets the needs of all their consumers.
The distinct feature of Flashforge 3D printers is that their prints are almost always produced in an enclosed space. Their printers look similar to a microwave oven or aquarium. Their desktop-sized 3D printers are about the same size as a regular A4 printer.
The printers are built with this structure to make them easy to place on a desk.
Currently, their products are sold in more than 100 countries through 600+ brand dealers. Their printers are generally used by individuals, families, jewelry stores, education institutes, medical, advertising, and in various other industries.
Here’s their Adventurer Option
And a product review here:
Here’s their Creator Max Dual Extruder option:
and a product review video:
Flashprint – The Brain behind the Prints
Flashprint is the software that can be installed on Flashforge printers to work on projects. The software can only be described as an easy to use program for beginners as well as experienced users.
The controls and menus match the option that you find in other printers. They are laid out to be easily recognizable. There are buttons on the left-hand side of the interface, providing quick access to repositioning, rotating, cutting, and scaling.
Inputting Projects
Currently, there are three ways to put a 3D project on Flashforge. You can start new projects and design them from scratch on the printer. This option will suit experienced users that regularly design new and simple prints to test their ideas.
You can use free CAD (computer-aided design) software such as 3DTADA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Pro-E to design your prints. Flashforge also offers its own design software ‘Happy 3D’ to help you design your own 3D model.
Another method for making a 3D project is to scan an object and then input it into the printer. There are a variety of 3D scanners available in the market. Many of these scanners are based on laser or image capture technology that works by digitizing a physical object, collecting its geometric data, and saving it to a file on your computer.
There are also mobile apps in the market that can turn your normal mobile devices into a 3D scanner. Simply take a picture of the object and turn it into a 3D image with the app.
Lastly, you can also input models on your Flashforge printer directly from the Cloud. This is the most popular way of getting 3D models for your projects.
There are thousands of prints available online from paid libraries that you can add to your Flashforge printer. As time goes on, more 3D prints are getting developed and being uploaded by designers that are readily available for printing.
Working with the Software
Your Flashforge printer will be shipped with the installation program on a USB stick with the toolkit. Just connect it to the USB port and the installation program should start on its own.
If you don’t have the setup program you can also download it online from http://www.flashforge.com
If the installation file is in the zip format, you will need to decompress it. Once it has been unpacked, start the installation program and then let the software install according to the direction.
After the program has been installed, start the software with the start menu shortcut or by clicking the software icon on the desktop.
You will need to set up the program for your printer when you run it for the first time. After the program starts, a dialog box will pop up. If you are not sure which option to pick, just select FlashForge Finder in the machine type list and click [OK]. You can change the machine type later by clicking [Print]–[Machine type]
Loading Models on Flashprint
You can load a model file or Gcode file from your saved projects into Flashprint software in six ways.
- Method 1: On the main interface, click the [Load] button. From the popup menu, find and select the object file and load it.
- Method 2: From an open folder, select the file you want to load and drag it to the main interface of the software.
- Method 3: Click [File] from the drop-down menu, then [Load File]. Then select the object file you want to load.
- Method 4: If you want to load an example file, click [File]–[Examples] to load one of the example files
- Method 5: If you recently worked on the project you can click [File]–[Recent Files] to load the file.
- Method 6: Select and drag the target file to the icon of FlashPrint. This will open up the software with the desired project file open.
Once the print has been loaded and positioned, the user will be directed to support options.
Support Structures
Support structures are used to ensure the printability of a part during the 3D printing process. They help prevent part deformation by securing a part to the printing bed. Supports ensure that component parts will be attached to the main body of the printed part.
Think of them as scaffolding that is used to mould and support liquids as they set. Supports help fine-tune the printing process and they can be removed later.
Support can be added in a linear or treelike shape. To add supports to your project, click on the [Support Option] and then select the [Add] button.
If you want to place it manually, move the cursor to the position where you need to add support. Left-click to choose the starting point of supports, and drag the mouse to the endpoint while keeping the button presses. This will give you a preview of the support.
If you are short on time or don’t know how to add supports, you can also generate support placements by clicking the “Auto Supports” button.
Additional Options for Project Printing
Next, in basic print settings, a dialog box will pop up so that you can select the type of material to use. You can also select whether you want to use a raft. The raft helps the project stick to the bed.
You will also get the wall function that helps clear the leaking filament of another extruder. You can also choose whether you need to expand the outline of the model’s bottom layers to a Brim which helps anchor the edges of the model to the plate to avoid warping.
You will need to choose a resolution for the print. Most Flashforge printers offer three resolution options,
- High resolution is best for slow printing speed
- Low resolution is great for quicker printing but the finishing is not as smooth
- “Hyper” option is useful when you are printing with polylactic acid (PLA)
Final Thoughts
Flashforge offers an ideal 3D printing program that is easy to get into and provides plenty of customization for users. Its basic and expert modes are well organized. Despite a large number of settings, it is easy to find and select the settings you need, thanks to its iconic buttons. You can find plenty of models online and load these projects on Flashprint to build whatever you need.
Some customers have complained that Flashforge does not give the best prints for circular objects. This can be remedied by adjusting the supports and printing material. However, if you can look past the lack of smoothness for rounded surfaces, the Flashforge printers are reliable 3D printers.
If you have more questions or want to add something let us know!
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Best Glow in the Dark Filament for 3D Printing
Best 3D Printer Controllers Reviewed
Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers Reviewed
We have lots of other 3D printing articles as well! Thank you for reading, we hope this has been helpful!