Review on 🚀 Revolutionize your 3D Printing Experience with the Flashforge Adventurer 3 by Andrew Agarwal

THIS PRINTER IS DELIVERED! - I unpacked/installed and started printing my first item within 10 minutes. I've been in the 3D printing industry for about ten years now. My main workhorses are the Makerbot Replicator 5th Edition and SnapMaker 2, which I still love for a number of reasons. But since this review is dedicated to FlashForge Adventurer3, let's talk about it. My wife and mother-in-law own a very successful cookie business that needs specially designed cookie cutters at a rate of 3-4 a week (slow week). I was able to make these for my wife using Makerbot, but since my mother-in-law lives on the other side of the world, she had to pay someone to design/print her cutters for her ($5-$10 per cutter). I was looking for a cheap 3D printer that she could use. My goal was under $300, easy to use, macOS compatible. I was also hoping for Wi-Fi connectivity and bed heating, but that wasn't a requirement. I bought FinderLite and Adventurer3 for first comparisons (but also tested DreamerNZ and many other manufacturers). After the initial setup and testing, I suggested FinderLite. vs my mother-in-law's Adventurer3 based on the price and the features she wants. To ensure success, I've created an unboxing video and even a how-to video explaining the key features of FlashPrint. and now I create STL for her cutting plotters and email them to her. Here are the details1. Setup: Very quick and easy, just follow the instructions. Leveling the bed is almost too easy. Not sure what it actually does, but I've had no issues with the bed not being level yet. 2. FlashPrint Software: This is the only thing I don't like about this printer. Flashprint keeps crashing on my 13" MacBook Pro (16GB RAM) with OS 10.15. My wife's old 12" Macbook hasn't had any issues so I don't know if it's an OS issue or some other issue Anyway, I prefer 3D Simplification over Flash as it gives me more control over all options, so I just use Simplify3D to generate the .gcode file (**more on that in a moment)3.Filament Storage: I like the filament storage on the side of the printer. Makerbot does that too and is a big help in keeping the workspace clean.The downside is that the storage only fits 500g filament spools, meaning you are limited in your filament purchases There is an alternative though, I printed a filament winder that attaches to my drill and I wind the filament from big 1kg spools to smaller spools so I can buy any brand/color I want den included: Compared to the FinderLite, you actually get a spool of thread, which is nice for at least getting the right spool (see comment #3). Noise: The machine is almost silent. My Makerbot is very noisy. I thought all 3D printers were like this, but not this one. You don't even know it's working unless you're sitting right next to it.6. Attachment to the bed: no complaints here. I use the included glue stick to cover the bed in a thin layer and the models stick to it easily and come off instantly. This is especially important as I don't print rafts.7. Network: I really don't like the Wi-Fi interface. it reeks of an old-school DOS printer connection where you need the IP address of the printer and have to reconnect every time you want to print. It's 2020, all printers should be "discoverable" and only print from the normal print dialog. It works and hasn't given me any problems, but oh well. You can do better!.8. File format: I HATE PROFESSIONAL MATERIALS (I know Makerbot is proprietary too). Flashforge prefers the .gx file, which is a .g file with a thumbnail of the printed item added, giving you a small image on the screen. This printer (Adventurer3) doesn't like .gcode (although Finder/FinderLite had no problem with it). So if you use simple3D (or Cura or any other slicer) you need to change your output settings to create a .g file in addition to the .gcode file and it will work. Simplify3D can also create a .3gx file, which should be compatible with Flashforge, but it didn't work at all on all Flashforge printers I tested. **Note that this is not the same in Finder/FinderLite (see my review on this).9. Media: The USB port is easily accessible and works perfectly. I prefer this USB connection over SD, so I don't need an SD card reader. The only downside for me is that it's an old-style USB-C vise, so I need an adapter to connect it to my MacbookPro (or get cool flash drives that support both USB formats on have the same device). 10. Food Safe: Speaking of using it to make cookie cutters, it's important to note that PLA is not FDA approved for food use. There are a number of reasons why most cookie makers deny using cling film or sterilization. With this printer you can print food grade PETG. If that's important to you, then Adventurer3Lite ($369), Adventurer3 ($449), or DreamerNZ ($449) are your next best choices. 1st Choice. If you need a heated bed and enclosed workspace, the Adventurer3Lite is the next step, and if you need Wi-Fi/USB, go for the Adventurer3/Dreamer.