Review on 🖨️ Flashforge Semi-Enclosed Removable Platform for Educational Use by Jay Matlock

, I've been using the default Flashforge finder for a few years, so I was curious how the new "Lite" version is. So far I only see 3 differences: 1) Color options (I like the blue color much more than the original red). 2) SD card only - no printing via flash drive, USB cable or Wi-Fi. It doesn't bother me at all as I never used Wi-Fi or a USB cable with the original Finder and an SD card is just as easy as a flash drive. 3) No internal memory - this is not so important. , but I was a little upset when I discovered this. The original Finder had built-in internal storage, so you could remove the flash drive while printing and it would still print from internal storage. I tried the same thing on a Finder Lite with an SD card and it caused the print to abort, so the SD card should be there all the time. I'm giving five stars because of the great value at a very low price (as far as 3D printers go). That being said, there are a few tweaks that I think would make it the best entry-level printer money can buy. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons: PROS: Quiet - This is a very quiet printer. I usually type several hours a day and it doesn't bother me at all. The noisiest part is the fan, but I wouldn't even call that part "noisy". . However, during those two weeks, I typed almost non-stop to test the machine. It has worked very well so far, with great print quality after a small adjustment of the Flashprint slicer settings (which is the software that comes with the printer to load your 3D files). although I could be wrong in judging this as I have been teaching with the seekers for several years. The price – again only $280 in my experience – is a very good price for a 3D printer of this quality. Flashprint - The software that comes with the printer is very beginner-friendly, but there is an option to turn it into expert mode if you're like me and want to play around with all sorts of settings. CONS: Leveling Process – The bed leveling process uses the printer's speakers to emit a sound when you've raised the corner to the desired height. That tone was surprisingly loud - to the point where it was a little painful, since your head has to be close to the bed to see how much more you have to tighten or loosen the buttons. I think a software patch could fix this volume issue. I also think a visual option for the hard of hearing would be great and probably more effective overall. Standard Temperature - Flashprint has a standard printing temperature of 225 degrees Celsius. It's too hot for standard 1.75mm PLA, so many of the prints I made from the box were fibrous. I set the temperature in Flashprint to 195 degrees and now the prints are PERFECT. Not a big deal, just a small adjustment to make. Patented thread. The filament cartridge does not fit most filament spools because it is too small. If you buy filament from Flashforge this is not a problem, but if like me you want to use filament from many different companies you need to print a simple application that sits on the back of the printer and can hold any filament. Another quick fix and a good subject for a first print! You can find many of these on Thingiverse :) Overall 5 stars. This is a printer that looks good, works well, and makes 3D printing easy for beginners—for only $280. I will do a full review to post on my YouTube channel and if I find anything important I will update this review.