Review on Flashforge Semi-Enclosed Removable Platform Education 3D Printing Solutions by Runbi Alvarez

I've been using the standard 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 on a Finder Lite with an SD card and it broke the print so the SD card should always be there. 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.