FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer High Speed Max 600mm/s with Auto Leveling, 3-Second Nozzle Change, 220×220×220mm Printing, 280°C Direct Drive for Kids/Beginners/Home

I've been in the 3D printing business for about a decade now. My primary workhorses are a makerbot Replicator 5th edition and SnapMaker 2, which I still love for a number of reasons.. but since this review is about the FlashForge FinderLite- let's talk about that. My wife and mother-in-law both run very successful cookie businesses that require custom designed cookie cutters at a rate of 3-4 per week (on a slow week). I have been able to crank those out for my wife with the makerbot, but since my mother-in-law lives on the other side of the world she was having to pay someone to design/print her cutters for her (at a price of $5-$10 per cutter). I set out on a quest to find a cheap 3D printer that she could use. My goal was <$300, simple to use, MacOS compatible. I was hoping for Wifi connection and heated bed as well, but those were not requirements.After my initial setup and testing I suggested it to my mother-in-law.. and she's a cookie cutter making fool now. In order to ensure her success I made an un-boxing video and even a "how-to" video explaining the important features of FlashPrint.. and now I create the STL for her cutters, and email them directly to her.Here's the details1. Setup: Very quick and easy, just follow the prompts. Bed leveling is an annoying process with the most obnoxious beep that is not clear how to silence- but once you complete the steps it's good to go.2. FlashPrint software: This is the only thing I don't like about this printer. On my MacBook Pro 13" (16GB RAM) using OS 10.15 Flashprint crashes constantly. On my wife's older Macbook 12" no problems yet- so I don't know if it's an OS issue, or some other problem? I prefer simplify 3D over flashprint anyway since it gives me more control over all the parameters, so I just use Simplify3D to create the .gcode file (**more about this in a minute)3. Filament Storage: I love the filament storage in the back of the printer. Makerbot also does this, and it helps immensely to keep your workspace clean. The downside is that only 500gram filament spools will fit in the storage area, which means you're limited in what filament you can buy.. There is an alternative, though. I printed a filament winding device that attaches to my drill and I re-spool filament from larger 1kg spools onto the smaller spools which allows me to buy any brand/color I want.4. Filament Included: WHAT FILAMENT? Yes, they include a very small amount of "test filament"- but it doesn't come on a spool. You need to buy a roll of Flash-forge compatible 500g in order to have a roll to use/store (see comment #3).5. Noise: Machine is virtually silent. My makerbot is really loud.. I figured all 3D printers were, but not this one.. you don't even know its running unless you're sitting right next to it.6. Bed Adhesion: No complaints here. I use the gluestick they provided to coat the bed with a thin layer and the models have no problem sticking to it, and pop right off. This is especially important since I don't like printing rafts.7. Networking: THIS PRINTER HAS NO COMPUTER INTERFACE!. If you want wifi/USB get the Finder vs FinderLite. For my specific usage - downloading the STL/.gcode/.gx file directly to the SD card and printing is no problem, so I opted to save $50. If you do go for the extra money the Wifi/USB printing is a little clunky- (I cover it in my review of the Adventurer3) but it does work.8. File format: I HATE PROPRIETARY STUFF (I know makerbot is proprietary too). Flashforge prefers a .gx file which is a .g file with added thumbnail of the printed item so that it gives you a littel picture on the screen. This printer (FinderLite/Finder) will also accept .gcode and print it just fine. The difference is that it will not show a thumbnail of the item to be printed on the screen, but it will print just fine- so if you use simplify3D (or cura, or other slicer) you can create a .gcode file and drop it on the SD card and it will print just fine. **Note, this is not the same on the Adventurer3 (see my review on that). Adventurer 3D will only print .gx or .g files, not .gcode.9. Media: SD card slot is easily accessible and works fine. I prefer USB over SD so I don't need an SD card reader, but those are cheap- so no big deal. Even if you get the Adventurer3 to get the USB port (vice SD) it's the older style vice USB-C so I need an adapter to connect to my MacbookPro (or get the cool thumbdrives that have both USB formats on the same device).10. Food Safe: Since we're talking about using these to make cookie cutters, it is important to note that PLA is not FDA approved for use with food. There are a number of reasons for this that most cookie makers negate by using saran wrap or sterilizing. PETG is food safe, but cannot be printed on this printer. If that is important to yo, then look at the Adventurer3Lite ($369) or DreamerNZ ($449) as your next best option.Buying advice- If you want quick, easy out of the box simplicity this is the printer for you. If a heated bed is important, that you should be looking at the Dreamer or Adventurer3. My personal opinion is that wifi/USB connectivity is not a big deal since you have to clear the build plate before each print anyway- so I don't know that I'd spend the money for it.. spend that $50 on buying extra rolls of filament that you can re-spool with whatever filament you prefer.

The Flashforge Adventurer 5M is a great printer. Fast, reliable, excellent quality prints, and trouble free, Did I mention Fast? Fastest set up of any printer I have owned. I didn't love the ribbon cable attachment to the screen, unnecessarily more difficult than most, but I attached it successfully. I suggest study the ribbon cable and port carefully, take your time and align it properly. I was up and printing in less than a hour with uncrating and setup and calibration. Calibration was automatic and the leveling program is the easiest I have seen. With the ease of setup, ease of leveling, ease of calibration I would recommend the AD5M for entry level users as well as experienced users. I have been wanting a Core XY printer for a long time. The AD5M is my first and it is everything I hoped it would be. I am using full Orca Slicer 2.2.0 and it has worked well so far. I am in the learning phase with Orca Slicer but the AD5M defaults have worked very well for me so far. I think it will only get better as I learn the ins and outs of this slicer.I own 8 printers of various brands. I have gone down the upgrade and tinkerer road with several Enders, I have upgraded or replaced every part except the frame. I have compiled my own firmware, I have tinkered with multi-colored printing. I have a lot of successful prints under my belt and plenty of failures. When I tried to make one of my Enders fast with Klipper, it was nothing but frustration. I never got very fast and my quality suffered unbelievably. The AD5M prints like a dream and it is everything I had hoped to achieve with my Klipperized Ender3Pro. I won't stop tinkering as the AD5M is teaching me things that may help. But I don't feel a need to tinker with the AD5M at all at present. Great Printer, Great Quality prints, Great Value, Easy to Setup and Use, and FAST!!!!

great printer, but the usb came already snapped and broken inside it.Warranty was provided though so if it does happen, they will send you the part at no cost to yourself.