FLASHFORGE AD5X Multi-Color 3D Printer, CoreXY 600mm/s High-Speed, 1-Click Auto Leveling, 300°C Direct Drive Extruder, 220x220x220mm Build Volume, Ideal for Precision and Efficiency
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AI Verdict
This is a 220x220x220mm CoreXY 3D printer capable of 600mm/s speeds and 4-color printing, built for rapid prototyping and small batch production.
This printer offers a compelling combination of high-speed CoreXY mechanics and 4-color printing at a competitive price. However, its open-frame design limits material compatibility for advanced filaments without an enclosure, and the multi-color system generates significant filament waste during purges. It's a strong contender for specific use cases but has clear trade-offs.
If printing high-temperature materials or minimizing filament waste is critical, look for an enclosed printer with a more efficient multi-material system.
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Pros
- Achieves print speeds up to 600mm/s and acceleration of 20,000mm/s² due to its CoreXY structure.
- Supports simultaneous 4-color printing, expanding creative possibilities.
- Features 1-Click Auto Leveling for consistent print bed calibration.
- Equipped with a 300°C direct-drive extruder, allowing for a range of filament types.
- Includes a heated PEI flexible steel build plate with a maximum temperature of 110°C.
- Offers quick-release interchangeable nozzles in 0.25mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, and 0.8mm sizes.
Cons
- Open-frame design limits printing of high-temperature filaments like ABS or ASA without a separate enclosure.
- Significant filament waste occurs during color changes due to purging, potentially impacting material costs.
- Reported issues with the proprietary Orca-Flashforge slicer, affecting user experience.
- Noise levels average 72 dB with peaks up to 80 dB, which can be distracting in shared spaces.
- The 220x220x220mm build volume is considered standard and may be small for larger projects.
Dimension Scores
The AD5X features a CoreXY structure, vibration compensation, dual-channel cooling, and a 300°C direct-drive extruder, delivering accuracy of 100.02mm for 100mm targets.
It boasts 1-Click Auto Leveling, a claimed 10-minute setup, automatic filament feeding, resume printing, and remote control via the Flash Maker mobile app.
With 4-color printing, interchangeable nozzles (0.25mm to 0.8mm), and support for PLA, PETG, and TPU, it offers varied printing options, though the open frame limits some material types.
Constructed with a metal frame and sturdy steel components, it has been reported to function as intended for over 200 hours of printing without degradation.
Best For
- Rapid prototyping needing multiple colors and fast print times.
- Users primarily printing with PLA, PETG, or TPU who prioritize speed.
- Small batch production where efficiency and multi-color capabilities are key.
- Hobbyists seeking an affordable CoreXY printer with multi-color functionality.
Not Recommended For
- Printing engineering-grade filaments like ABS or ASA without investing in an enclosure.
- Users who require a large build volume for substantial projects.
- Environments where noise levels above 70 dB are unacceptable.
- Users highly sensitive to filament waste during multi-color prints.
Watch Out For
- The multi-color system purges a substantial amount of filament during color changes, with one user reporting over 1.75 kg of TPU wasted for a 150 g print.
- The open-frame design means printing materials like ABS or ASA isn't feasible due to cold ambient air and lack of proper carbon HEPA filtration, requiring an additional enclosure.
- The build volume of 220x220x220mm is the same as older models, which some users find to be a limitation for larger prints.
- The bundled Orca-Flashforge slicer has reported flaws, impacting the overall print experience.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DN68QV3B |
| Brand | FLASHFORGE |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Metal |
| Item Weight | 24.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Zhejiang Flashforge 3D Technology Co., Ltd. |
| Item model number | AD5X |
| Product Dimensions | 16 x 14 x 18 inches |
What Buyers Say
Users are generally impressed with the multi-color printing capabilities, noting that the system 'just works' despite some filament waste. The printer's speed is frequently highlighted, with many finding it prints faster than expected, often around 300mm/s in practical use. Setup is quick, often taking less than 10 minutes, and the integration with Orca Slicer is a plus for many. However, the open-frame design is a recurring point of concern for those wanting to print high-temperature filaments, and the amount of filament purged during color changes is a significant drawback. The noise level is also a factor for some, making it less ideal for quiet environments.
“Dude, this thing prints colors like crazy fast, but seriously, the amount of plastic it poops out for every color change is kinda wild, and it's loud enough to annoy my cat. Still, for the price, it's pretty sick.”
Common Praise
- The multi-filament system functions reliably, allowing for multi-color prints.
- Achieves print speeds of 300mm/s consistently in real-world use.
- Setup is quick and straightforward, often completed in under 10 minutes.
- The accuracy of prints is precise, with 100mm targets measuring 100.02mm.
- Compatibility with Orca Slicer is a benefit for managing print jobs.
Common Complaints
- Excessive filament is purged during color changes, leading to material waste.
- The open-frame design necessitates an additional enclosure for printing materials like ABS or ASA.
- The included slicer software has reported flaws that can affect the printing process.
- The printer operates at a noticeable noise level, averaging 72-80 dB.
- The 220x220x220mm build volume is considered small by some users for larger projects.
Ownership Tips
- The '99% Resume Print Success' feature actually works, saving prints during unexpected power loss.
- The quick-release nozzle design makes swapping sizes much faster than expected.
- The Flash Maker mobile app provides functional remote monitoring and control, which is handy for checking print progress from another room.
- While it claims 600mm/s, consistent quality often means printing closer to 300mm/s, which is still very fast.
- The PEI flexible steel sheet makes print removal incredibly easy compared to older build plate types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this printer handle multiple colors?
Yes, the Flashforge AD5X supports printing with up to four colors simultaneously, allowing for detailed multi-color models.
How fast does it print?
It can reach print speeds of up to 600mm/s with an acceleration of 20,000mm/s², making it suitable for rapid printing.
Is it easy to set up for a beginner?
Flashforge claims a quick setup time of 10 minutes or less, and it features 1-Click Auto Leveling to simplify the initial calibration process.
What types of filament can I use?
It supports common filaments like PETG, PLA, and TPU95A, and can also handle PLA-CF and PETG-CF. The 300°C extruder allows for a range of material options.
Does it have an enclosure for printing advanced materials?
No, the AD5X has an open-frame design. An enclosure kit is available separately if you need to print materials like ABS or ASA.
Buying Guide
When looking at 3D printers like this, you need to think about what you're actually going to print. High speeds are cool, but if you're making intricate models, you might not always use the top speed. Multi-color is awesome for visual projects, but understand that it often comes with filament waste. Also, an open frame means you're mostly sticking to PLA or PETG unless you buy an enclosure, which adds to the cost and footprint.
CoreXY Structure
This refers to the printer's motion system. CoreXY printers move the print head in X and Y directions using a specific belt arrangement, which typically results in faster, more precise movements and less vibration compared to other designs, especially at high speeds.
600mm/s Printing Speed
This is how fast the print head can move while laying down filament. A higher number means your prints finish quicker. Think of it like a car's top speed – you might not always drive that fast, but it means the car can get places quickly when needed, reducing the time you wait for parts.
300°C Direct Drive Extruder
The extruder pushes the filament through the hot nozzle. 'Direct drive' means the motor is right on the print head, giving better control, especially for flexible filaments like TPU. The 300°C temperature means it can melt a wider range of plastics, including some tougher ones that need more heat.
220x220x220mm Build Volume
This is the maximum size of the object you can print, measured in length, width, and height. It's like the oven capacity for your baking – a 220mm cube is a decent size for many common prints, but if you want to make larger items, you'll hit this limit quickly.
Alternatives
If this printer doesn't fit, look for models with a larger build volume if you need to print big objects, or an enclosed design if you plan on using engineering filaments like ABS or ASA.
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