At the end of the day, the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 fails to justify its hefty price tag. This printer is marketed as a professional-grade machine, yet doesn't include even the simplest convenience features, let alone the advanced features you'd expect. Flashforge really dropped the ball on this printer, which should have been an easy winner for the brand.
In-Depth Flashforge Creator Pro 2 3D Printer Review
Considering the Flashforge Creator Pro is such a beloved and popular machine, we’re surprised that the Creator Pro 2’s release managed to fly under the radar. There was virtually no hype for this release, despite being long-awaited by fans. Today, we dig a little deeper with our Flashforge Creator Pro 2 review to uncover if this 3D printer is a diamond in the rough or if it deserves to be swept under the rug.
Flashforge Creator Pro 2 Specs
This dual-nozzle 3D printer starts with an average-to-small build volume measuring 5.9” x 5.8” x 7.8”. That’s underwhelming compared to other printers in this price range, and is even a bit smaller than the Creator Pro’s build volume. Don’t let the small build size fool you, either. The Creator Pro 2 is built like an aluminum tank and measures 20.7”L x 14” W 21.6”H.
Moving on to precision, the Creator Pro 2 achieves print resolutions between 100-400 microns, the same as the Creator Pro. Filament options are similarly basic. The Creator Pro 2 can only reach nozzle temperatures up to 240C, which means even some kinds of ABS and PETG won’t print on this machine. At most, you’re limited to just PLA, ABS, PETG and some support filaments.
The UI has been improved, however. There’s a touchscreen interface now which makes operating the Creator Pro 2 a lot nicer. Connectivity options, however, are still limited to tethered USB or SD card.
Flashforge Creator Pro 2 Pros
Independent Dual-Nozzle Design
There are plenty of dual-nozzle printers on the market, but few offer independent printing like the Creator Pro 2. The benefit of this is that it opens up more possibilities when printing copies, including a handy mirror printing mode.
Like all dual-extruding printers, having two nozzles also means it’s possible to print with two colors or two filaments. If you plan to print with support materials like HIPS, dual-extrusion is the best option.
We also like the new residue plates provided for each nozzle. These plates ensure that the nozzles are clean before they begin printing, which makes multi-colored models much cleaner. The filaments adhere more smoothly and look much sharper thanks to this small improvement.
Flashforge Creator Pro 2 Cons
No Innovation
There’s no polite way to put this, but Flashforge have failed the Creator Pro line with this newest entry. Instead of focusing on real improvements, like updating their Flashprint slicer, offering more build volume, switching to all-metal nozzles, or even providing untethered USB connectivity, Flashforge did the bare-minimum to even call the Creator Pro 2 a new 3D printer.
Small Print Volume
It’s almost unbelievable that Flashforge thought the Creator Pro 2’s disappointing 5.9” x 5.8” x 7.8” build volume could compete in today’s market. Printers like the QIDI TECH X-Plus feature a much larger build volume and broader filament compatibility for the same price. This small build volume is made even worse because this is a dual-extruding printer made specially to print copies.
Flashforge Creator Pro 2 Review Verdict
Sadly, the Creator Pro 2 is too little too late. In general, we’re not impressed with Flashforge’s ability to stay competitive in the current 3D printing market. Without innovating on their older, successful models, people will find new brands who are willing to push the limits of 3D printing technology.
If you’re looking for a pre-assembled, fully-enclosed professional 3D printer, try the QIDI TECH X-Plus instead. If you need dual-extrusion, the Tenlog TL-D3 Pro has more print area and much better filament compatibility than the Creator Pro 2, all at a cheaper price! However you look at it, the Creator Pro 2 is a let-down for fans of the original those looking for innovation in the field.
