3D Printing Industry reviews the FlashForge Creator 3 upgrade kit.
Desktop 3D printer manufacturerFlashforgehas released an upgraded high-performance version of its创建者3FFF系统，我们在2019年底进行了审查。
专业级机器的新版本配备了一套新的碳纤维就绪的IDEX挤出机，一个磁性构建板和一套用于喷嘴清洁目的的防护板。对于那些已经购买了较旧的停产型号的人，Flashforge非常友善地使可改装套件中的硬件升级可用于此评论。
Revamped IDEX extruders
The showstopper here is undoubtedly the new IDEX extruder design being offered with the Creator 3. While the nozzle still features a maximum temperature of 300°C, it is now made out of hardened steel rather than brass. The strength and durability of steel will ensure a much longer service life and now enables Creator 3 users to 3D print with carbon fiber-reinforced filaments.
Flashforgehas designed these extruders such that they do not need a dedicated fan to cool the heatsink, meaning they are small and light. The 4010 fan cooling the space under the nozzle is also noticeably quiet, making for a more pleasant printing experience.
挤出机捆绑包可以在特定零售商处以$ 400的价格找到，其中包含两个新的打印头（左和右版本），改进的面板和两个新的挤出机板。组装和安装花了我们大约45分钟。
Removable magnetic build plate
The other major upgrade is the new magnetic build plate. The build surface of the original Creator 3 was locked in place, meaning users had to tediously scrape off prints while they were still in the build chamber. If sharp tools were used, this often resulted in scrapes and scratches, permanently damaging the build surface.
The new version of the Creator 3 has a whole new aluminum build plate, which has been ground down to achieve the flattest possible surface. The plate houses 16 different magnets and is attached to a thin sheet of steel covered by a matte polymer layer – the upper build surface. This sheet can be detached as and when needed and is flexible to allow for easier print removal.
反胡说八道
Finally, we come to the new anti-oozing plates. While these are probably the least essential upgrade, they are still very much a welcome one. The plates are designed to replace the metallic brushes that clean the nozzles on the original model and are quite simply a more durable alternative. There are two of them, one for each nozzle, and they are housed on either end of the X-axis rail. They prevent oozing and purge spaghetti, ensuring that the inactive nozzle in a dual-material print is ready to go every time it is called into action. Installation is as simple as holding it in place and tightening a few screws.
Putting the Creator 3 upgrades to the test
After piecing it all together, we put our new Creator 3 to the test. First up, we printed a bi-color PLA cube to determine how well-aligned the two extruders were. Much to our delight, the cube came out in perfect condition. The grey and green sections are distinct and well defined, with clean-cut interface zones and virtually no bleeding – a great success.
自然，我们还必须测试打印机的新碳纤维能力，为此，我们使用了Flashforge自己的聚酰胺碳纤维丝（PA-CF）。该材料要求我们将喷嘴温度提高到280°C，这几乎是机器的极限。再次，创建者3处理了这一点，而不会破坏汗水：我们的测试模型没有串起，没有翘曲，也没有单一的缺陷。顺便说一句，灵活的构建表在这里像魅力一样工作，使我们能够以最小的力量弹出零件。
The verdict
When a 3D printer manufacturer redesigns and beefs up one of its systems, it is usually marketed as a ‘pro version’ or quite simply a whole new machine. FlashForge has taken a different route with the Creator 3 and given its customers a plethora of upgrades at no added cost. With the same price tag of $3,499, the new version gives you more bang for your buck than ever and is an ideal choice for design firms, educational institutions, and engineering professionals alike.
碳fiber-capable adverti挤出机工作sed, the magnetic print bed makes part removal a breeze, and the added option of anti-oozing plates is the cherry on top. Of course, if you already own the original, we advise you to consider your needs carefully before committing to the upgrade kit, as not everyone necessarily needs to be able to 3D print carbon fiber parts. For those looking for a whole new workshop-suitable IDEX system, however, there has never been a better time to purchase the Creator 3.
Check out our original review of the FlashForge Creator 3 here.
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特色图显示了Flashforge创建者3.通过Flashforge的照片。
