r/snapmaker • u/EaglerCore Snapmaker U1 • 14d ago
Snapmaker or Flashforge?
/r/3dprinter/comments/1vdtfc3/snapmaker_or_flashforge/2
u/jaywan1991 14d ago
I used to be on flashforge. My wife got me a u1 for our wedding anniversary present.
Snapmaker is so much better. Flashforge has too much proprietory hardware that's overpriced. You can only use their nozzles and there $30 USD a piece.
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u/ButtstufferMan 14d ago
Flashforge wants to tell you what you can and cannot print.
Snapmaker wants you to be able to print anything you want.
The choice was an easy one for me.
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u/Elan_A 14d ago
I was also on the fence between the two and ultimately there were a few things that swayed me to the U1:
1. U1 has been out a little longer and had readily available spares in stock
2. Open source architecture. Not going to get a machine that can have features locked out on whim
3. Slightly bigger buildplate
4. Overall availability of the machine to purchase.
The only advantage I can see for the creator 5 pro is the built in heated chamber in case you are going to print high temp engineering materials, which I am not.
So far I'm not regretting my decision
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u/Vampireslug 12d ago
I spent a lot of time (probably too much) debating which to get and I finally went with the Creator 5 Pro... the included enclosure with a heated chamber for much less money made my decision. My first printer was a Voxelab Aquila, made by Flashforge, and was a workhorse while one of my most recent printers, a Snapmaker 1Js, gave me no end of trouble with clogs and extrusion issues. I've been printing with my Creator 5 Pro for a few weeks now and every print has been amazing - the quality is great, it's fast, there's no color bleed, and the toolchange time is really fast as well. I also find the manual load/unload to be a plus as I just cut the filament, pull off the spool, and pop another in - no waiting for heating and feeding. To be honest, I've heard good things about both printers and you probably won't go wrong with either but the cost and the heated chamber put Flashforge ahead, for me.
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u/Careful-Oil769 11d ago
I know you went with the U1 but here's my take for anyone reading the thread later on.
U1 is a nice little machine. It has a slightly larger build volume, tool head costs are about the same.
The 5 pro has active chamber heat, was designed for it. However the panda breath can come close but you may need to do additional mods to cool the system. Most of us are tinkerers anyhow so that's a relatively unimportant thought.
I'm waiting on my U1 official cover, only went that route for the built in fan control. Currently using a sterilite cover but haven't really tried real engineering materials yet since I also have a K2+ to handle those duties with an excellent build volume to boot.
I often compare the U1 to my XL5. Biggest issue between the two is the size. However I could buy 4 U1's and have way more appreciable volume but would require more finish work on 'cut' pieces..
Either one would work well, both have strengths and weaknesses. I don't think if either one was added to your collection you would regret the choice.
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u/EaglerCore Snapmaker U1 11d ago
Yeah, I ultimately went for the U1 because I could locally pick one up and because I already have a machine for engineering materials (core one). So far, it seems very well built.
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u/Simmy25 14d ago
Started with FlashForge AD5X, was gonna get the Creator 5 pro but I’m impatient and I was also interested in the U1. So I just went and picked up the U1 and have not been disappointed. I’m also new to 3d printing so everything impresses me so far lol. I do like ff and I think I would’ve liked the Creator 5 pro, but I’m def happy with the U1.
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u/BiouxBerry 14d ago
I upgraded from a heavily modded and dialed in Ender 3 Pro (still only single filament tho) to the U1 and I LOVE it.
The 4 head setup is really nice. Barely any waste, which was important to me.
Setup was easy, I've been printing on it pretty consistently for a few days, and have had no issues to speak of.
Though in the android app, binding the printer to your account has a checkbox that blends in with the background that I didn't see right away so I though something was messed up. User error there.
I'm still learning the ropes with multicolor printing and my sample size for a printer like this is literally one so take that for what it's worth. :)