Purchasing a 3D printer is a decision that should not be taken lightly, as the right choice would bring smiles to your face while a wrong choice would leave you complaining and dissatisfied with the output. On this page, we are comparing two topnotch 3D printers: FlashForge Creator Pro vs Ultimaker 2. To help you choose which of these printers is more suited to your needs and desires, their features, advantages and downsides are clearly outlined in the subsequent sections.
FlashForge Creator Pro – Click here to check price
Ultimaker 2 – Click here to check price
FlashForge Creator Pro vs Ultimaker 2 - 3d Printer Comparison
Construction and Build Platform Design
FlashForge Creator Pro
The Ultimaker 2 is no slacker in the build quality department as well. It is designed with a more appealing and aesthetic sense than the FlashForge Creator Pro, but this does not in any way detract from its durability and reliability when in use.
Build Area and Weight
Though they possess roughly the same weight, the Ultimaker 2 has a slightly larger print area than the FlashForge Creator Pro. For printers that are fairly medium-sized, their print areas are quite large and spacious to accommodate nearly any printing task.
Dual Extruder Design
With its dual extruder feature, the FlashForge Creator Pro has an undeniable edge over the Ultimaker 2 which features a single extruder. The dual extruders serve to provide support during operation and gives users the opportunity to experiment with and make use of multiple materials at the same time in the same print. With the dual extruders, Creator Pro users can also print in 2 colors. The absence of this dual extruder feature in the Ultimaker 2 limits its versatility when compared to the FlashForge Creator Pro.
A lot of users have praised the extruder design of the FlashForge Creator Pro, claiming it to be of standard quality and capable of giving the desired output.
Printing Speed and Quality
When it comes to speed, the Ultimaker 2 trumps the FlashForge Creator Pro, as users can print almost twice as fast on the Ultimaker 2 than on the Creator Pro. However, it must be noted that despite its slower speed, the Creator Pro produces impressive print quality any time. On the other hand, the Ultimaker 2 offers a tradeoff for its increased speed. At lower speeds, it gives high quality prints. Ramping up the speed would result in a lesser quality print.
Supported Printing Materials
Ultimaker 2
Both 3D printers are designed to work with mostly PLA and ABS materials, and the FlashForge Creator Pro comes with a spool of material of each type to help users in getting started. A large percentage of users report that under normal conditions and if a quality filament is used, both printers give an impressive print quality.
For the Ultimaker 2, there were several claims that apart from speed, the print quality also varied with the type of filament used. Low quality filaments usually give rise to problems and low print quality, and vice versa.
Printing Software
Ultimaker 2 makes use of Ultimaker’s patented slicing software: Cura. The open source nature of this software and its ease of use makes it a prime choice among users. The FlashForge Creator Pro on the other hand is compatible with softwares such as FlashPrint and ReplicatorG.
Ease of Use and Upgradable Design
Both printers are designed to facilitate easy use and encourage experiments during operation to achieve optimal results. Parameters can be changed and constantly upgraded to suit the needs of the users.
Click here to get more details on the FlashForge Creator Pro
Click here to get more details on the Ultimaker 2
Setup and Maintenance
The Ultimaker 2 requires little to no assembly when purchased. It comes pre-assembled and users are only tasked with inserting the build plate, plugging the machine and switching on the device. A large amount of users claim it is easy to fix or change anything in the rare occurrence that the machine breaks down or develops a fault.
For the FlashForge Creator Pro, a little more effort has to be made as it comes partially assembled. Several customers complained of getting no assembly instructions when purchased and those who got them claimed the instructions weren’t that helpful.
SD Card and USB Connectivity
Both printers are designed to print from SD cards. The Ultimaker 2 can also be connected via a USB cable to a computer for firmware updates only. For the Creator Pro, users can also print over USB connection, but it is advisable not to do so for large prints as this might lead to errors and eventual problems with the printer.
Pros and Cons of the FlashForge Creator Pro
Pros
- Great build quality
- Prints consistently
- Durable and reliable
- Standard dual extruder setup
- Produces quality prints
- More versatile
- Prints from both an SD card and via USB connection to a computer
Cons
- Runs at a slower speed than the Ultimaker 2
- Inadequate assembly instructions
Pros and Cons of the Ultimaker 2
Pros
- Great build quality
- Better aesthetic appeal
- Good print quality
- Prints at double the speed of the FlashForge Creator 2
- Easy to setup and maintain
- Durable and reliable
Cons
- Lacks the dual extruder design feature
- Print quality varies with speed and the quality of the filament
Summary
The Ultimaker 2 is a great 3D printer, but when compared to the FlashForge Creator Pro, it comes out sorely lacking. At regular price, the Ultimaker costs a whole lot more than the Creator Pro, and honestly, the extra dollars are not worth the few extra features possessed by the Ultimaker 2 (Although you never know how a sale might change that). For the price, the FlashForge Creator Pro offers greater versatility and consistent print quality. If most of your designs require working with more than one material or color at the same time, then your decision is solidified: the FlashForge Creator Pro is the right printer for you.
Check reviews, ratings and more for the FlashForge Creator Pro