In the fast-evolving world of 3D printing, speed and quality often come at a premium. Finding a printer that balances both without breaking the bank can feel like searching for a unicorn. Enter the Flashforge Adventurer 5M, a machine that promises Voron or Bambu Labs-level performance at a fraction of the cost. After spending some time with this printer, I’m ready to share my experience and explain why it might just be the Best Of 3d Printers for those seeking rapid, high-quality results.
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M immediately impresses with its out-of-the-box performance. Priced attractively (currently on sale for $349, and I even snagged an early bird deal at $299), this printer delivers capabilities that rival much more expensive models. While its build volume is a modest 220x220x220mm, it’s more than sufficient for a wide range of projects.
Flashforge Adventurer 5M
Image: The Flashforge Adventurer 5M 3D printer showcasing its compact and efficient design, ideal for delivering fast and precise prints.
What truly sets the Adventurer 5M apart is its speed and print quality. It effortlessly churns out a benchy in a mere 14 minutes, maintaining exceptional detail throughout the process. This isn’t just about printing quickly; it’s about applying that speed and precision to every print job. Under the hood, the Adventurer 5M runs on Klipper firmware, a powerful open-source solution renowned for its speed and customization. The user-friendly graphical interface on the touchscreen makes navigating Klipper’s capabilities surprisingly straightforward, even for those new to the firmware.
For those who like to tinker and customize, Flashforge provides a free 3D model of the printer’s frame. This is a fantastic resource for designing your own modifications and upgrades. Furthermore, they offer printable files and instructions for creating your own enclosure parts. By adding acrylic panels, you can effectively create a DIY enclosure, bringing the standard Adventurer 5M closer to the features of the “Pro” version.
A Journey to Fast Printing:
Like many in the 3D printing hobby, I’ve explored various paths to achieve high-speed, high-quality printing. A year ago, I invested in a FYSETC Voron 2.4 kit and associated upgrades, aiming for a powerful custom build. I also gathered components for multiple MP3DP v4 printers. However, time constraints and other projects have kept me from completing these builds.
Recently, I started assembling the Voron frame, ensuring it was perfectly square. But then a bout of illness slowed my progress. It was at this point that the Flashforge Adventurer 5M caught my eye as a readily available, reputable CoreXY printer with built-in input shaping and resonance compensation. The promise of “out-of-the-box” high-speed printing was incredibly appealing, and the Adventurer 5M has not disappointed.
20 Flashforge Adventurer 5M – riser (1 of 4) for enclosure IMG_7248
Image: A printed riser component for the Flashforge Adventurer 5M enclosure, demonstrating the printer’s capability to produce functional parts quickly and efficiently.
The Adventurer 5M’s ability to complete large prints, like the enclosure risers shown above, in a relatively short time (2 hours and 40 minutes for a significant print using Prusamint Galaxy Black filament) is truly impressive. The quality remains consistently high, dispelling any concerns that speed compromises the final product.
Value and Versatility:
It’s important to emphasize that this review is based on my personal purchase; this is not a sponsored endorsement. My enthusiasm stems from genuine satisfaction with the printer’s performance. While the 220x220x220mm build volume might not accommodate absolutely every project, it covers the vast majority of typical 3D printing needs. For larger projects, my still-to-be-built machines might eventually come into play, but for now, the Adventurer 5M handles most tasks with ease.
The 14-minute benchy, printed from a file included on the printer’s internal storage, perfectly illustrates the Adventurer 5M’s capabilities. Even using affordable Sunlu PLA filament, the results are remarkable. I did encounter one brand of cheap PLA that struggled at higher speeds, but further experimentation with temperature and speed settings may unlock its potential.
10 Flashforge Adventurer 5M – 4-minute bency IMG_7249
Image: A close-up view of a 14-minute benchy print from the Flashforge Adventurer 5M, highlighting the printer’s ability to maintain quality even at rapid speeds.
10 Flashforge Adventurer 5M – 4-minute bency IMG_7250
Image: Another angle of the 14-minute benchy, showcasing the smooth surfaces and intricate details achievable with the Flashforge Adventurer 5M in a short print time.
For those interested in enclosing their Adventurer 5M, readily available 1/8″ acrylic sheets can be sourced for creating side doors, a top lid, and a front door. This simple modification further enhances the printer’s capabilities, especially when working with temperature-sensitive filaments.
15 options for 1:8
Image: A selection of local store options for purchasing 1/8″ acrylic sheets, perfect for constructing a custom enclosure for the Flashforge Adventurer 5M.
After just five hours of printing, half of the enclosure riser set was complete, demonstrating the speed and efficiency of the Adventurer 5M in producing larger, multi-part projects.
20 Flashforge Adventurer 5M – riser (1 of 4) for enclosure IMG_7248
Image: The first riser component of the enclosure for the Flashforge Adventurer 5M, printed in a durable material and showcasing the printer’s reliability for functional prints.
21 Flashforge Adventurer 5M – riser (2 of 4) for enclosure, actual print time 2h 28m IMG_7251
Image: The second riser component for the enclosure, printed in under 2.5 hours, highlighting the consistent speed and quality of the Flashforge Adventurer 5M.
22 Flashforge Adventurer 5M – riser (2 of 4) for enclosure, actual print time 2h 28m IMG_7252
Image: Another view of the second riser component, emphasizing the detailed features and robust structure achieved in a relatively short print duration.
23 Flashforge Adventurer 5M – 2 of 4 risers for enclosure combined, actual total print time 5h 8m IMG_7254
Image: Two completed riser components for the enclosure, showing the accumulated print time of just over 5 hours for these substantial parts, demonstrating efficient production.
24 Flashforge Adventurer 5M – 2 of 4 risers for enclosure combined, actual total print time 5h 8m IMG_7255
Image: A different perspective of the two enclosure risers, illustrating the scale and quality of prints achievable with the Flashforge Adventurer 5M for practical applications.
Conclusion:
The Flashforge Adventurer 5M delivers an exceptional combination of speed, quality, and affordability. For anyone seeking a best of 3D printer experience without the premium price tag often associated with high-performance machines, the Adventurer 5M is a compelling option. Its out-of-the-box readiness, Klipper firmware, and potential for customization make it a standout choice in its class. While the build volume is moderate, the speed and print quality more than compensate, making it a highly recommended printer for both beginners and experienced users alike.
