🖨️ I Tried the Flashforge AD5X — Here’s What Surprised Me
When Flashforge reached out and offered to send me their AD5X for review, I was curious but cautious. I’ve tested many printers over the years, and while I didn’t pay for this one, I also wasn’t paid to review it — so I could truly give my honest opinion.
A few days later, the box arrived. From unboxing to printing my first part, it took me just 20 to 30 minutes — fast enough to impress me right away. The printer came mostly pre-assembled, and calibration was quick. It even included a 4 PLA samples (about 100g in total), but I skipped straight to one of my own spools because I already had a few product batches to test.
🧩 First Impressions & Early Prints
The first print needed a little tuning — the Z offset was slightly high, so the first layer didn’t stick perfectly. But after that adjustment, it’s been running flawlessly. I haven’t needed to tweak it since, even after many batches.
I started printing some of my usual designs: the Coffee Spoon Tamper and the Rolling Pin Cookie Spacer models I know inside out and could easily compare across printers, but very fast I moved into a batch of trophies for an event that I was organizing.
What really stood out was the print quality. For a machine that costs around $399 USD, the AD5X performs close to what I get from my BambuLab P1S or even a Prusa Mini. The surfaces are smooth, layers consistent, and it handles PLA and PETG perfectly using default slicer settings.
⚙️ Highlights That Make a Difference
The AD5X is a Core XY printer that punches above its price range.
It features:
Automatic bed leveling
Automatic filament changing (including when switching colors or when a spool runs out — a feature normally reserved for more expensive models)
A color touchscreen
Metal motion rods, ensuring smooth travel and long-term durability
And perhaps my favorite part: the multi-color module is built into the printer itself, not an external add-on. It keeps the setup compact and tidy — something I wish more brands did.
🔇 A Few Drawbacks Worth Noting
No printer is perfect, and this one’s biggest weakness is noise. The open-frame design looks sleek, but without a full enclosure (top, front, and sides), it’s noticeably louder than my enclosed machines.Â
That same open design also means materials like ABS aren’t ideal — without temperature control inside the chamber, you risk corner lifting due to shrinkage.
However, Flashforge has an Enclosure kit for the AD5X which will reduce those drawbacks. Still, for PLA and PETG, it’s rock solid out of the box.
🧠Curiosity Leads to Experimentation
After a few weeks, I realized the AD5X wasn’t just another review unit sitting on a shelf — it became part of my regular workflow.
It’s been running in parallel with my BambuLab P1S, producing consistent batches of products for my shop. I even started exploring larger nozzle sizes (0.8mm) to test faster prints.
🎥 Some videos:
⚙️ Now to the Professional Review…
🔍 Flashforge AD5X — Key Specs
Core XY motion system
4-color automatic filament system
Auto bed leveling
Color touchscreen interface
Metal motion rods
Price: ~$399 USD
Ideal materials: PLA, PETG
âś… Advantages
Excellent value for a Core XY 4-color printer
Reliable and consistent print results
Compact footprint while still offering generous build volume
User-friendly setup — printing in under 30 minutes out of the box
⚠️ Disadvantages
Noisy due to open frame
Limited material support (not ideal for ABS/ASA printing)
🧩 Who It’s For
If you’re looking for an affordable multicolor Core XY printer that doesn’t compromise on reliability, this is a fantastic choice — especially for hobbyists, small makers, and anyone starting a small-scale 3D printing business on a budget.
The AD5X has genuinely earned its place in my workshop.
đź’ˇ Final Thoughts
3D printers in this price range often cut corners — but the Flashforge AD5X delivers far more than expected. It’s a reliable, compact, and capable workhorse that makes multicolor printing accessible to more people.
If you’re ready to add one to your workshop, check it out here:
👉 Buy the Flashforge AD5X
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