2019 FlashForge Finder Lite: Review the Specs
Azzura Lalani
Oct 29, 2019
Is the new FlashForge Finder Lite the perfect entry-level 3D printer or are you better off with the fancier version? Read on for our take of this printer’s specs.
FlashForge launched the FlashForge Finder about half a decade ago, but it’s kept it relevant by updating it occasionally and by giving it some features that set it apart.
However, for a printer geared towards novices and children, the Finder is a little bit on the pricy side. The Finder Lite, which sells for $349, is ever-so-slightly cheaper than the Finder 2.0, and is perhaps hoping to offer a more accessible price point to prospective buyers. But, does it succeed? And does the slight discount in price make up for the loss of one of its distinguishable features?
Read on for our review of the FlashForge Finder Lite’s specs.
FlashForge Finder Lite: Review the Specs Features
There’s not a lot that sets the FlashForge Finder 2.0, the fanciest version of the Finder, apart from the slightly cheaper Lite version — except WiFi connectivity. This feature is unavailable in the Lite, which is why it’s a little cheaper
All the other features that make this machine popular remain the same between the two models. And to get a clear idea of how these machines perform, you can see our full, in-depth review of the Finder 2.0.
No WiFi Connectivity
The WiFi connectivity that the Finder 2.0 offers is unfortunately not available in the Lite. This was an exciting feature for a starter printer and one that added an element of convenience and luxury to an otherwise fairly basic machine. It’s the absence of this feature that sets the Lite apart from the original Finder, and the reason why the machine is $30 cheaper.
New Colors
There is, actually, one other distinguishing feature between the Finder 2.0 and the Lite: printer colors. Unlike the 2.0, which comes in only fire-engine red, you can pick between having a canary yellow or light blue Finder Lite (or buy both, if you’re feeling particularly impulsive).
Safer
As far as safety goes, the Finder Lite has most of the bases covered. It prints in non-toxic PLA, so you’re not tempted to print with trickier materials that can emit toxic fumes. It also has all the heated elements — like the nozzle — covered so they’re hard to accidentally touch. Lastly, the wires are all hidden away so they can’t catch on anything.
(No) Filament Detection
Though on FlashForge’s website it boasts the Finder has “filament-run-out detection,” our experience reviewing it proved otherwise. They did have this as a feature, but removed it. Its filament detection used to be in the enclosed filament box, but customers complained that when they used other filament spools that were larger than the FlashForge ones, they had to keep them outside of the enclosure, which set off the filament detection.
Touchscreen
This 3.5-inch touchscreen is extremely clear and easy to use. When you first turn on the printer it gives you three options to select from, and from there you’re given more selections. It makes finding what you’re looking for simple and it’s very intuitive.
Quiet to Use
This little fella is quiet — minus its cheerful chirping to let you know it’s on and ready to print. This means you can keep it in a common space in your home without it driving you crazy.
Removable Build Plate
A necessity given the small, enclosed build space of this machine is the removable build plate, which is easy to put on and take off.
Manual Bed Leveling
FlashForge tries to market their manual bed leveling (which is assisted by a retractable switch) as a feature, boasting that it actually offers “more precise and easier calibration.” While this isn’t the worst system, it’s definitely more complicated for beginners.
FlashForge Finder Lite: Review the Specs Tech Specs
Printer Specs
- Printing technology: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
- Build volume: 140 x 140 x 140 mm
- Layer resolution: 100 ~ 500 microns
- Position precision: X,Y: 11 microns / Z: 2.5 microns
- Filament diameter: 1.75 mm
- Third-party filament: Yes
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm
- Connectivity: USB only
- Heated plate: No
- Printable materials: PLA, PETG (for small prints)
- Frame material: Plastic
- Print bed: PEI sheet on glass
Software
- Software package: FlashPrint
- File types: OBJ/STL
- Supports: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Languages: English, French, German, Dutch, Polish, Korean
Physical Dimensions
- Frame dimensions: 420 x 420 x 420 mm
- Weight: 16 kg
FlashForge Finder Lite: Review the Specs Where to Buy
You can purchase a FlashForge Finder Lite from the following online retailers:
License: The text of "2019 FlashForge Finder Lite: Review the Specs" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.