Introduction
In today's rapidly advancing 3D printing landscape, choosing between legacy technology and modern innovation presents a significant dilemma. The Flashforge Adventurer 3 (AU$599 used) and Adventurer 5M (AU$449 used) represent two generations of 3D printing technology, leaving many makers questioning: does the older model still hold value in 2025? This comprehensive analysis examines both machines’ capabilities, limitations, and long-term viability to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
The Adventurer 3: A Relic of Simpler Times
Originally launched in 2018, the Adventurer 3 was once celebrated as an accessible entry point into 3D printing. Its enclosed design and straightforward operation made it particularly appealing for educational environments and home users.
Advantages:
- Safety-focused enclosure minimizes noise and prevents accidental contact
- Simplified operation ideal for absolute beginners
- Compact footprint suitable for small workspaces
Critical Limitations:
- Cramped Build Volume (150 x 150 x 150 mm): Its limitations quickly become apparent. The 150 x 150 x 150 mm build volume feels claustrophobic, forcing users to slice larger models into pieces. Imagine designing a custom phone stand only to discover it won’t fit in one piece! The manual bed-leveling process is equally frustrating—a tedious ritual of adjusting screws while praying for a level first layer. Even seasoned users report inconsistent results, leading to failed prints and wasted filament.
- Primitive Calibration: Manual bed leveling requires tedious adjustments, with even experienced users reporting 25% first-layer failure rates.
- Filament Constraints: The Adventurer 3 only accommodates proprietary 0.5kg spools, which cost more per gram than standard 1kg rolls. While DIY mods exist to fit larger spools, these often cause feeding issues. One user shared how their cat-themed filament guide (printed to protect the spool from curious pets) inadvertently caused jams due to the steeper feeding angle. additionally, most fdm filments saled in the market is 1kg spools, which is not suitable for Adventurer 3.
- Performance Lag: Maximum 100mm/s print speed feels glacial compared to contemporary machines.
Sustainability Concerns:
As Flashforge has discontinued the Adventurer 3, replacement parts are becoming increasingly scarce. Essential components like print heads or control boards may soon become unavailable, potentially rendering the machine obsolete.
The Adventurer 5M Series: A Leap into Modern 3D Printing
Flashforge's 2023 Adventurer 5M series (standard model AU$449, Pro model AU$799) represents a quantum leap in consumer 3D printing technology, addressing nearly all of its predecessor's shortcomings.
Revolutionary Features:
- Breakneck Performance: The 5M’s 600mm/s print speed and 20,000mm/s² acceleration is a game-changer. Imagine printing a detailed figurine in 1 hours instead of 6, or prototyping a functional gear overnight. This isn’t just about saving time—it’s about transforming how you approach projects. Hobbyists can iterate designs faster, while educators can manage classroom printing queues efficiently.
- Intelligent Calibration: The 5M’s fully automatic bed leveling is a revelation. Gone are the days of fiddling with calibration screws. The machine uses a high-precision sensor to map the print surface, ensuring perfect adhesion every time. For beginners, this feature alone is worth the upgrade—no more scrapped prints due to uneven first layers. You just need click the ‘levelling’ button, and the printer will fully auto-leveling it self. and make the perfect first layer printing easier.
- Material Versatility: While the Adventurer 3 struggles with anything beyond basic PLA, the 5M’s 280°C nozzle unlocks advanced materials, like PETG for durable mechanical parts, TPU for flexible phone cases, ABS and PLA-CF for heat-resistant tools. This versatility future-proofs your investment, allowing you to tackle professional-grade projects.
- Expanded Capacity: With a 220x220x220mm build volume, the 5M eliminates the "will it fit?" anxiety. Print full-sized cosplay helmets, multi-part mechanical assemblies, or even custom planters without splitting models. One maker recounted printing an entire articulated dragon in one go—a feat impossible on the Adventurer 3.
Final Recommendation:
In 2025's competitive maker environment, the Adventurer 5M's combination of speed, intelligence, and versatility makes it the undisputed choice. The AU$449 investment delivers continuous returns through enhanced productivity and expanded creative possibilities, while the Adventurer 3's limitations increasingly outweigh its nostalgic appeal.
