Bringing a 3D printer into your home or office opens up an entirely new level of creativity and productivity. Whether you’re prototyping parts for a business project, printing custom tools, or just entertaining a hobby, having a 3D printer within arm’s reach can make possible what was impossible just a decade ago. The Flashforge AD5X 3D printer steps into this space with multicolor 3D support, balancing ease of use with advanced features. It’s an appealing and flexible printing solution that should appeal to both beginners and seasoned makers.
Build Quality
Right out of the box, the AD5X feels sturdy and well-designed. Not only does the system deal well with vibration and movement, but it also feels stable on a desk. It does a great job balancing size with the build volume—it generates models up to 8.66 inches in all directions. Flashforge built a very durable printer, so it should hold up well, even if you run it frequently or on larger, multi-part projects.
Flashforge AD5X 3D Printer Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Build Size | 8.66 × 8.66 × 8.66 in (220 × 220 × 220 mm) |
| Printer Dimensions (excl. display & spool holder) | 14.29 × 14.80 × 16.26 in (363 × 376 × 413 mm) |
| Printer Dimensions (all) | 14.29 × 15.83 × 17.64 in (363 × 402 × 448 mm) |
| Weight | 31.31 lbs (14.2 kg) |
| Power Supply | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 650 W |
| Print Speed (Max Travel) | 23.62 in/s (600 mm/s) |
| Max Acceleration | 787 in/s² (20,000 mm/s²) |
| Extruder | Direct Drive, up to 572 °F (300 °C) |
| Nozzle Diameters | 0.4 mm (standard) 0.25 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm (optional) |
| Filament Diameter | 0.07 in (1.75 mm) |
| Build Plate | PEI-coated flexible steel plate |
| Leveling | One-click automatic leveling (pressure sensor) |
| Multicolor Printing | Yes (4-color via Intelligent Filament System, IFS) |
| Supported Filaments | PLA, PETG, TPU, PLA-CF, PETG-CF; ASA/ABS (best with enclosure) |
| Recovery Features | Resume printing after power failure; filament run-out detection; parts-skipping support |
| Connectivity & Control | 4.3″ touchscreen, Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Ethernet, 8GB internal storage |
| Structure | Core XY, open-frame metal design |
Comparing the AD5X with the AD5M and AD5M Pro
| Adventurer 5M (AD5M) | Adventurer 5M Pro (AD5M Pro) | Flashforge AD5X | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosure | Open-frame (DIY only) | Fully enclosed | Open-frame (optional enclosure available) |
| Filtration | No | HEPA + carbon filters | Optional (not included) |
| Multicolor Printing | Manual filament swaps | Manual filament swaps | Smart IFS for automatic 4-color switching |
| Camera / Monitoring | No | Yes (built-in) | Optional (add-on) |
| Speed / Acceleration | 600 mm/s, 20,000 mm/s² | 600 mm/s, 20,000 mm/s² | 600 mm/s, 20,000 mm/s² |
| Noise Level | Standard | Low (~50 dB) | Medium (~58 dB, unless enclosed) |
| Best Use Case | Beginners, simple prints | Functional prints, ABS/ASA work | Multicolor prints, creative/hobby models |
| Price (retail) | $399 | $599 | $549 |
The Flashforge AD5X 3D Printer should be the first choice for anyone wanting vibrant, multicolor printing with automatic filament switching. Just plan on getting the optional enclosure to control the direct emissions. It also helps if you’re working with temperature-sensitive materials or want to reduce the noise output. Go with the AD5M if you’re after a budget-friendly, beginner-ready printer and multicolor printing isn’t a priority.
The AD5M Pro gets you a safer, quieter, enclosed printer right out of the box. It’s especially good for functional prints when using materials like ABS or ASA. You also get remote monitoring.
Flashforge AD5X 3D Printer Setup
The Flashforge AD5X 3D printer arrives almost fully assembled. It has a sturdy frame, and the moving parts were secure, with most of the accessories packed neatly inside. We placed the printer atop a workbench in our studio, ensuring it had plenty of ventilation. Once we removed the protective covers and restraints, it was ready to be plugged in.
The color LCD touchscreen features a clean, easy-to-navigate interface. On-screen prompts had us run through a series of configuration steps. Bed leveling is also nearly automatic, taking just a few minutes to complete.
Next, I loaded the filament. It supports four colors, but we began with a couple of spools (yellow and blue). Threading the filament into the extruder was straightforward—the printer heated up, and it sent a clean strand of extruded molten plastic onto the build plate.
I then connected the printer to my Wi-Fi, giving me the ability to transfer files wirelessly (though you can also use “sneakernet” and load them via a USB stick). I queued up the included sample print, pressed start, and let the printer begin. In not a short amount of time, we had our first print—a two-color coin.
Adding the Optional Enclosure Kit
For $64, you can get the optional Flashforge AD5X enclosure kit. It’s a nice upgrade that gives you all the parts you cannot 3D print, including screws and translucent panels. Installing it involves printing the support frame structures, hinges, and knob, and then assembling and attaching the panels around the printer. It gives you a controlled environment. The enclosure improves print consistency by helping maintain temperature when building more sensitive parts using ABS or PETG. The enclosure also reduces noise, which is great when you want to keep from disturbing shared workspaces or home offices.
Using the AD5X 3D Printer
Printing with the AD5X is a smooth experience. The multicolor capability stands out, allowing more creativity in models without the need for manual filament swaps mid-print. Print quality is sharp, with layers blending cleanly and minimal stringing when settings are tuned correctly. The touchscreen interface provides quick access to essential functions, while Flashforge’s slicer software makes preparing models straightforward. During testing, the printer proved reliable across both long and short runs, delivering professional-looking results on everything from decorative pieces to functional parts.
The desktop software takes some getting used to, but building the enclosure let us get the hang of positioning pieces for optimal print speed and minimal bridges. After a while, our 3D prints got more sophisticated, and the software became easier to use.
Final Thoughts
The Flashforge AD5X is a well-rounded multicolor 3D printer that strikes a balance between usability and capability. Its sturdy build, easy setup, and strong printing performance make it a practical choice for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike. Adding the optional enclosure only enhances its versatility, particularly for those working with a wider range of materials. If you’re looking for a printer that fits seamlessly into a home or office environment while still offering advanced features, the AD5X deserves serious consideration.
