Published on Wed Jan 22 2025 12:27:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The FlashForge Hunter: A Deep Dive into Desktop DLP Precision

The FlashForge Hunter isn’t your average filament-melting 3D printer. It’s a DLP (Digital Light Processing) machine designed for users who prioritize detail and surface finish above all else. If you’re looking to create intricate jewelry models, dental molds, or highly detailed figurines, the Hunter is a serious contender. Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding DLP Technology: A Quick Primer

Before diving into the specifics of the Hunter, it’s crucial to understand DLP technology. Unlike FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers that extrude melted plastic, DLP printers use a projector to cure liquid resin layer by layer. The projector shines a UV light pattern onto the resin, solidifying the areas exposed to the light. This process results in extremely fine detail and smooth surfaces, a significant advantage over FDM printing, especially for small and intricate parts.

FlashForge Hunter: Specifications at a Glance

Here’s a rundown of the key technical specifications:

• Printing Technology: DLP (Digital Light Processing)
• Light Source: HD Projector (1920 x 1080 pixels)
• XY Resolution: 62.5 microns (0.0625 mm)
• Layer Thickness (Z Resolution): 25 - 100 microns (0.025 - 0.1 mm)
• Build Volume: 68 mm (L) x 38 mm (W) x 150 mm (H)
• Resin Compatibility: 405nm UV Curable Resins
• Connectivity: USB
• Slicing Software: FlashDLPrint
• Machine Dimensions: 250 mm (L) x 210 mm (W) x 410 mm (H)
• Weight: ~9.5 kg

Getting Started with the FlashForge Hunter: Usage Tips

While the Hunter is capable of impressive results, mastering it requires a bit of a learning curve. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your printer:

• Resin Selection: The choice of resin is crucial. FlashForge recommends using their own resins, but the Hunter is compatible with most 405nm UV curable resins. Experiment to find the best resin for your specific application. Consider factors like hardness, flexibility, color, and shrinkage.
• Slicing Software (FlashDLPrint): The included FlashDLPrint software is relatively straightforward to use. However, spend time familiarizing yourself with the settings. Pay close attention to:
  • Exposure Time: This is the amount of time the UV light is projected onto each layer. Too little exposure results in weak parts, while too much can cause over-curing and loss of detail. Start with the resin manufacturer’s recommended settings and adjust accordingly.
  • Lift Speed & Distance: These settings control how quickly and far the build platform lifts after each layer is cured. Optimizing these settings is vital for successful prints, especially with larger models.
  • Support Generation: DLP printing often requires the use of supports to hold the model in place during printing. FlashDLPrint has automatic support generation, but it’s important to carefully examine the placement of supports to ensure they don’t damage the surface of your model when removed.
• Leveling the Build Platform: Proper bed leveling is critical for successful prints. The Hunter has a manual leveling system. Ensure the build platform is perfectly level before starting a print. Uneven leveling will lead to adhesion problems and failed prints.
• Post-Processing: Once the print is complete, it needs to be cleaned and cured. Use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove uncured resin from the model. After cleaning, expose the model to UV light (either in a dedicated curing station or in direct sunlight) to fully harden the resin.

Key Considerations Before Buying

• Build Volume: The Hunter’s build volume is relatively small. This is a limitation to consider if you plan to print larger objects.
• Resin Cost: Resin is generally more expensive than FDM filament. Factor this into your budget.
• Maintenance: DLP printers require more maintenance than FDM printers. You’ll need to regularly clean the resin vat and replace the FEP film (the transparent film at the bottom of the vat).

Scoring the FlashForge Hunter

Here’s an evaluation of the FlashForge Hunter across the listed categories, based on user experience and its performance:

• Print Quality: 9/10 - Excellent detail and smooth surface finish.
• Build Volume: 5/10 - Limited, suitable for smaller objects.
• Printing Speed: 7/10 - Faster than some other DLP printers, but still slower than FDM.
• Material Compatibility: 7/10 - Works well with a range of 405nm resins.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 7/10 - Requires careful manual leveling. Adhesion is generally good with proper setup.
• Reliability: 7/10 - Generally reliable, but occasional failures can occur.
• Ease of Use: 6/10 - Requires some experience with resin printing. Slicing software is relatively easy to use.
• Firmware and Software: 6/10 - FlashDLPrint is functional but lacks advanced features.
• Connectivity Options: 3/10 - Only USB connectivity is available.
• Build Quality & Durability: 7/10 - Decent build quality, feels reasonably sturdy.
• Noise Level: 9/10 - Very quiet operation compared to FDM printers.
• Maintenance Requirements: 5/10 - Requires more maintenance than FDM printers, due to cleaning and FEP film replacement.
• Customer Support: 6/10 - FlashForge support can be variable in responsiveness.
• Upgradeability: 3/10 - Limited upgrade options.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 7/10 - Good value for the level of detail it provides, considering the price point of the printer.

Overall Average Score: 6.33/10

Conclusion

The FlashForge Hunter is a capable DLP printer that delivers excellent print quality and detail. Its small build volume and maintenance requirements are drawbacks, but its relatively affordable price and ease of use make it a good option for users who are new to resin printing or those who need a desktop DLP solution for small, intricate models. If you prioritize high resolution and smooth surfaces above all else, the Hunter is worth considering.

Written by Alex