Flashforge AD5X Review – Fast, Affordable Multi-Color 3D Printing
The Flashforge AD5X is a CoreXY 3D printer that brings multi-color printing and serious speed to the budget category. With print speeds up to 600mm/s and Flashforge’s new Intelligent Filament System (IFS), it promises to make 4-color printing simpler and more compact than ever. But how does it actually perform? After spending a month testing it, here’s everything you need to know.
Disclaimer
Flashforge provided this AD5X for review. They did not pay for this review, and all opinions are my own based on hands-on testing. This post contains affiliate links—using them helps support the channel at no additional cost to you.
Intelligent Filament System (IFS)
The highlight of the AD5X is its Intelligent Filament System, or IFS. This setup allows up to four colors in a single print, managed through a compact module attached to the side of the printer.
The IFS Host manages filament loading, cutting, and purging automatically. When a color change is needed, the printer cuts the old filament, retracts it using spring-loaded spool holders, then loads and purges the next color before continuing the print.
This system makes multi-color printing much easier—no bulky external boxes or complex feed systems. The results are clean, colorful prints with impressive reliability.
- The purge chute sits directly over the power cord, making it a bit tricky to catch waste material without printing an adapter.
- The auto-retracting spool holders keep constant tension on the filament, which can cause brittle filaments to crack over time.
Nozzle & Hotend
The AD5X uses a direct-drive extruder with a quick-change 0.4mm brass nozzle. The front cover is magnetic and easily removable for maintenance. Flashforge sells optional nozzles in 0.24mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, and 0.8mm sizes, and the hotend is rated for up to 280°C.
Cooling is handled by a front-mounted fan with balanced airflow around the nozzle, keeping layers smooth and detail crisp.
CoreXY Motion System
Thanks to its CoreXY design, both motion motors remain stationary, allowing for faster acceleration and less vibration. The AD5X supports speeds up to 600mm/s and accelerations up to 20,000mm/s².
I managed to print a 16-minute Speed Benchy, proving the AD5X can truly reach those advertised speeds—though for best quality, slightly slower speeds are recommended.
Bed and Print Volume
The AD5X offers a 220 x 220 x 220mm build volume. While that’s standard for most budget printers, a bit more Z-height would have been nice for larger models.
The bed is a flexible textured PEI spring steel sheet, offering excellent adhesion and easy part removal. It also features a load cell-based leveling system that automatically detects the nozzle’s contact with the bed for perfect first layers.
Noise Levels
During printing, the AD5X averaged around 58–60 dB, peaking at 61 dB. It’s quiet enough for an office or workshop environment.
Control Panel & Connectivity
The printer features a 4.3-inch full-color touchscreen with an intuitive layout. Connectivity options include USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
Optional Accessories
Flashforge offers several add-ons for the AD5X:
- A Camera Module for real-time monitoring and time-lapse creation.
- An Enclosure Kit that helps stabilize temperatures and reduce noise by up to 10 dB.
👉 Accessories for the AD5X:
Assembly Experience
The AD5X arrives mostly preassembled and is one of the best-packaged printers I’ve tested. Setup takes about 20 minutes including Wi-Fi setup, automatic bed leveling, and input shaping calibration.
Each spool holder must be installed in its correct numbered slot, as each retracts at different tension levels. Once assembled, you can start printing almost immediately.
Software
Flashforge includes Orca-Flashforge, their customized fork of Orca Slicer. It includes pre-tuned profiles for the AD5X and makes multi-color setup straightforward.
You can easily assign colors, paint models, and send prints wirelessly to the printer. The only major drawback is the lack of an estimated purge waste display, which makes tracking filament usage difficult.
App
The Flash Maker mobile app (iOS/Android) lets you monitor print progress and access the camera feed if installed. However, it doesn’t yet send push notifications for completed or paused prints—something I hope Flashforge adds in the future.
Print Quality Examples
- 🎧 Headphone Holder: Crisp detail and clean 3-color transitions.
- 🛥️ Dual-Color Benchy: Excellent print quality with minimal color bleed.
- 🦆 Donald Duck Figures: Gorgeous 4-color results with vibrant contrast.
- ⚙️ Desert Kiss Dice Tower: Excellent single-color detail and overhangs.
- 🐍 Flexible Snake: Perfect adhesion and flexibility using rainbow filament.
- 🧱 TPU Prints: Surprisingly smooth results, even in multi-material mode.
Filament Waste
Like all single-nozzle multi-color printers, the AD5X generates some waste during color changes.
- 3D Benchy: 11.3g print → 89.8g purge waste
- Tentacle Holder: 67.7g print → 46.4g purge waste
- Donald Ducks: 150g print → 351g purge waste
While waste is inevitable, the AD5X is actually more efficient than many competitors like the Anycubic Kobra S1, which can double that waste.
Conclusion
The Flashforge AD5X offers impressive value at just $399. It’s fast, compact, and brings multi-color 3D printing to a more accessible price point.
Pros ✅
- Compact 4-color IFS system
- Excellent speed and reliability
- Easy setup and calibration
- Great print quality
Cons ⚠️
- Smaller Z-height (220mm)
- Purge chute placement over power cable
- No purge volume estimates in slicer
If you’re looking for an affordable way to step into multi-color or multi-material 3D printing, the AD5X is a fantastic option.
Pricing and Purchase Links
At the time of writing, the Flashforge AD5X starts at $399 USD, with bundle options for the enclosure and camera:
👀 See more information about the Flashforge AD5X (Affiliate Links):
Accessories for the AD5X:
If you’re curious how it stacks up against other budget multi-color printers, check out my recent review of the Anycubic Kobra 3 V2 for a head-to-head comparison.
