Flashforge
Flashforge AD5X
Open-frame 220 mm cube printer with a built-in 4-color IFS system, 300°C hotend and Wi-Fi
$349Price checked October 28, 2026
Best for Beginners wanting multicolorBest for Budget four-color PLA printingBest for Classrooms and maker spacesBest for Small decorative models and signs
Overview
The Flashforge AD5X is an open-frame printer with a built-in Intelligent Filament System for four-color printing, a 220 x 220 x 220 mm build volume and a 300°C hotend. Flashforge lists 300 mm/s max print speed, 600 mm/s travel, 20,000 mm/s² acceleration and Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB connectivity.
What it is
The Flashforge AD5X is an open-frame FDM printer with a four-color Intelligent Filament System (IFS) included in the box. Flashforge's US store lists a 220 x 220 x 220 mm build volume, a single extruder, one-click auto-leveling and a flexible PEI steel build plate. It is listed for sale on flashforge.com at $349, down from a regular $499.
Flashforge's own blog shows the AD5X took more than 1,000 pre-orders in late 2024. In December 2024 the company delayed shipping to late January 2025 to fix a waste chute jam found in end-user testing with some materials.
Key specs that matter
- Build volume: 220 x 220 x 220 mm, on the smaller side for current desktop printers.
- Speed: Flashforge lists 300 mm/s maximum print speed and 600 mm/s maximum travel speed, with 20,000 mm/s² acceleration.
- Temperatures: 300°C hotend and 110°C bed.
- Multicolor: The IFS holds four spools side by side and is included, not an add-on.
- Nozzles: 0.4 mm by default, with 0.25, 0.6 and 0.8 mm options. Layer thickness ranges from 0.1 to 0.4 mm.
- Materials: PLA, PETG, TPU 95A (recommended for single-color printing), TPU 64D to 75D, PLA-CF and PETG-CF.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB, with multi-device management and a 4.3-inch color touchscreen.
- Slicers: Orca-Flashforge and Orca Slicer.
Who it suits
The AD5X suits beginners and hobbyists who want multicolor PLA and PETG prints at an entry-level price, with filament detection and power outage recovery included. The Orca-based slicers make it familiar for people who already use OrcaSlicer. Ethernet support and multi-device management also help small classrooms or maker spaces that run more than one Flashforge printer. Because the IFS is included rather than sold as an add-on, the listed price covers the full multicolor setup, which makes cost comparisons with other four-color bundles straightforward.
What to know before buying
- No enclosure: The AD5X is open-frame. Flashforge sells an enclosure kit separately, and ABS or ASA are not on the supported filament list.
- No camera: Remote monitoring and chamber lighting are listed as expandable, not included.
- No air filtration or auto shutdown: Flashforge marks these features as not supported.
- Build size: At 220 mm per axis, larger helmets, cosplay pieces or long brackets may need to be split into parts.
- Multicolor waste: Like other single-nozzle systems, each color change purges filament, which adds print time and material use.
- Early shipping history: The 2024 shipping delay was tied to a waste chute jam with some materials, which Flashforge delayed shipping to resolve. Check that firmware is current after setup.
- Speed figures: The 600 mm/s figure in Flashforge's headline is the travel speed. Flashforge's own spec table lists 300 mm/s as the maximum print speed.
Specifications
| Type | FDM |
|---|---|
| Price | $349 |
| Build volume | 220×220×220 mm |
| Max speed | 300 mm/s |
| Multicolor | Yes (IFS Intelligent Filament System (included, 4 colors)) |
| Enclosed | No |
| Auto bed leveling | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Noise | Not listed |
| Release year | 2025 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- The four-color IFS system is included in the box, so multicolor printing needs no extra purchase.
- At $349 on Flashforge's US store, the price includes the four-color IFS rather than requiring an add-on.
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB connectivity cover both home networks and wired classroom or workshop setups.
- A 300°C hotend and 110°C PEI steel bed handle PLA, PETG, TPU and carbon-fiber filled blends.
- One-click auto-leveling, filament detection and power outage recovery reduce setup and failed prints.
- Orca-Flashforge and Orca Slicer support gives a familiar, widely used slicing workflow.
Cons
- The open frame has no enclosure, and ABS and ASA are not on Flashforge's supported filament list.
- A 220 x 220 x 220 mm build volume is on the small side, so larger parts may need to be split.
- No camera is included, so remote monitoring requires buying an expansion accessory.
- Flashforge lists 300 mm/s max print speed; the 600 mm/s figure applies only to travel moves.
- Air filtration and automatic shutdown are listed as not supported on the official spec table.
- Single-nozzle color changes purge filament on every swap, adding waste and time to multicolor prints.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Flashforge AD5X come with the multicolor system?
Yes. The Intelligent Filament System (IFS) for four-color printing is built in and included. The four spools sit side by side next to the printer.
Can the AD5X print ABS or ASA?
ABS and ASA are not on Flashforge's supported filament list for the AD5X. The printer is open-frame, and Flashforge sells an enclosure kit separately. Supported materials include PLA, PETG, TPU, PLA-CF and PETG-CF.
How fast is the AD5X?
Flashforge lists 300 mm/s as the maximum print speed and 600 mm/s as the maximum travel speed, with 20,000 mm/s² acceleration. Real print speed depends on the material, model and slicer settings.
Does it work with third-party filament?
Flashforge lists supported material types rather than requiring its own brand, so standard spools of PLA, PETG and similar filaments can be used. Spool size and weight should fit the IFS holders.
Does the AD5X have a camera?
No camera is included. Flashforge lists remote monitoring and chamber lighting as expandable features, which means extra accessories are needed.
Sources
Verdict
The AD5X suits budget-minded beginners who want four-color PLA and PETG printing with Wi-Fi and Ethernet in a compact machine. Buyers who need ABS or ASA, a camera, or parts larger than 220 mm should look at an enclosed or larger printer.
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