Flashforge Creator Pro - both extruders loaded?

[BelleAim]

Hello! I am brand new to the 3D printing world and I just got my Flashforge Creator Pro (thanks to the wonderful 2015 buyers guide from this site!). I almost have it set up, but was hoping to just open one bag of filament until I am more comfortable with printing to open the other bag, I heard it was better to keep them stored air-tight with the desiccant so they wouldn’t become brittle. Is it possible to use the machine with just one extruder loaded? I wasn’t sure if it was necessary to have both loaded for proper bed calibration.

Thank you very much for the help!

[dunginhawk]

BelleAim you are totally cool just loading one spool of filament. In fast it will work better… If you load two and only use one, the 2nd one can have residual filament on the nozzle and drag through prints etc.

The FFCP is a GREAT printer, congrats… I love mine…

[jasonk]

Thats OK to do. One of the best aspects of the FFCP is you can eventually load both sides, and do single extrusion prints without having to change filament. A lot of multiple part prints look cooler with contrasting color parts Good luck! Jason

[BelleAim]

Thanks so much! I completed my first print and it was perfect! So happy so far. Excited to learn more!

[BelleAim]

Thank you! I like the idea of having contrasting color in one piece, excited to learn more!

[iTech3DP]

I find that I hardly use the second extruder and personally and I remove the nozzle and PTFE tube so that it doesn’t interfere with my printing; just my opinion. Congratulations on your new FFCP, you are going to LOVE it!

[dunginhawk]

ive had my FFCP over a year now and never printed dual colors or dual filament ever… ive always thought the idea was cool, and just never used it haha.

[jasonk]

Yeah, the dual feature is a little tricky to use, but once you figure it out, it’s pretty cool. I’ve finally learned how to create dual prints from scratch, and it is pretty rewarding. My current project is creating custom two colored coasters. I’m thinking that having some customizable two color prints might have appeal for customers. Anyhow, I hope you have a chance to try it out soon! Happy Printing!

[BelleAim]

Wow! Those are awesome! Thanks for sharing pics. Now I’m even more excited to start designing dual colored prints!

[Cotterpin]

I’m a bit late to the party but a Food Saver has a dual purposes to saving filament from the humidity and such.