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X-Smart 3D printer by Qidi Tech is a semi-professional machine helping makers and enthusiasts create wonderful designs with ease.
Qidi Technology is a Chinese manufacturer which started working officially in 2012. Without any doubt, the company has been able to design some of the greatest machines which are highly reliable, yet affordable. And, Qidi Tech X-Smart 3D Printer is no different. When it comes to its amazing features and well-crafted functionalities, the machine is really a gem.
With the manufacturer’s aim to balance affordability along with versatility in its offerings, the 3D Printers by Qidi flaunts almost every important feature that isn’t usually found in the machines falling under a similar price category.
Still do not believe us? Why not check out our X-Smart 3D Printer in-depth review and find out yourself?
Using an all-metal frame design, the 3D printer is very compact offering a plethora of amazing features making the machine both safe and simple to use. So, let’s begin and know about this 3D printer, a little more closely.
Features
As mentioned, the X-Smart 3D printer by QiDi Tech is a very reliable choice for beginners. With user-friendly design and advanced features, the manufacturer is targeting the makers who wish to start 3D printing.
Here are some of the useful and interesting features that you must not miss when checking this machine out.
Plug and Play
If you have used any 3D printer from the company before, you would know that QiDi tech always focuses on easy operation. Therefore, the machines are mostly user-friendly. In this case, too, the printer does not need much effort while setting it for the first time.
Comes completely assembled and you can start working in a few minutes after a few initial steps. For instance, feeding the filament, bed leveling etc.
However, all these steps are very neatly explained by the manufacturer. So, if you are someone who wishes to create unique high-quality designs, however, does not want the trouble of too many settings, this is the pick for you.
Easy to Operate
Credit: all3dp.com
Isn’t that obvious with a plug-and-play design? Well, it is! However, this printer takes simplicity to the next level. Precisely, the manufacturer provides a complete ecosystem.
From software to the touchscreen interface, it’s an all-in-one solution for beginners. Therefore, opting for machines that are too complex to set up and aren’t even closer in terms of accuracy with X-Smart would be unwise.
Enclosed Design
This won’t be a surprise with a Qidi Tech 3D printer. Every machine from this company is safer to use, hence, completely enclosed. Therefore, helping users achieve many benefits from the design.
Instead of exposing the prints to dust and dirt like the open frame designs, this printer saves not only the parts but the users too from touching the heated components of the machine. Also, because of the enclosed frame, it does not create a lot of noise.
This is not it. With an enclosed print area, the printer is capable of maintaining a consistent temperature inside the build space. Therefore, saving parts from becoming prone to warping when printing with difficult materials such as ABS.
Enhanced Cooling
What makes the entire design even more irresistible is the inclusion of a turbo cooling fan. Using the fans, the printer ensures cooling from all four sides. This manages the easy print cooling while preventing the same from any unwanted unilateral shrinkage.
As it is with even cooling, the printing success enhances. Thus, the success rate of overall print quality. However, you must choose the fan setting depending on what material you choose to print.
For instance, it is not recommended to cool down ABS prints rapidly. As it will tend to shrink, giving way to many other printing issues.
Multi-Material Support
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Yes, your prints are not limited to just PLA. On the contrary, using X-Smart, users can print with a variety of materials.
With optimal extruder temperature and enclosed frame, printing with flexible and stubborn filaments is a piece of cake. Only you must use the correct settings for the material used for printing, your parts would be accurate and precise.
Heated and Removable Print Bed
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When it comes to the build plate, where all the designs take shape, the manufacturer has left no stone unturned to make everything perfect.
Featuring a heated, and removable build plate, X-Smart’s print bed is flexible too. This means that the removal of parts won’t be a mess at all.
The design of the 3D printer is suitable for beginners. As it is simply easy to remove prints from the inside of the printer once finished.
Instead of the fear of running the parts in an attempt to remove them from the print bed, one can simply bend the build plate. And, the parts will pop by themselves. As easy as it sounds.
Resume Print from Power Outage
Usually, users are often worried about unscheduled power outages, running their prints. But when working with the Qidi Tech X-Smart 3D printer, this problem isn’t an issue at all. Want to know how?
Well! The printer comes with the print resume function. Therefore, whenever there is a power outage, the printer saves the print and resumes it once the power comes back.
So, users do not have to start the print over. This also helps in saving material, effort, and time of users.
Manual Bed Leveling
Although the printer is simple to operate, users must learn how to calibrate the machine for a successful print completion. Unlike other machines that are complex to level, this one is easy. And, once you find out the best setting for your printer, it will later be effortless and seamless.
Also, automatic leveling could allow for better precision. Hence, the printer becomes even more popular among makers and not just the home users.
Specifications
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Weighing only 15 kgs, the 3D printer has a footprint of 390 x 360 x 360 mm. Hence, it is very compact and easily fits the work desk.
Made of an aluminum frame, the machine is also very sturdy and offers consistent printing results utilizing a variety of features.
The printer works on a direct drive feeding system which is easy to operate. And, comes with a single nozzle.
Talking about the build volume, it isn’t too big. But has sufficient space for makers to create parts. It offers a build volume of 170 x 150 x 150 mm.
The printer is equipped with a 4mm nozzle size. And, the extruder can reach a temperature of 240 degrees Celsius.
It also has a heated bed that can reach a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. The print bed material is PEI which offers commendable bed adhesion.
Although the printer has a manual bed leveling feature, it still easy to learn in just a few attempts to perfect printing. You can connect using USB, WIFI, and ethernet to upload your 3D models for printing.
Plus, the printer is compatible with third-party filaments. So, it is easier to pick the one you like, instead of bounded to work with proprietary materials. In short, the printer is the right pick for the money you pay.
Price
This is one of the most affordable semi-professional 3D printers for makers costing just $399. However, we recommend connecting with the manufacturer for price.
First Impressions
As you know that the 3D printer is completely assembled, you can expect it to arrive in one piece. The packaging is perfect and very secure.
With styrofoam and safe inserts, the company ensures that the printer reaches the customer without any problem. Plus, you receive a manual for setting the printer without any hassle. The assembly instructions are clearly specified for a trouble-free experience.
The package contains all the essential tools users may need to start printing right away. Acrylic covers, Filament Guide tube, Top lid, a toolbox, Spool holder, Sample filament, Bed leveling paper, ethernet cable, glue stick, power cable, USB cable, SD card as well as SD card reader.
In short, you do not have to wait to purchase anything else. Once the printer arrives, all you have to do is set it up and start printing.
Setup
The setup is easy, as mentioned before. Apart from the manual leveling that may take a few trials to be set, you need nothing to do extra for creating amazing parts.
Right after you remove the printer from the box, just install the spool holder. It must be installed on the back of the QiDi Tech Smart-X 3D printer.
With that, comes the loading of the filament. Definitely, you can consider X-Smart a real plug-and-play machine. Only after manual calibration, you can start with your first print in a few minutes’ time.
The printer has adjustable leveling knobs for helping you level the bed accurately. In case of any confusion, do not forget to check the manual and work accordingly.
There is also a 3.5 inches touchscreen for users to carry most of the settings from there itself.
Printing Type/Cost
QiDi Tech Smart-X 3D Printer is an FDM machine. Therefore, it works using filaments. The extruder melts the filament and creates one layer at a time.
Every time the layer cools down, the bed moves downward, making space for the next layer. This entire process continues unless the part is printed completely.
When considering the cost of printing, it is exciting to know that FDM machines are much affordable when considering other 3D printing processes.
From machine cost to material price, you can complete parts in considerably less amount.
However, for calculating the cost of each print on your printer, you must consider a variety of factors. For instance, the material cost, the size of your print, the layer height, and a lot of other parameters.
Print Quality
Credit: top3dshop.com
Without any confusion, we can deem that the 3D Printer is a real gem for makers in terms of print quality. At its price tag, it even outruns the machines costing more.
Software
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The printer is open source. Hence, it is compatible with a lot of applications. However, for best results, you can choose among Qidi Print, Cura, Simplify3D.
Customer Service
Qidi Tech is known for offering great customer service. From most asked questions to printing setting’s videos, the manufacturer has everything you will need for getting started with 3D Printing.
It also has very responsive customer support. So, you are always welcome to present your problems and the company will resolve any issues at the earliest.
Parameters Influencing Buying Decision
Before you plan to make the final decision, let’s revise the important facts about the QiDi Tech Smart-X 3D printer quickly.
3D Printer cost: Highly affordable and easily accessible. Designed for beginners.
3D Print quality: The printer works great for its price tag. Better than most of the alternatives falling at a higher range as well.
3D Print speed: Industry standard.
3D Printer capability: Users can create precise designs using this printer.
3D Printer Practicality: Made for beginners. From home users aspiring for high-quality results to enthusiasts can work with this printer to achieve desired results.
3D Printer User expectations: What else one can expect at this price tag?
The Verdict
Qidi Tech Smart-X 3D Printer is a very reliable machine offering great results to beginners. Made for those with serious goals to create wonderful models can certainly opt for this affordable machine without a second thought.
Definitely worth the penny you pay for Smart-X. From quality to advanced features, you get to enjoy a lot of perks working with this plug-and-play machine.
