Looking for a large format 3D printer that does not disappoint with print quality? Read our QIDI Tech X Plus 2 review to find out whether the printer is for yo
u.
QIDI Tech X-Plus 3D Printer is a product of the Chinese company, QIDI Tech. The company manufactures 3D printers for both the consumer market and professionals.
This 3D printer features robust construction, smart features and efficient extrusion equipment. The unit has been designed to effectively combine affordability and usability.
In this printer, you get two replaceable extruder heads, two types of spool holder attachments, a removable build plate, filament sensor, print recovery from an unscheduled shutdown, and a large 11 cm touch screen.
In this review, we talk about the specs and features of the QIDI Tech X-Plus.
QIDI X-Plus Review
QIDI Tech X-Plus Overview
comes in a metal case with acrylic side covers. This is a stable 3D printer that weighs about 23 kg and stands securely on 4 rubber feet. The rubber feet ensure stable movement of the drive mechanism and the extruder head.
The printer has two types of filament spool mounts; inside the print chamber and outside. Depending on the material you choose, you can 3D print use cooled or constant temperature. Moreover, you can choose the best extruder to suit your needs; from standard 250°C options to high temperature engineering plastics.
The QIDI Tech X-Plus is operated through a responsive touchscreen. The unit is part of an ecosystem that also includes the company’s self-developed, easy-to-use QIDI Print slicing software.
The X-Plus is a plug-and-play semi-professional 3D printer that lets you print quality 3D models virtually out of the box. So, if you’re looking for an intuitive 3D printing device capable of printing high-resolution models, the X-Plus is your choice.
QIDI X-Plus Specifications
General Specifications
| Technology | Fused deposition modeling (FDM) |
| Year | 2018 |
| Assembly | Assembled |
| Mechanical arrangement | Cartesian XY-head |
| Manufacturer | Qidi Tech |
| Build volume | 270 x 200 x 200 mm |
| Feeder system | Direct drive |
| Print head | Single nozzle |
| Nozzle size | 0.4 mm |
| Max. hot end temperature | 300 ℃ |
| Max. heated bed temperature | 100 ℃ |
| Print bed material | PEI |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Bed leveling | Manual (assisted) |
| Connectivity | WIFI/LAN/USB Pen Drive |
| Print recovery | Yes |
| Filament sensor | Yes |
| Camera | No |
Materials
| Filament diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Third-party filament | Yes |
| Filament materials | Consumer materials (Carbon fiber, Nylon, PETG, TPU, PC, ABS, PLA) |
Software
| Recommended slicer | Cura, Simplify3D |
| Operating system | Windows, Mac OSX |
| File types | STL, OBJ, AMF |
Dimensions & Weight
| Machine dimensions | 560(L)*450(W)*420(H)mm |
| Weight | 30 kg |
The X-Plus has a fully enclosed design and comprises of an internal metal frame, plastic housing and acrylic cover panels. As an FDM 3D printer, it melts the filament and squeezes it out of the nozzle, drawing on the part layer by layer, until it is finished.
The single direct drive extruder (direct extruder) is equipped with a 0.4mm nozzle. The nozzle can print plastic filament with a diameter of 1.75 mm. The print head moves along the X and Y axes during printing, and the platform is lowered vertically.
With a minimum layer height of 50 microns, the device produces functional end-use parts with smooth surfaces and good detail. Setting a higher layer height speeds up the process. However, the result would be a lower Z-axis resolution and more visibility of the layers.
QIDI Tech X-Plus has a decent printable area of 270 x 200 x 200mm. This allows you to make large enough parts without having to break them into several parts and then glue them together.
Features of QIDI X-Plus
The QIDI Tech X-Plus has a power failure recovery feature and filament end sensor. Therefore, you won’t incur any losses due to power outages or depleted spool. These smart features, along with Wi-Fi connectivity, enable offline automatic 3D printing.
The print bed will need to be calibrated from time to time. However, the process of leveling the bed is very simple inasmuch as it’s a manual one. The built-in touchscreen helps you with this by offering two assisted calibration options: quick and regular.
LEDs illuminate the inside of the print chamber, giving you constant control over the printing process. A silent fan with an air filter is installed on the rear panel of the case. The fan significantly reduces the emission of vapors from the heated plastic into the room.
The X-Plus has two different spool holders. By installing the coil inside the camera, you get dried filament, without excess moisture from the air. The second holder, located on the outside of the printer, is ideal for printing with materials like PLA and holds up to three spools.
The printer comes with two extruder units: one for printing with regular plastic and the other for printing high temperature filaments. Both are direct extruders. This versatility makes the QIDI X-Plus suitable for semi-professional applications.
What’s in the Box?
The printer is shipped in a sturdy cardboard box containing the accessories, the printer and two side panels.
In the package you will find:
- Side panels with magnets
- Acrylic cover
- Removable double coated build plate
- Extruder at 250°C
- Internal filament spool holder
- External filament spool holder
- Filament coil
- USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB
- Glue stick
- One year warranty
- User guide
- Platform calibration paper
- Network cable
- Power Supply
- Basic set of tools (clamps, attachments, nipples and screwdriver).
The glue stick is designed to improve the adhesion of the first layer to the platform when needed. The manual is written in simple language, and includes text and pictures. Read to manual to know more about the printer and how to set it up.
The package may not include a second, high temperature extruder. Check its availability when purchasing.
Unboxing, Assembly and First Impressions
The printer is delivered assembled. After removing the printer and its parts from the box, you just need to get the accessories, install the external filament spool holder and, if necessary, install the side covers.
Loading filament and calibrating the platform are the only required steps before the first print. By following the instructions on the screen and using the supplied calibration paper, you can easily align the print bed.
It is recommended to select “normal process” for the first calibration. For further calibrations, the “quick alignment process” can be used.
This detailed video shows the unboxing and setup of the QIDI Tech X-Plus. The process takes about 20 minutes.
Build Quality and Design
The QIDI Tech X Plus 2 3D printer is large and heavy. However, it can be easily handled by one person. The frame and internal structure of the device are made of steel and alloys, while the outer casing is made of thick plastic. The print head moves along linear guides.
The platform is made of aluminum. At the heart of the dual Z-axis system are two stainless steel rods, 10 mm thick each, and a screw rod between them, 8 mm thick. The cables are wrapped in segmented flexible conduit that protects them, reducing the risk of damage and giving the printer a cleaner appearance.
The double-sided working plate is made of spring steel and held on the platform by 19 magnets. One surface of the plate, the black one, allows printing with high-temperature plastic (up to 300°C).
The other plate is designed for conventional printing materials and is used together with a glue stick. The plate can be easily removed from the print chamber. This makes it much easier to remove the finished prints.
The device is supplied with a direct extruder and its nozzle heats up to 250°C. The standard extrusion unit can be easily upgraded with an optional high temperature module, which allows printing of materials that heat up to 300°C.
The printer allows filament to be fed both from the inside of the chamber and from the outside. The inner holder attaches to the inner rear of the printer, while the outer one is supported by two retractable clips located on the upper rear of the device from the outside.
When printing with heat-sensitive materials, capricious to drafts and temperature extremes, it is better to close the print chamber with magnetic side panels.
The ON/OFF button on the front of the printer is adjacent to the touchscreen control display. The USB and Ethernet connection ports below allow direct control of the computer or offline printing from a USB drive.
The QIDI X-Plus weighs 23 kg and measures 710 x 540 x 520 mm. Its stable design ensures precise and stable performance.
Software and Firmware
Like all QIDI 3D printers, the X-Plus is integrated with the proprietary QIDI Print slicer. The program is easy to use and intuitive. The proprietary QIDI slicer is based on the popular Cura Slicer and has most of its functions. Therefore, it is easy to learn by everyone who is familiar with it.
X-Plus is an open source device. Therefore, you can also use other slicers with it. The printer is compatible with the best 3D slicers on the market. Depending on your needs, you can use a proprietary program or third-party ones, including Simplify3D and Repetier-Host.
As for the firmware, the Sailfish version works on the X-Plus. The firmware works smoothly. In case of problems with printing, you can contact the QIDI support service with a request for an update. The team will provide you with all the necessary information and files.
How to Print on QIDI X-Plus
Two extruders with different heating temperatures allow the X-Plus to print both common consumer 3D printing plastics such as PLA, ABS, PETG and TPU, as well as refractory materials such as nylon, polycarbonate and carbon fiber filament.
The direct drive feeder, direct extruder, helps you print with flexible (resilient) and soft consumables. On the other hand, the body is suitable for printing with temperature-sensitive filaments such as ABS.
The platform with a removable double plate is heated to 100°C. As we mentioned above, each side provides good adhesion to conventional or refractory plastics/ The white coating works with low-temperature filaments, while the black coating works with high-temperature filaments.
The maximum print temperature is 300°C.
The open source QIDI X-Plus 3D Printer makes it compatible with any manufacturer’s filament.
Pros and Cons of QIDI X-Plus
Pros
- Impressive print volume 270 x 200 x 200 mm.
- Very simple and easy to use for beginners.
- Prints with both conventional and refractory (up to 300°C) plastics.
- Open and Closed Case – Depending on the print media, the side panels can be removed and replaced, providing excellent ventilation or constant temperature control.
- The high print quality of QIDI X-Plus makes it suitable for professional use.
Cons
- The touchscreen display has poor sensitivity.
- Not everyone will like the branded slicer, but you can use any available slicer.
- The price can be a bit high for beginners.
Print Quality
With the ability to print relatively large models, the printer is stable enough to deliver excellent quality with fewer defects. Here are just a few of the models printed on QIDI Tech X-Plus.
Conclusion
The QIDI Tech X-Plus is a high performance desktop 3D printer aimed at semi-professional users. With a 270 x 200 x 200mm print chamber, 50 micron layer resolution and controlled temperature inside the chamber, the unit can produce quality parts with ease.
The device comes with two exchangeable extruders. A high temperature extruder is essential for those who want to print and experiment with nylon, polycarbonate and other filaments that heat up to 300 degrees.
Quality factory assembly and ease of use make the X-Plus 3 an excellent choice.
Where to Buy QIDI X-Plus
You can buy QIDI X-Plus from Top 3D Shop and QIDI.
Top3DShop is the official supplier of QIDI Tech products to the American market. The company offers original quality equipment, an official guarantee and the best possible service.
