QIDI X Smart 3 3D Printer

The QIDI X-Smart 3 3D printer is a cheap enclosed 3D printer that is suitable for both hobbyists and enthusiasts. But when we say cheap, this does not mean it’s an underperformer. In fact, the features and specs of this unit are way above some of its more expensive counterparts.

Read on to find out what you should expect of this new 3D printer.

UPDATE: Read our hands-on QIDI X-Smart 3 review.

QIDI X-Smart 3 3D Printer

AVAILABLE ON QIDI3D

The Chinese company, QIDI Technology, has gained a reputation for developing highly reliable and cost-effective machines. With the X-Series of 3D printers, the X-Smart 3 is the smallest and most affordable unit. However, it still shares most of the characteristics of its advanced brothers, i.e. the X-Max and the X-Plus.

The X-Smart has remarkable features and functionalities compared to its peers on the market. The printer features a compact, sturdy design, user friendly interface, and impressive performance. Let’s delve deeper into the features of the 3D printer.

See an overview of the 3D printer below:

Features

The QIDI X-Smart 3 3D printer is a great machine for beginners in 3D printing. With its intuitive design and cutting-edge functionalities, it makes 3D printing child’s play.

Effortless Setup (Plug and Play)

If you’ve had any QiDi Tech’s 3D printer before, you likely are familiar with their emphasis on ease of use. The company’s machines are designed to be user-friendly. The X-Smart 3 follows suit. The unit requires minimal effort during the initial setup.

The printer comes almost 95% fully assembled. Therefore, you can begin your projects within minutes after a few simple setup steps. For example, you will need to cut off some tie zips, remove some allen keys, load the filament and initiate bed leveling. These steps are well outlined in the instruction manual that is included in the 3D printer package.

You’ll be ready to start printing in about 10 minutes.

Easy to Use

With its plug-and-play design, it’s obvious that this printer is easy to use. The manufacturer ships the printer with a comprehensive manual that will outlines the steps on getting started. Like other QIDI 3D printers, the X-Smart 3 uses QIDI software (as well as third party options, like Cura, Simplify3D, etc.).

The printer’s 4.3″ touchscreen is intuitive and has all the settings you need to get started. For example, there is an auto leveling button that you can press to level the print bed automatically. No more worrying about manual leveling.

Enclosed Structure

No surprise here for those familiar with Qidi Tech 3D printers. Every machine produced by the company prioritizes safety, and perhaps that is why all of them feature a fully enclosed design.

There are various advantages of using an enclosed system. To begin, unlike open frame designs that expose prints to dust and dirt, this printer preserves not only the components but also significantly reduces operational noise.

Also, with an enclosed print area, the printer effectively maintains a steady temperature within the build space. This critical feature safeguards prints from warping, especially when using challenging materials like ABS.

Finally, with an enclosed chamber, the printer nozzle can reach temperatures of about 300°C. This means you can use it to print various high-temp materials, such as nylon.

Improved Cooling System

The QIDI X-Smart 3 has a turbo cooling fan for comprehensive cooling from all four sides. This way, the unit achieves optimal print cooling while preventing any undesirable uneven shrinkage. Even cooling is critical to getting high quality prints.

However, you need to select the appropriate fan settings based on the chosen printing material. For example, it is not advisable to cool ABS fast. Otherwise, they may shrink and lead to various printing complications.

Multiple Material Compatibility

With the X-Smart, your printing options extend beyond just PLA. Thanks to the high extruder temperature of 300°C and the enclosed frame, printing with both flexible and rigid filaments is straightforward.

AVAILABLE ON QIDI

The printer can handle PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, PC, nylon, polycarbonate and other materials. By accurately configuring the settings for the chosen material, your printed parts will come out accurately.

Heated and Removable Printbed

The X-Smart 3 has a heated, removable build plate that is flexible to bend. This makes removing printed parts easy. Instead of worrying about damaging parts while attempting to detach them from the print bed, you can effortlessly bend the build plate for the parts to self-release.

The printbed is PC-coated on both sides. PC-coated. Unfortunately, this means you can’t use different sides for different filaments. However, having the other side as a backup is still a plus.

Printing Speed

The printer’s CoreXY architecture minimizes inertia, enabling impressive print speeds of up to 500 mm/s. While high speeds often cause heightened vibrations and subsequent loss in print quality, the X-SMART 3 mitigates this effect through a resonance compensation function, ensuring a consistent print quality.

To achieve this soeed, the printer can accelerate up to 20,000mm/s². Utilizing a CoreXY structure effectively reduces motion inertia, enhancing the overall speed of movement.

Compared to its predecessor, the MAX2, this printer boasts a notable 20% accuracy enhancement. Regarding flow speed, it can handle an impressive 30mm³/s, ensuring rapid and efficient printing. The printer is compatible with a maximum filament diameter of 1.75mm and can achieve a maximum print size of 180 x 180 x 170mm. Although this places it as the smallest option within Qidi’s X series printers, the size remains respectable, making it an excellent entry point for those venturing into the realm of 3D printing.

Moreover, the adoption of carbon rods on the X-axis, like those used in the X-MAX 3 and X-PLUS 3, paired with a lightweight extruder, substantially reduces the weight of the printhead and X-axis. This reduction contributes to smoother movements during printing.

Moreover, it incorporates a silent drive mechanism to minimize operational noise. Under the hood, it employs an RK3328 64-bit processor with a primary frequency of 15GHz, along with 8G-EMMC and 1G DDR3 for efficient performance.

Print Resume

Like is expected of modern 3D printers, the X-Smart 3 has a print resume feature. In the event of a power outage, the printer intelligently saves the ongoing print and resumes it once power is restored. This means you don’t need not restart the print. The result? You save on valuable materials, effort, and time.

Automatic Bed Leveling

The QIDI X-Smart 3 features an automatic bed leveling (ABL) sensor. This sensor compensates for any unevenness on the print bed by detecting the metal print surface.

The sensor is effective with the provided print bed. However, it is not compatible with a glass bed. Keep this in mind if you prefer using a glass bed for your prints.

During the automatic bed leveling process, the sensor scans 16 points on the bed. The leveling takes some time. However, once the bed is leveled, you won’t need to level it again before every print.

This system ensures your prints adhere properly to the bed, resulting in more consistent and reliable prints.

Technical Specs

Weighing a mere 11 kg and with dimensions measuring 370 x 362 x 397 mm, this 3D printer is incredibly compact. It fits perfectly on any work desk.

Crafted with a sturdy plastic exterior, the printer produces consistent printing results by employing a range of features. For example, it has a single direct drive feeding system that is easy to use.

Build Volume

While the build volume isn’t that large (measures 175*180*170 mm), it is adequate for creators to fashion their parts. The build volume makes the printer suitable for crafting small to medium-sized parts. Therefore, it is perfect for most consumer projects.

To enhance the printing experience, the enclosure incorporates built-in LED lights, adding to the overall convenience of the process.

The printer boasts a 4mm nozzle and can achieve an extruder temperature of up to 300°C.

Equipped with a heated bed capable of reaching 130°C, the print bed’s PC material ensures commendable bed adhesion. And with the elimination of manual bed leveling, the printer is easy to learn. It produces good quality prints out of the box. You can, of course, tweak the settings for optimal print results.

Connectivity

You can transfer files to the printer through multiple options; USB, WIFI, and ethernet. The unit is compatible with third-party filaments and is one of the best enclosed 3D printers on the market.

First Impressions

The QIDI X-Smart 3D printer comes fully assembled. The packaging is secure. Styrofoam and custom inserts are used to ensure safe transit. Inside the box, there is a printed manual for setting up the printer effortlessly. The setup assembly instructions can also be accessed through the 4.3″ touchscreen display.

The package is inclusive of all the necessary tools you will need to start printing immediately. These include a toolbox, spool holder, sample filament, ethernet cable, glue stick, power cable, USB cable, among others. You won’t need to buy any additional accessories to start printing.

Setup

Getting started with the QIDI X Smart 3 is easy. Besides the automatic leveling, which may take a few minutest, there’s nothing else involved in the setup.

The moment you unpack the printer, cut the fastening zip ties and unscrew the fastening allen keys. From there, simply install the spool holder at the back of the printer and load the filament. And with that, you’ll be set to begin your first print within a few minutes.

You can conveniently manage most settings directly from the 4.3-inch touchscreen of the printer.

Printing Type and Cost

The QiDi X Smart 3 3D Printer uses Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. The extruder heats and melts the filament, constructing one layer at a time. After each layer cools, the print bed descends, creating space for the subsequent layer. This sequential process continues until the part is completely printed.

When it comes to the cost of printing, FDM machines, like this one, are more affordable than SLA, DLP or other resin-type of printers. The overall cost, including the machine and materials, is relatively low.

However, to calculate the cost of each print on your printer, you’ll need to take into account various factors, including material cost, print size, layer height, and numerous other parameters.

Print Quality

With a maximum nozzle temperature of 280 °C and a heated print bed, this printer ensures effortless printing with a wide range of consumer thermoplastics. The unit has a direct drive extruder with a 9.5:1 gear ratio and a maximum flow rate of 30 mm³/s. Therefore, it guarantees consistent high-quality printing, even at elevated speeds.

Its magnetic double-sided build plate is flexible, allowing for easy removal of printed parts. The printer is equipped with a 0.4 mm brass nozzle for precision printing.

Without any doubt, the 3D Printer stands out as a true gem for makers in terms of print quality. Remarkably, even at its price point, it surpasses machines with higher costs in delivering exceptional print results.

Software The printer operates on an open-source platform, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of applications. To achieve optimal results, you have the option to select from Qidi Print, Cura, or Simplify3D.

Customer Service

Qidi Tech is renowned for its exceptional customer service. They offer a wealth of resources, including frequently asked questions and instructional videos on printing settings, to facilitate a smooth start in 3D Printing.

Additionally, their customer support is highly responsive, readily addressing any concerns or issues you may encounter. You can reach the support using email support@qidi3d.com or their social media channels.

The Verdict

The QIDI X-Smart 3 3D Printer is a highly dependable device, delivering excellent results. The printer is suitable for beginners, produces high quality prints and is quite affordable. Moreover, at a price of less than $400, this is a worthwhile investment.

We love that the unit comes fully assembled, has automatic bed leveling, and has print resume.

SEE PRICE ON QIDI

RECOMMENDED

• QIDI Q1 Pro Review