One of the best technologies that have appeared is 3D printers. With them, you can bring to life something you created from the computer in only a few hours. Today in our Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Review, we will discuss one 3D printer that does the job perfectly.
The X-Max 3 3D Printer from Qidi is an ideal product with a massive print area. It also provides useful features such as auto-levelling, hyper-fast print speeds, and more.
To know more about this product, continue reading our Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Review. Here, you can find information about its design, features, specs, functions, and how it performs.
Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Packaging
The X-Max 3 ships in a huge box that requires two people to move it around since it weighs 38kg. It was so large that it barely fit our work area, but once we unboxed it, everything was fine.
Its entire packaging was secure and well-made, ensuring the printer arrived at its destination safely. Inside, you will find the following:
- The X-Max 3 3D Printer
- Dryer Box
- Filament Spool Holder
- 500g Filament
- Three Allen Keys
- Holder Cover
- 7mm Spanner
- Desiccant
- Power Cord
- Scraper
- Ethernet Cable
- Glue Stick
- USB 2.0 Flash Drive
- Two Hotends
- Spare Parts Kit
- 0.4mm Nozzle Cleaning Tool
Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Review – Design and Functionality
When we unboxed the printer for our Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Review, we saw how fully enclosed it was. It features plastic side panels to keep in hot air within to ensure top-notch printing jobs. The design is ideal for higher-temperature filaments like ASA, PETG, ABS, PAHT-CF, etc.
The front door of its enclosure is transparent plastic, like its detachable top cover. Remember to remove the latter when printing filaments (TPU, PLA, etc.). Doing so will prevent nozzle clogs and heat creeps because of higher chamber temperatures.
Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Printing Area
A primary component of all 3D printers is their printing area. Without adequate space, there is a limit to the designs you can create.
But with the X-Max 3, you will not have issues with space. Its entire print area measures 325 x 325 x 315mm for all the space required for small to mid-sized prints. The field is more massive, unlike other on-desk models that are smaller.
We measured the product for our Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Review. Here, we saw that the printer measures 553 x 553 x 601mm and weighs 66.56 lbs. With its size, you will need a more spacious area within your work area to accommodate the X-Max 3.
Dual-sided Textured PEI plate
This element comes with the X-Max 3 and is essential for delivering outstanding adhesion for most materials. Most of our prints had excellent adhesion after heating the bed, which was released quickly after cooling down. It is worth noting that we did not require any glue.
Temperature-Controlled Chamber of the Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer
The X-Max 3 has a sealed, temperature-regulated chamber as a drying enclosure. It comes complete with its autonomous heating unit capable of reaching temperatures as high as 65 degrees.
A primary advantage of this heating chamber is its ability to eliminate warping issues when manufacturing your projects. Moreover, the precision of the temperature control system facilitates exceptional 3D printing operations.
When harnessing the power of this temperature-controlled chamber and drying enclosure system, you can expect superior printing with each use.
Chamber Circulation Fan
The chamber circulation fan is another notable element Qidi integrated into their 3D printer. It has an activated carbon air filter, allowing the product to circulate air within its confines. Its carbon air filter is also an excellent addition for several reasons.
This element helps filter out harmful fumes that can force you out of the working environment and cause potential harm. Moreover, it helps decrease odour from 3D printing to improve the quality of air indoors.
New All-Metal Frame
Looking further into its design for our Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Review, we immediately noticed its all-metal frame. Thanks to this frame design, the printer is damage-resistant no matter its placement.
Furthermore, the frame stability receives enhancements by integrating robust metal crossbeams at the base. It effectively minimises the risk of structural distortion.
Another noteworthy aspect is the 6mm-thick metal bottom plate within the printing area. It further amplifies the overall durability of the system.
Automatic Levelling and Resonance Compensation
There is an array of exceptional features integrated into the X-Max 3. Qidi went the extra mile to maximise your chances of achieving impeccable prints immediately. One standout feature among these is the automatic levelling mechanism.
This ingenious system ensures precise levelling of the printing platform before initiating any print job. It provides a solid foundation for flawless results from the very beginning. With the Klipper Adaptive Meshing and Purging system, this technology guarantees flawless execution of the initial print layer.
The Klipper system operates on a potent 64-bit processor with Cortex-A53 architecture. It boasts a formidable primary frequency of 1.5GHz, supplemented by 8G EMMC and 1G DDR3 for top-tier performance.
Furthermore, the X-Max 3 incorporates resonance compensation and pressure advance features, enhancing its printing performance. The resonance compensation system ensures exceptionally smooth prints by eliminating rough edges often observed within print layers.
Simultaneously, the pressure advance system maintains seamless printing, regardless of the printing process speed. During acceleration phases, this system intelligently regulates filament extrusion, counteracting elasticity within the printing materials to uphold its quality.
Two Different Hotends of the Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer
Qidi goes the extra mile by equipping each printer with two sets of hotends. The initial hotend features a nozzle crafted from a copper alloy.
This choice of material substantially bolsters thermal conductivity, producing smoother prints with enhanced durability. Conversely, the second nozzle is a hardened steel piece.
This hardened steel nozzle shines when handling abrasive materials or catering to prolonged, intensive printing tasks. Regardless of composition, each can accommodate a maximum print temperature of 350 degrees. It amply meets the requirements of most of your printing endeavours.
5-inch Touchscreen
The X-Max 3 touchscreen is a 12.7cm unit with an 800 x 480px resolution + resistive input. It does not match capacitive screens, but it does the job and effectively works for the printer.
Key Features of the Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer
The product is promising, featuring plenty of elements, making it worth considering. We listed the features in our Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Review to let you know what it can offer.
A New, All-metal Frame
The printer is sturdy and durable since it has an ultra-stable metal crossbeam at the base. It makes the product resistant to deformation. Plus, it comes with a steel, hollow linear shaft.
Top-notch Tough Linear Steel + Hollow Optical Axis
It comes with optimised surface straightness and a lower error deflection rated at 60%.
Highly Durable without the Need for Regular Maintenance
Thanks to its build and design, the printer can last a lifetime without bothering with replacements.
Core XY Structure
With this feature, you can decrease Inertia and enhance the motion speed without problems. With the TMC2209, you can enjoy a silent drive with less noise.
Optimised Cooling System for Better Performance
With better cooling, there are fewer chances of clogging while ensuring a seamless intrusion. Also, you can experience steadier, faster, more powerful extrusion with a 9.5:1 gear ratio.
Two Hotend Sets
The X-Max3 has a copper alloy nozzle to provide optimised thermal conductivity, smoother printing, and enhanced durability. It also has a durable hardened steel nozzle designed for abrasive materials. Both can reach a maximum temperature of 350 degrees.
Temperature Controlled Chamber and Drying Box
This 3D printer features a temperature-controlled chamber with an active heating device. Its maximum heat is 65°C, allowing it to print PAHT-CF, PET-CF, and many other materials efficiently. Plus, it has a chamber circulation fan with activated carbon air filters.
No Separation of Layers
The heated chamber can reach high temperatures, allowing the X-Max 3 to print with more materials. It also ensures uniform printing of each part of the models without internal stress.
We made multiple print samples with this printer to share our experience in this Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Review. This product delivered excellent results and printed our models flawlessly. Thanks to its effective heated chamber, we noticed no layer separation.
Auto Levelling
The Klipper Adaptive Meshing + Purging ensures flawless first-layer efficiency for every 3D print.
Flexible HF Plate
The flexible HF plate offers optimised adhesion to prevent warping issues. Plus, it also makes it easier to remove your prints.
Outstanding User Experience
The popular Qidi Slicer Software features normal and expert modes for your needs. These are user-friendly even for beginners, and the company also offers the Fluidd Console.
Specifications
- Build Volume: 325 x 325 x 315mm
- Dimensions: 553 x 553 x 601mm
- Net weight: 30.2kg
- Printing Speed: 600mm/s
- Extruder Flow: 35mm³/s
- Extruder Temp: up to 350 degrees
- Chamber Temperature Control: 65°C Independent Chamber Heating
- Screen: 127mm (800 x 480 resolution touch screen)
- Rated Power: 900W
- Recommended Filament: PA12-CF, PET-CF, PAHT-CF
- Compatible Filament: ABS, ASA, PC, PETG, PLA,TPU, Nylon, UltraPA, etc.
- Connection Options:
– 7150M 2.4G Wi-Fi
– USB Flash Drive or Ethernet Cable - X-Axis: High-grade Hardness Steel Linear Hollow Optical Axis
- Z-Axis: Double Z-axis
- Structure: CoreXY
- Firmware: Klipper
- Printing Accuracy: ±0.1 mm
- Bed Levelling: Automatic Levelling
- Printing Acceleration: 20000mm/s²
- Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
- Extruder: High-flow Direct Drive Extruder
- Transmission Ratio of Extruder: 9.5:1
- Hotend: Ceramic Heating Core
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
- Hot Bed Temperature: 120℃ or lower
- Printing Plate: Double-Sided Flexible Magnetic HF Plate
- Voltage: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz
- Main Processor:
– Cortex-A53,64-bit Processor
– 1.5GHz, 8G-EMMC, 1G DDR3 - Compatible Slicer Software:
– Qidi Print
– Other third-party software, like PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D, Ultimaker Cura, etc. - Operating System: Windows, MacOS, Linux
Hands-on with the Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer
Before looking into its performance in our Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Review, we will discuss the Klipper Firmware. It is one of the primary highlights of the printer since it comes with plugins and features, making it versatile. It can provide you with an excellent user experience out of the box.
The primary web interface is Fluidd, which features a dark mode theme. It comes with tons of features for conveniently controlling the printer functions.
From printer acceleration, fan speed, G-code preview plugin, etc., you have everything at your fingertips.
KAMP Plugin
KAMP is another notable plugin that is installed and configured for the printer. It allows the X-Max 3 to probe the section required for printing specific models. You can do this without a full bed mesh before each print.
It is handy since it saves time when probing massive printing surfaces.
Qidi Slicer Software
If you have prior experience with Prusa Slicer, you will find the interface of the Qidi Slicer user-friendly. It has two additions: the Device and Guide tabs, which enhance the overall printer experience.
After establishing a connection between the printer and the Qidi Slicer, the Device tab integrates the Fluidd interface. It grants you easy access to plenty of functions for the printer.
The Guide tab offers a selection of animated GIFs, providing step-by-step guides on the following:
- How to Use the Printer
- How to Use the Slicer
- Establishing the Connection Between Them
Overall, we were impressed by the integration of the Slicer with the printer. We saw how Qidi ensured to provide excellent features and printer profiles, as well as overall usability. It would be ideal if the company incorporated a mobile application for printer controls.
Before we discuss its performance, we will touch on the heating of this 3D printer. We were impressed with the X-Max 3 since the heatbed and hotend heated quickly.
Its hotend reached 200 degrees very quickly. Also, it achieved its maximum temperature of 350 degrees in only a couple of minutes.
The heatbed took around a minute and a half to reach 60 degrees. We also appreciate the excellent uniformity of the heatbed temperature.
Few things are more frustrating than completing a 3D print to have it marred by the printing plate. Fortunately, Qidi has addressed this issue by incorporating a flexible HF plate in the X-Max 3.
While being printed on, there should not be problems with your project not sticking since the plate has excellent adhesion. It also helps decrease warping issues while the project is printing. Plus, it is magnetic and double-sided.
You can easily remove the plate from the printer, set it back in, and then receive two spots to print. The latter is necessary in case something occurs on one side.
Surprisingly, the motion system of the X-Max 3 was more silent than we expected, even while operating at high speed. It also did not generate significant resonance, but there was minimal noise from the cooling fan on the print head. Its noise was still within an acceptable range while printing high-temperature filaments.
We enjoyed printing with the X-Max 3D. Its excellent design and build quality allowed for effortless setup. Also, we did not need to fiddle with complex settings to achieve impressive results.
This 3D printer operated at advertised speeds out of the box, and we had no problems with its performance. It delivered high-quality prints, even at the standard 0.2mm layer height. Aside from producing clean, smooth, detailed models, it finished printing fast.
Overall, the X-Max 3 delivers superior performance and value than similar 3D printers.
Qidi X-Max 3 3D Printer Review Summary
Qidi has been creating high-quality printers for almost a decade, and each product focuses on providing an excellent user experience. And the X-Max 3 is no different since it is a top-notch 3D printer that produces high-quality prints. It delivers everything that Qidi promises, which impressed us while testing it for our review.
Aside from that, the printer has straightforward yet comprehensive firmware and a newbie-friendly complementary software interface. We also love the step-by-step guides Qidi provided since these were all easy to follow.
The X-Max 3 exceeded our expectations, and we highly recommend it. Its premium, durable build and streamlined design make setting up easy, and most importantly, it performs excellently. This 3D printer can reach maximum speeds and temperatures without issues and does not compromise print quality.
Learn more about the X-Max 3 3D Printer when visiting the official Qidi product page.
