Main Specs: Qidi Technology X-Maker
- Company Manufacturer: Qidi Technology
- Qidi Tech X-Maker Price: $338 — Available on Amazon here
- 3D Printing Technology: FDM
- Assembled or Kit: Assembled
- Qidi Tech X-Maker Maximum Build Volume: 170 x 150 x 160 mm
Introduction: what is the Qidi Tech X-Maker?
The Qidi Tech X-Maker is a mini 3D printer seen mainly as an educational tool due to its relative ease of use. The simplicity of the design does not detract from its ability to make complex structures, and the enclosed printing area make it a safer machine for people looking for a great 3D printer for their kids.
However, Qidi Technology also advertise the X-Maker as a great personal 3D printer for beginners. Boasting highly detailed models and a wide range of compatible materials, the Qidi X-Maker is a great one of the best 3D printers for under $500.
3D printing newcomers and veterans have praised its usefulness and reliability for both personal and educational projects.
Qidi Tech X-Maker Features
Qidi X-Maker utilizes a flexible, magnetic build plate so finished projects can be popped straight off. As well as reducing mess, this makes it far easier to extract the finished project.
The X-Maker comes with its own 3D slicer software available in two modes; Rookie and Expert. Each mode presents either simple or advanced instructions to suit the complexity of the project or the experience of the user.
While the dimensions and capabilities of the Qidi X-Maker are expected given its low price, the main selling point of this 3D printer is the high-grade tech normally only found in more expensive machines.
The admittedly small printing area is enclosed, reducing the risk of warping due to external variables, and making it safer for younger people and students to work with as their introduction to 3D printing.
While the built-in Qidi Print slicer software is good for newcomers, people more used to working with slicers like Cura may be left disappointed by the added tinkering needed to get the X-Maker to work in ways they’re more used to handling.
This tech includes an on-board camera that can be connected to your phone so you can watch projects being made in real time even when away from the printer.
This on-board camera is a feature rarely found in 3D printers under $500, and is amongst the top reasons to look into the Qidi Tech X-Maker if you’re on the lookout for a budget machine to get started, or a compact machine to add to your work station.
The Qidi X-Maker is also quieter than many 3D printers, and has an automatic shit-off for its air system when a project is finished. The metallic frame is also stable and automatically levels, making for more reliable finished projects with less effort needed from the user.
The Wi-Fi printing lends itself well to people who want their projects to start directly from their PCs. USB connections are also supported, and many of the tweaks can be made using the touch screen.
Qidi Tech X-Maker Review: Pros
- Plenty of Options: Compatible with a wide variety of filaments such as PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, and others.
- Whatever Your Level: The different settings to suit beginners and advanced creators make the Qidi X-Maker a versatile machine, catering to 3D printing beginners and veterans alike.
- Less Risk to Your Projects: The enclosed printing area reduces the chance of warping when using ABS or Nylon.
- Automatic Safety Features. The Qidi X-Maker includes a built-in air filtration system to keep away harmful fumes. It also includes an automatic shut-off for both safety and eco-friendly use.
- Fancy Features Without the Flashy Price: Includes features normally not found in 3D printers at this price, including WiFi compatibility and an on-board camera.
Qidi Tech X-Maker Review: Cons
- Not the Biggest: The Qidi X-Maker’s small build volume limits options for 3D printing projects.
- Slow Tech: The touch screen can be slow to react, which can be frustrating for users.
- Rare Materials: The frame is a unique build, making replacement parts for repairs expensive and difficult to find
- Inferior Software: Some have criticized the built-in Qidi Print software’s usefulness and reliability when compared to more standard slicers like Cura
What does it come with?
Qidi Tech X-Maker Full Specs
- Qidi Tech X-Maker 3D Printer Dimensions: 457 x 381 x 381mm
- Weight: 21.9kg
- Qidi Tech X-Maker Minimum Layer Height: 100 microns
- Z / XY Resolution: 2.5 / 11 microns
- Qidi Tech X-Maker Print Speed: 150mm/s
- Heated Bed: Yes
- Nozzle Size: 0.4mm
- Single or Dual Extruder: Single
- Maximum Extruder Temperature: 150℃
- Maximum Heated Bed Temperature: 120℃
- Connectable: Yes, via WiFi and USB
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Automatic Leveling: Yes
- Qidi Tech X-Maker Frame Material: Aluminum and plastic
- What parts does the Qidi Tech X-Maker come with:
- Specialized textbook
- User Guide
- PLA filament
- Power cable
- USB Pen Drive
- Tool box
- Filament guide tube
Material Specs
- Compatible Materials / Filaments: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG
- Material Diameter: 1.75
- Third Party Material Compatible: Yes
Software Specs
- 3D printer software: Qidi Print
- Compatible File Types: FTL, OBJ
- OS Compatible: Microsoft Windows 64-Bit / Mac OS
Where to Buy The Qidi Tech X-Maker
Conclusion
A clear majority of buyers on Amazon have rated the X-Maker as a great purchase, with only 13% of the 283 reviews rating less than five stars.
Overall, the simplicity, minimalist designs, and advanced capabilities of the X-Maker have been positively received by the majority of consumers, most of whom believe it to be well worth it given the price.
