Simple Qidi X-Max 3 Review - Worth Buying or Not? (2024)

Qidi is well known in the 3D printing world for making industry-grade 3D printers that can consistently offer high-quality prints. Their latest addition, the Qidi X-Max 3, is not left out. It is an upgrade on its predecessor, the X-Max II, with new features that hobbyists and even industrial users would appreciate.

This article will be a simple review of the Qidi X-Max 3 FDM 3D printer. We will be going through its features, specifications, leveling process, benefits, print results, and more. So stay tuned to figure out whether this machine is the one for you.

First, we’ll start with its features.

Features of the Qidi X-Max 3

• High Print Speeds
• QIDI Print Slicer
• Large Build Volume
• Direct Drive Extruder
• Interchangeable Hotend Assembly
• 5-Inch Touchscreen
• CoreXY Structure
• Temperature Controlled Chamber
• Flexible HF Plate
• Double Z-Axis
• Klipper Firmware
• Carbon Air Filter

High Print Speeds

One of the key features of the Qidi X-Max 3 is its ability to print models at very high speeds. This printer has a maximum printing speed of 600mmm/s with a maximum acceleration of 20000mm/s².

It can achieve this high printing speed thanks to the CoreXY technology paired with high-grade steel optical linear rails axis. This reduces the weight further, allowing the system to move faster without any print quality degradation.

Also, it has a high extruder flow of 35mm³/s which allows it to keep up with its high print speed.

Not only can it print at high speeds, but it consistently prints models with great results. It can counter vibrations that may result during high-speed printing using the feature known as resonance compensation.

QIDI Print Slicer

Another great feature of the X-Max 3 is the new Qidi Slicer integrated with the printer. The current Qidi slicer is basically a Prusa Slicer without the Prusa name and some minor tweaks on the user interface.

This development would be appreciated by users who already use the Prusa slicer for their day-to-day printing activities.

Also, other users get to enjoy the perks of using a Prusa slicer that is already well-optimized for 3D printing tasks. On the slicer interface, you also get access to the Fluidd web interface which allows you to easily access all the various functions available to the printer.

Large Build Volume

On the Qidi X-Max 3, you get ample space to print your models. The buildplate has a dimension of 325 x 325 x 315mm which should be sufficient for almost anything you want to print.

So if you are looking to print cosplay accessories, full-scale toys, or even functional prints, the X-Max should suffice. Or if you still can’t print in one go, the X-Max’s build size should reduce the number of pieces you split your models into before printing.

Direct Drive Extruder

For the X-Max 3 to exert a high extrusion force, it uses a 9.5:1 gear ratio in its direct drive extruder setup. This gear configuration ensures that it can consistently maintain its high extrusion flow rate (35mm³/s) so that it keeps up with its high print speeds.

Also, the extruder gears grip filament much firmer since they are much larger.

Interchangeable Hot-End Assembly

The X-Max 3 comes with two hotends that allow you to print a wide range of filament types. It comes pre-installed with a copper-plated nozzle that can print more conventional filaments like PLA, ABS, and TPU.

Due to the thermal properties of copper, it easily transfers heat to the filament.

The other hotend is a steel hardened steel nozzle that works best with abrasive filaments like Nylon, PC, PET-CF, ABS-GF, or other filaments infused with carbon fiber. This means that regardless of the type of filament, you should have no printing them.

5-Inch Touchscreen

Unlike other 3D Printers, the X-Max 3 has a large touchscreen LCD that users can easily make use of. The X-Max 3 has a resistive 5-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 800×480 pixels that beautifully lightens the user interface.

The LCD screen is very easy to use and can be used to control all of the printer’s operation like bed temperature, bed leveling, fans, etc.

CoreXY Structure

Another great feature of the Qidi X-Max 3 is its Core XY structure. This is because the system divides the motion of the print head into two axes (X and Y) while minimizing the mass moving in the Z direction. As a result, there are fewer vibrations when printing, even at high speeds.

Also, since the weight of the printhead is spread across both the X and Y axes, it reduces the occurrence of print defects. This results in improved print accuracy and finer details in the final print.

Temperature Controlled Chamber

The temperature controlled chamber on this machine is a great feature for printing. This is because it helps to prevent warping when printing. The enclosure is independently controlled using the printer’s controls to reach temperatures of about 65°C.

It can also be turned off when you print regular filaments like PLA and TPU.

As a result, you can get great prints on the X-Max3 when you print abrasive filaments like ABS and PAHT-CF.

Flexible HF Buildplate

It has a flexible HF build plate that ensures excellent adhesion, prevents warping, and allows easy removal of prints. This build plate is held in place with the magnets placed under the bed.

Once, you’re done printing, simply flex the plate to pop off your print when it has cooled down.

Another great feature of the build plate is how it has different textures on each side that can provide great adhesion, regardless of the filament you’re printing.

Double Z-Axis

For better stability, the Qidi X-Max 3 has dual Z-axis linear rods for better stability. It is paired with the new all-metal frame to prevent vibrations, layer shifts, or instability when printing. This comes in handy, especially when you’re printing larger models.

Carbon Air Filter

You get a Chamber circulation fan with an activated carbon air filter within its enclosure. This would help trap toxic fumes emitted when printing certain filaments, ensuring that these gases are not inhaled by individuals around.

Klipper Firmware

The Qidi X-Max 3 comes equipped with Klipper firmware which allows for a range of customization options such as remote control and other custom functions.

It runs this firmware on an X4-V1 board that has a Cortex-A53 64-bit Processor running at 1.5Ghz and 1GB DDR3 Ram which should comfortably run Klipper without hitches.

Klipper provides advanced bed leveling options, including support for various sensor types and multiple probing strategies. This can lead to more accurate and consistent bed leveling results.

Specifications of the Qidi X-Max 3

• Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Build Volume::325*325*315mm
• Slicer Software: Qidi Slicer
• Printing Temperature: ≤350°C
• Bed Temperature: ≤120℃
• Hotend Type: Ceramic Heating Core
• Extruder Type: High-flow Direct Drive Extruder
• Printer Structure: CoreXY
• Printing Speed: ≤600mm/s
• Control Panel: 5.0 inch Touch Screen
• Data Input: 150M 2.4G Wi-Fi, USB Flash Drive/Ethernet Cable
• Power Requirement: 100/240V 50/60Hz 900W
• Machine Dimensions: 553*553*601mm
• Machine Weight: 30.2kg
• Filament Types: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, Nylon, PC, Carbon Fiber, ASA, UltraPA
• Platform Support: Double Z-axis
• Bed Leveling: Automatic Leveling
• Build Plate: Double-Sided Flexible Magnetic HF Plate
• Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
• Firmware: Klipper

Benefits of the Qidi X-Max 3

• Consistent high-quality print results with impressive details
• Can attain very high printing speeds, up to 600mm/s
• The touchscreen is quite large making it easier to access its user interface.
• Even at high print speeds, it is very stable and quiet
• Has a removable flexible HF buildplate that ensures optimal adhesion and allows you to easily pop off your prints.
• Has a high flow hotend which ensures it can keep up with its extreme print speeds.
• You can monitor your prints on the web using the Fluid interface when you input the Printer’s IP address and port number.
• The printer’s enclosure helps to preserve heat during printing. This is very important in preventing warping when printing filaments like ABS or ASA.
• You can go from unboxing to getting your first print in minutes.
• You can print very large models in one go due to its large build volume.
• It has a transparent door that allows you to view your prints.
• The chamber circulation fan with an activated carbon air filter helps to absorb VOCs and other fumes emitted during printing.

Downsides of the Qidi X-Max 3

• The position of the filament spool holder at the back of the printer is not easily accessible.
• There is no built-in webcam in the printer’s enclosure to easily record time-lapse videos.
• The printer requires you to do the bed-leveling process anytime you change the Z-offset, though you can adjust this individually after updating the firmware Z-offset.
• To update your firmware, you have to download the firmware files from Qidi’s website and copy the files to a USB stick before inserting it into your printer. This whole process can be time-consuming.
• When unloading filaments to change it, there have been issues with the extruder not moving the filament back and it being stuck – maybe due to clogging.
• Had a temperature error and found the thermistor wire loose – this should be corrected by the manufacturer using glue to stick it down in future manufacturing.

Unboxing & Assembly of the Qidi X-Max 3

The Qidi X-Max 3 comes packaged in a very large and sturdy box. The packaging is so big and heavy (30.2kg) that a regular person may struggle to carry it alone.

On opening the package, you’re greeted with a smaller-sized box that contains some set of accessories tucked in nicely with foam inserts. Once that is out of the way, you gain access to the printer. You may need the help of someone to get the Qidi X-Max 3 out of the box since it’s quite heavy.

Once you take out the printer from the box, you will see that it is covered with a nylon wrapper for added protection against scratches during shipping. The printer also houses the other accessories needed for it to function.

You can now take off the top cover by removing the screws holding it in place to remove the second accessory box in the printer.

You can now cut off the zip-ties used to secure the various axes and the build plate in place so that they don’t move around during shipping. Also, ensure you take out the four screws used to hold the printing platform and remove the foam inserts under the build plate before you begin printing.

You should have the following on your table:

• Qidi Tech X-Max 3 3D Printer
• Dryer box
• USB 2.0 stick
• 7mm spanner
• 500g filament
• Filament Spool holder
• A set of Allen keys
• Ethernet cable
• Power cord
• Glue stick
• Flat head screwdriver
• 4mm nozzle cleaning tool
• Desiccant
• Scraper
• Ordinary hotend

At this point, you should be done unboxing the Qidi X-Max 3.

The Qidi X-Max 3 already comes pre-assembled. You only need to install the filament spool holder and the dryer box at the back of the printer, which is pretty straightforward.

Check out this video from Play Conveyor as he unboxes the Qidi X-Max 3 3D printer.

Leveling of the Qidi X-Max 3

Since you’re done unboxing, the next step is to prepare the printer by leveling the print bed. However, the Qidi X-Max 3 has automatic bed leveling, but you still need to set the Z-offset.

Here’s how to set your Z-offset on the Qidi X-Max 3:

• Plug in the printer with the power cord provided in the box.
• Select your preferred language on the printer’s touchscreen.
• Preheat your printer’s hotbed to your filament’s heating printing temperature.
• Once it’s done heating up, calibrate the Z-offset for the printer using the controls on the touchscreen.
• Simply place the leveling paper provided between the nozzle and the buildplate and adjust the Z-offset until you can feel a slight resistance once you pull the paper.
• Save your settings.

At this point, the printer creates a 5X5 matrix on the printer’s bed so that it can compensate for any unevenness across the bed.

Customer Reviews of the Qidi X-Max 3

Many users have been eager to lay their hands on the Qidi X-Max 3 and when they did, they’ve not been disappointed. Most of them have been left in awe about its print speed and consistency of the print quality at high speeds. Others have been fascinated by its build quality and ease of use.

One user stated that the instructions for unpacking and setup are pretty good and the hardware feels high quality. He said that the machine is heavy and stiff and nothing feels flimsy.

However, he did complain about the position of the location of the filament mount that was placed at the back of the printer.

He also shared images of the print results of his 3D Benchy that he printed on the Qidi X-Max 3. The model came out well with great details.

Another user stated that he’s happy to report that the printer has lived up to 110% of the hype. He said it’s insanely fast, pretty quiet for its purpose, and looks amazing. He also stated that the delivery was quick, and he was printing in no time after receiving it.

Aurora Tech

OriginaldoBo

Print Quality of the Qidi X-Max 3

Alien 3D Benchy

I found this cool alien 3D Benchy to make on the Qidi X-Max 3 and it came out really nicely.

The print times are really quick compared to standard 3D printers, with a standard Benchy taking less than 20 minutes.

The quality on this is great even with the faster print speeds.

Bunny

This bunny model is a test file that comes with the USB on this machine. It’s a low-poly bunny so it doesn’t have a lot of detail, but it shows how nicely the angles can be 3D printed.

The Input Shaping feature with the Qidi X-Max 3 gives some nice improvements on print quality.

Husky Statue

Here’s a cool husky statue model that I found on Thingiverse to show off some of the detail of this machine.

You can see a nice amount of detail, even in the smaller parts like the ears and the jaw of the husky.

Lilith Bust

Finally, we have this high quality Lilith model, made by Fotis Mint which you can find on his Patreon.

This model came out really well and has plenty of detail even at high speeds. The horns and details in the face, as well as the clothing is really excellent. You can impress many people with the Qidi X-Max 3.

Verdict – Worth Buying or Not?

The Qidi X-Max 3 is an industry-grade 3D printer that can be used to print both regular 3D printing filaments and abrasive filaments. Its major selling point is its high print speed and its consistent print quality. The printer has temperature-controlled chamber that can be independently tweaked to prevent warping in prints.

It is baked with other amazing features that make it steal for its price ($999), especially when you compare it to similar 3D printers or printers in this price range. If you’re in the market for a large-format 3D printer running on the Klipper firmware, I will definitely recommend the Qidi X-Max 3.