Review on Enhancing Precision and Efficiency with QIDI TECHNOLOGY Structure Precision Extruder by Adam Nikolz

This is my second 3D printer. I got a Qidi x-pro last year and really enjoyed using it. Qidi support is the main reason I bought another Qidi printer. I'm very happy with it so far. Over time I will try to add additional photos and updates to this review. Printer: I wanted something with a larger printable area. I mostly print in PLA, so getting this one without the side panels was handy for me. This printer is highly expandable. It has a steel frame and a plastic cover around it. This is a nozzle with PFTE hose. I haven't had to repeat it since I installed it. Locking wing nuts are included to hold the adjustment knobs in place. That's a great idea. Prints: I've printed large statues, bowls, and long thin objects here and they've turned out great. I printed the borders on long, thin items to prevent warping. The build area is large and that was the main attraction of this printer. I didn't check the speed before ordering. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it's about 20% faster than my x-pro. One model took about 8 hours on my x-pro and just over 5 hours on my i-mate. I sped up some of the functional prints and they printed without any issues. On my x-pro I keep the speed low to prevent the second injector from colliding. The I-Mate doesn't have this problem as it only has one nozzle. I am very happy with the prints. Modifications: This printer has a lot of potential for modifications. You can easily cut or print the side panels and attach them with magnets or screws. My x-pro has magnets that attach to the same screws as the i-mate on the sides. I uploaded a picture showing the gap between the steel frame and the outer plastic shell. You can easily install insulated panels in the shell. This is not required for PLA. Insulation is required for higher temperature materials. I am planning to print a new spool holder. My only concern is the printer. That's good, but I'd like a freewheeling design that uses skateboard roller bearings. I plan to design one and upload it to Thingiverse for other I-Mate owners. I really like how the spool is visible so I can see how much filament is left. Platform: The included Qidi removable plate is good. I save it for tricky prints that don't stick. It must be replaced after heavy use. I bought a smooth top Fysetc spring steel plate. I used them on my X-Pro and I really like them. That is unnecessary. They leave a smoother floor and are easy to remove. The Qidi plate has a large misalignment because the surface is textured. The heated build plate has many magnets. They help to align the deformed removable plate. Other printers use clamps, they are not needed here. Nozzle: I haven't taken it apart yet. There is a decent community of modders for Qidi printers. I-mate is very similar to x-plus, for which many modifications are available. I originally intended to install a high temp hotend and attach the panels, but I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the pla print. I may leave this attachment as is and fiddle with my X-Pro instead. Software: Qidi has its own slicer. A slicer is a program that takes a 3D .stl file and turns it into code for a 3D printer. I've tried several programs and I like the Qidi Slicer the best. This is a modified Cura slicer. I would recommend starting with their settings and finding a small mockup to test different settings one at a time. Support: This is the number one reason to buy a Qidi printer. I've emailed support. It's great to have this resource. Most companies will make you rely on the internet and message boards. Qidi responded with videos, photos and detailed step-by-step instructions for all my problems. They also helped me to get spare parts. I think it's tremendous value. Unpack: Everything is ready to use. I unpacked the box and placed it on the table. I found a typo in the installation instructions. They tell you to plug it in and let the printer lift the base plate. The lower cable is located under the base plate. You need to grab both sides of the build plate and lift it up slowly and evenly on each side. You can then remove the power cord and continue with the instructions. I was able to start typing cramps in half an hour and I carefully read the instructions. It comes with Pla and USB drive. The scraper that comes with it isn't the best. The flexible worktop makes a scraper superfluous. There is also a set of spare tools. Spare parts came in handy a few times on my X-Pro. I'm glad it's the Qidi standard. Nothing more to say. This is a GREAT printer. It has a large printable area, great support, room for many mods and improvements, and it works right out of the box. I was planning to make it my second printer for larger items. I had better results with it than with my x-pro. There's I-mate S. It comes with fairings. If you are planning to print Pla then I don't think you need I-mate s. I removed the top plate on my X-Pro for better Pla results. I would rather save the money and install my own panels.