After the triumphs of the QIDI Smart3, Plus3, and Max3, QIDI Tech returns in 2024 with the introduction of the Q1 Pro, the inaugural consumer 3D printer featuring active chamber heating.
QIDI’s skilled research and development unit consistently commits to producing top-tier FDM 3D printers. The newest addition to the FDM 3D printer lineup, the Q1 Pro, enhances the previous year’s premier model, the MAX3, known for its rapid 3D printing capabilities, extensive build capacity, and efficient chamber heating, enabling the printing of the most advanced filaments.
The evaluation of consumer 3D printers based on their speed and quality is now a benchmark. The QIDI Q1 Pro has earned a spot on the shortlist for high-speed 3D printing, recognized for its remarkable printing capability reaching 600mm/s and an acceleration rate of 20,000mm/s2. Additionally, the device features a fully automated leveling mechanism with two sensors, two Z-axis motor drives, dual-metal nozzles, and an innovative active heated chamber system, each greatly enhancing the quality of printing. Other features encompass correcting vibrations, replacing power failures, detecting material breaks or tangles, and remotely overseeing to enhance the user’s experience.
Basic Functionality Upgraded
The QIDI Q1 Pro is an out-of-box 3D printer without assembly.
Similar to other QIDI printers launched in 2023, the Q1 Pro continues to utilize the Core-XY motion mechanism, which is believed to be ideal for rapid printing. The interior design remains entirely metallic, featuring a metal crossbar reinforcement at its base. A 10mm hollow optical axis, known as the XY axis, is commonly used in numerous machines to reduce weight. Nonetheless, the Q1 Pro is notable for its unique dual Z-axis configuration. Two separate motors manage the Z-axis to maintain the machine’s steadiness, and it features an automatic tilt balancing mechanism to prevent variances in left and right elevations due to prolonged use.
Enclosed completely, the QIDI Q1 Pro features an independent heater for active heating, raising, and maintaining the print chamber’s temperature at 60°C. Not only does this reduce the distortion in printing, but it also enhances the bonding among the layers of the model, thereby averting the separation of layers. Integrating this with a hotbed heated up to 120° proves beneficial for producing warp-susceptible materials such as ABS and PA. The distinctiveness of this design enhances both the success and quality of printing.
The Q1 Pro utilizes a proximal dual gear direct drive extruder design with a 9.5: 1 gear ratio to ensure efficient power transfer for fast, accurate, and stable filament feeding, which is critical for performing high-speed 3D printing. Unlike the previous QIDI X series, which came with two sets of hot ends, the Q1 Pro defaults to a 0.4mm bimetallic nozzle with a copper body and a hardened steel tip that can withstand high temperatures of up to 350°C, making it suitable for most of the print materials on the market and eliminating the need to worry about material selection.
Newly Upgraded Features
The Q1 Pro is equipped with Filament Run-out Detection with an auxiliary filament sensor above the extruder gear. When the filament runs out or a break occurs during printing, the machine will automatically stop printing, effectively avoiding wasting. The front cover of the print head is fitted with a 5015 radial fan for part cooling, which is secured by two plastic clips and magnets in the housing, making it both robust and easy to remove and maintain.
It is worth mentioning that the Q1 Pro has also been upgraded with Filament Tangle Detection, which is realized by a sensor located on the back side of the machine’s chamber. During the printing process, if the material cannot be fed properly due to a tangle, the machine is able to quickly recognize the problem and automatically pause the printing, as well as send out an error alert.
It is interesting that the Q1 Pro is equipped with a Nozzle Cleaning Mechanism that automatically cleans the nozzles before each auto-leveling and start of printing. It integrates waste wiping and collection as well as nozzle cleaning, making this operation even more convenient.
The Q1 Pro also revolutionizes manual leveling with a fully Automatic Leveling design that ensures a perfect first-layer print every time. The principle is based on a dual leveling system. In addition to the proximity switch on the right side of the nozzle, there are three piezoelectric sensors under the hotbed to compensate for Z-axis offsets and complete the automatic leveling.
The Q1 Pro is equipped with a 1080P HD camera that allows users to monitor the machine remotely. This feature is not often seen in machines in this price range. With the QIDI Slicer software or mobile app, users can monitor the progress and status of their prints any time anywhere.
If you are looking for a cost-effective FDM 3D printer with active chamber heating, or the same print speed and excellent print quality as the MAX3, then the Q1 pro will fulfill your needs for a 3d printer. With a discounted price of just $485, the Q1 Pro is worth your while.