I Moved my Models to Printables

I did a lot of research and I found that the Qidi X-CF Pro is the best value in the growing desktop FDM carbon fiber 3D printer market. This printer was developed specifically for printing stronger-than-metal parts using carbon enhanced filaments. But Qidi also retained the capability to use the same printer for common filaments such as PLA and ABS by providing two easily swapped extruders. When compared to other printers, the X-CF Pro hits the price and capability sweet spot. Printers with comparable capabilities start at more than double the price.

I am going to use the X-CF Pro as a fast and inexpensive way to make high strength parts and tools. I can replace expensive metal parts and machined aluminum components with prints that are just as strong, but lighter. Manufactures can print functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures. Hobbyists can print parts for R/C cars, robots and similar projects that are stronger than over the counter parts. 

Unlike some competitor’s machines, you are not locked into using specific filaments. Qidi does provide some very good in-house developed filament options, but they are not required. Then there is size to consider. While others may advertise their system as desktop-size, that is sometimes only true if your desktop is on the floor. While the X-CF Pro is indeed large (and heavy), it makes good use of the space to provide a generous build volume while still fitting on a desktop. 

I would be remiss if I did not mention all the kit that comes with the X-CF Pro. Qidi seems to have thought of everything you might need to get started and maintain the printer. A 16GB thumb drive, a nice set of tools and box of spare parts come standard. My system also came with a sample spool of CF PA-12 filament. The included a dry box is a nice addition. 

Qidi provides an excellent slicer that has pre-configured settings that provide parameters specifically for printing carbon fiber and nylon filaments. Anyone familiar with Cura will feel right at home. The gcode can be transferred to the printer via LAN, Wi-Fi or USB thumb drive. Other slicers can be used if so desired.

I also have the Qidi X-Max, which by the way is a great printer, but the X-CF Pro is designed specifically for Carbon Fiber filaments and has the following additional features not found on the X-Max:

• Larger touch screen with better contrast
• Customized slicer
• Upgraded main board
• Auto bed leveling (this is helpful if you move your printer frequently)
• Filament sensor (great for those long prints)
• A much better PEI build plate (I bought one of these for my X-Max and it is the best upgrade)
• Dual gear extruders
• More robust XYZ structure

Features not mentioned by Qidi, but certainly worth considering when selecting a printer, include the ability pause and resume printing, optional auto-off at the end of print, a well-lit enclosure, quite operation, rock solid bed leveling, and a retractable filament spool holder for low-hydroscopic filaments such as PLA. There is also a chamber fan with a charcoal filter to help deal with some of the odor (it is not a substitute for ventilation when printing ABS or other filaments that release toxic fumes known as VOCs (Volatile Organic Carbon)). 

As with any product, there are always things I wish Qidi had done differently. On the X-Max the touch screen is at the top, but on the X-CF it is on the bottom, probably because it is bigger. I also wish the grab handles did not stick out from the sides as they increase the space required when printers are setup side-by-side. I also miss the internal spool holder found on the X-Max.  

Qidi printers are known for ease of use right out of the box. With the X-CF Pro, my first carbon fiber part started printing less than two hours following delivery. It came out perfect.  Perhaps most importantly, there is a growing community of Qidi owners that you can count on to provide guidance and advice as needed. When combined with Qidi’s amazing support, there is no problem without a solution. 

Bottom line is that I am very happy with my decision to get the X-CF Pro and highly recommend it.