Published on Sat Jun 05 2021 23:03:23 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The QIDI i-Fast: A Deep Dive into This High-Performance 3D Printer

The QIDI i-Fast is a name that frequently pops up in discussions about high-performance, enclosed 3D printers aimed at both advanced hobbyists and professionals. It’s a machine designed to handle a wide variety of materials, from standard PLA to demanding engineering filaments like ABS, PC, and Nylon. Let’s take a thorough look at its features, capabilities, and how to get the most out of it.

Detailed Specifications

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a breakdown of the i-Fast’s key specifications:

• Build Volume: 330 x 250 x 320 mm (13 x 9.8 x 12.6 inches) - A generous volume for larger prints or multiple smaller parts.
• Print Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Number of Extruders: Dual Extruders (IDEX - Independent Dual Extruders)
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard), with options for others.
• Maximum Nozzle Temperature: 300°C (572°F)
• Maximum Bed Temperature: 120°C (248°F)
• Layer Resolution: 50 - 400 microns (0.05 - 0.4 mm)
• Print Speed: Up to 150 mm/s (though optimal speed depends on material and print complexity)
• Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Frame: Fully Enclosed Metal Frame
• Chamber Heating: Yes (Heated build chamber up to 60°C)
• Air Filtration: Activated Carbon Filter
• Bed Leveling: Automatic Bed Leveling
• Power Supply: 24V, 500W
• Display: 5-inch Touchscreen
• Slicing Software: QIDI Print (based on Cura), compatible with Simplify3D and other slicers.
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, PC, Carbon Fiber Infused Filaments, and more.
• Weight: ~45 kg (99 lbs)
• Dimensions (Printer): 650 x 580 x 740 mm (25.6 x 22.8 x 29.1 inches)

Usage Tips for Optimal Printing

The QIDI i-Fast is capable, but mastering it requires understanding its nuances. Here are some tips to help you achieve consistently high-quality prints:

• Bed Leveling is Key: While the i-Fast has automatic bed leveling, it’s crucial to ensure the bed is initially trammed (mechanically leveled) as accurately as possible. Use the manual bed leveling knobs to get it close before relying on the auto-leveling feature. Small inconsistencies can still impact adhesion, especially with larger prints.
• Enclosure Temperature Control: Experiment with the enclosure heater settings. For ABS and other warp-prone materials, preheating the chamber to 40-50°C before printing can significantly reduce warping and improve layer adhesion. Conversely, for PLA, keeping the enclosure fan running may be necessary to prevent overheating.
• Filament Drying: High-performance filaments like Nylon and PC are extremely hygroscopic (they absorb moisture from the air). Always dry these filaments thoroughly using a filament dryer before printing. Even PLA and PETG can benefit from drying, especially in humid environments.
• Adhesion Strategies: Use appropriate bed adhesion techniques for the material you’re printing. For PLA, a clean glass bed or painter’s tape often suffices. For ABS, a slurry made of ABS dissolved in acetone, or a PEI sheet, can improve adhesion. For Nylon and PC, specialized adhesives like Magigoo PA or BuildTak are often necessary.
• IDEX Usage: The independent dual extruders (IDEX) offer unique capabilities. Explore the following:
  • Duplicate Mode: Print two identical objects simultaneously, doubling your production speed.
  • Mirror Mode: Print a mirrored pair of objects at the same time.
  • Support Material: Use one extruder for the model and the other for soluble support material (like PVA for PLA, or HIPS for ABS).
  • Multi-Material Printing: Print objects with different colors or materials.
• Slicer Settings: Don’t rely solely on default slicer profiles. Fine-tune settings like nozzle temperature, bed temperature, print speed, retraction, and cooling fan speed to optimize for specific filaments and print geometries.
• Calibration: Regularly calibrate the extruder E-steps and flow rate to ensure accurate filament extrusion. This is particularly important when switching between different filament brands or types.
• Maintenance: Keep the printer clean, lubricate the lead screws periodically, and inspect the nozzles and hotends for clogs. Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your printer and prevent print failures.
• Fan Control: Experiment with fan settings. While cooling is crucial for PLA, it can be detrimental to ABS and other high-temperature filaments. Adjust fan speeds to balance cooling and layer adhesion.
• Firmware Updates: Keep the printer’s firmware updated to the latest version. Firmware updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.
• Community Resources: Join online communities and forums dedicated to QIDI printers. These communities can provide valuable troubleshooting advice, tips, and shared profiles.

Category Ratings (Out of 10)

Here’s a breakdown of the QIDI i-Fast across various key categories, with a rating out of 10 for each:

• Print Quality: 9/10 - Capable of producing highly detailed and accurate prints, especially with proper calibration and material selection.
• Build Volume: 8/10 - The generous build volume allows for printing large objects or multiple smaller parts.
• Printing Speed: 8/10 - Can achieve relatively high print speeds, but optimal speed depends on the material and complexity of the print.
• Material Compatibility: 10/10 - Excellent material compatibility, handles a wide range of filaments from PLA to advanced engineering materials.
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8/10 - Automatic bed leveling is helpful, but initial tramming is important. Bed adhesion performance varies depending on the material and bed surface.
• Reliability: 8/10 - Generally reliable, but requires proper maintenance and attention to detail.
• Ease of Use: 7/10 - While the touchscreen interface and automatic bed leveling are user-friendly, mastering the printer’s capabilities requires some experience.
• Firmware and Software: 7/10 - QIDI Print is a decent slicer, but many users prefer to use Simplify3D or other more advanced software.
• Connectivity Options: 9/10 - Offers a good range of connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
• Build Quality & Durability: 9/10 - The fully enclosed metal frame provides excellent rigidity and durability.
• Noise Level: 7/10 - The printer can be relatively noisy, especially during high-speed printing or when the chamber heater is running.
• Maintenance Requirements: 7/10 - Requires regular maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and nozzle replacements.
• Customer Support: 7/10 - QIDI customer support can be hit or miss, with response times and the quality of assistance varying.
• Upgradeability: 6/10 - While there are some upgrade options available, the i-Fast is not as easily upgradeable as some other printers.
• Price to Performance Ratio: 8/10 - Offers a good balance of features and performance for its price point.

Average Score: 7.87/10

Conclusion

The QIDI i-Fast is a powerful and versatile 3D printer that offers excellent performance for both advanced hobbyists and professionals. Its enclosed chamber, dual extruders, and wide material compatibility make it a great choice for printing demanding parts in engineering-grade filaments. While it requires some skill and attention to detail to master, the i-Fast can deliver consistently high-quality prints. Its a worthwhile investment for those who need to tackle a variety of 3D printing challenges.

Written by Alex