Qidi Q1 Pro, test of the enclosed 3D printer

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Qidi Tech is a well-established brand in the field of 3D printing. I already had the opportunity to test the Qidi X-Plus 3 last year, and I really liked this machine. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Qidi’s latest printer, the Qidi Q1 Pro. What do you think of this new 3D printer?

Qidi Q1 Pro technical specifications

The Qidi Tech Q1 Pro boasts a series of interesting technical features. It’s a CoreXY 3D printer with a 245x245mm platen. You could compare this machine to the Creality K1C or the Flashforge 5M Pro. The Qidi Q1 Pro incorporates internal heating up to 60°C for printing more technical materials.

• Max. print volume: 245 x 245 x 240 mm
• Actively heated printing chamber: up to 60°C
• Innovative tri-metal hotend: capable of reaching 350°C
• Two independent Z motors: for greater stability
• Automatic levelling: facilitated by dual sensors
• CoreXY technology: for ultra-fast acceleration
• Multi-system compatibility: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
• Connectivity: USB 2.0 and WiFi 6
• Control screen: 4.3″ touchscreen
• Internal camera: 1080 pixels for remote monitoring

These features position the Qidi Tech Q1 Pro as a high-end 3D printer, suitable for a variety of materials and uses.

Unboxing the Qidi Q1 Pro

The Qidi Q1 Pro is carefully packaged, with every component protected to prevent damage during transport. The all-metal structure gives an immediate impression of product quality. The Qidi Q1 Pro is a fully pre-assembled machine, so it’s ready to go in just a few minutes – a far cry from Prusa or Ender3-type kits, where you could spend several hours!

This machine is therefore perfectly suited to beginners, with a 3D printer ready to print immediately after unpacking.

Opening the box, you’ll find :

• Q1 Pro printer
• Filament spool holder
• A support cover
• Filament extension stand
• Power cable
• Spatula
• Various allen keys
• 0.4 mm nozzle cleaning kit
• USB key
• Quick start guide

At the bottom of the case is a small plastic basket for collecting filament waste during automatic nozzle cleaning – a very interesting feature!

Configuration, tray levelling

Setting up the Qidi Tech Q1 Pro is relatively straightforward: as soon as the machine is started up, a multi-step automatic configuration process is launched. Just follow the instructions. The interface is available in several languages, including French. During the set-up process, be sure to remove the tray’s security screws, as well as all the clamps holding the components in place for transport.

Once the printer is up and running, automatic tray levelling is child’s play, thanks to the built-in sensors. The machine automatically calculates the Z-offset, eliminating the need for levelling paper. This feature ensures a perfect first layer on every print, crucial for high-quality results.

Last but not least, the calculation of input shaping (resonance compensation), a very interesting feature of Klipper that reduces certain printing defects such as ghosting.

First test print with the Q1 Pro: a Benchy

As always, we recommend printing the test model supplied with the machine, to make sure the printer is working properly. For the first test print, we used the Benchy file supplied on the machine’s USB key. After loading the PLA filament and starting printing, the process went off without a hitch. The Q1 Pro demonstrated its capabilities, with fine detail and a smooth finish. The Benchy is an excellent test of a printer’s capabilities, and the Q1 Pro passed with flying colors.

It took 21 minutes to print this benchy, which is very fast indeed compared with older-generation machines like the Ender3 (between 40 minutes and 1 hour for a benchy).

Qidi Slicer configuration, including WiFi settings

Qidi Slicer software is intuitive and easy to use. After downloading and installing the slicer (the installation files are available on the USB key but were corrupted on mine), we configured the basic settings, then connected the printer via WiFi. The Q1 Pro’s WiFi6 connectivity enables fast file transfer, and setup went smoothly. The slicer offers numerous customization options, enabling settings to be adjusted according to the type of filament used and the specific requirements of each print.

Adding the Qidi Q1 Pro to the WiFi network to be able to start printing remotely is really very simple, after activating WiFi on the printer you just need to add a new machine in the Slicer and add the IP address.

First PLA prints from Qidi Slicer

The first PLA print from Qidi Slicer was a success. Print quality is excellent, with well adhered layers and precise details, and I encountered no problems with adhesion to the PEI plate.

Please note that when printing PLA, it is recommended to leave the box (door or lid) open, and not to activate the box heater. PLA may deform during printing if heat is maintained inside the chamber. The chamber should be left closed when printing ABS, for example.

Printing on the entire platen surface

To check that the automatic levelling system was correctly configured, I carried out this test print over the entire surface of the tray, using the basic settings proposed by Qidi Slicer.

The print was successful, with no adhesion defects on the 12 pieces printed. Adhesion is undoubtedly one of the most common and frustrating problems in 3D printing.

A very satisfactory test!

Other prints with PLA and PLA Silk filament

I carried out a series of test prints using PLA and PLA Silk, with a layer height of 0.20mm. No problems whatsoever.

Longer prints with the Qidi Q1 Pro

To test the reliability of the Q1 Pro on longer prints, we printed a complex model requiring over 13 hours to print (the Jordan Air), and another lasting around 7 hours (the Eiffel Tower). The machine ran smoothly, and I’m really pleased with the result. The stability of the CoreXY structure and the independent Z motors ensured consistent precision throughout, even at high printing speeds.

I’m impressed by the detail obtained (despite printing in 0.20mm), the rendering is really perfect! I had a small printing defect on the supports, but this had no impact on print quality.

Remote control of the Qidi Q1 Pro

Qidi Slicer’s integrated remote control interface is interesting and intuitive: you can use the machine’s built-in camera to check that a print job is running smoothly. It’s also possible to start printing directly from this interface, and review the history of previous prints.

Strengths and weaknesses of the Qidi Q1 Pro

Here, in my opinion, are the strengths and weaknesses of this 3D printer

Qidi Q1 Pro strengths

• Ease of use: fully automatic configuration on start-up
• Efficient automatic levelling: no adhesion problems encountered
• CoreXY structure: ensures fast, accurate printing.
• WiFi6 connectivity: for fast remote file transfer
• Built-in camera: handy for remote monitoring (but average quality)

Qidi Q1 Pro weak points

• Camera quality: a resolution of 1080p is announced, but image quality is not exceptional, practical for remote control of the machine, but don’t expect to make beautiful timelapses to share on social networks
• Price: a machine costing more than 400€, a far cry from the Ender3 like budget
• Interface translation: I noticed a few French translation problems in the interface, which should be easy to fix after a software update

Comparison with similar printers (Creality K1 & Bambulab)

Creality K1 vs Qidi Q1 Pro

The Qidi Q1 Pro seems more interesting than the Creality K1, thanks in particular to its heated cabinet.

• Print volume: Similar, but slightly lower than the Q1 Pro.
• Heated chamber: No active heating, which may lead to more warping.
• Price: Generally less expensive, but with fewer advanced features.

Bambulab vs Qidi Q1 Pro

The Qidi Q1 Pro is more affordable than Bambulab’s 3D printer range

• Print volume: Comparable to the Q1 Pro.
• Heated chamber: Present, but often at a lower temperature.
• Price: More competitive, but with compromises on certain high-temperature materials.

My opinion of this machine

The Qidi Tech Q1 Pro is a very interesting 3D printer, and I enjoyed carrying out this test. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, if you’re looking for high-quality prints with a wide variety of materials, this Qidi Q1 Pro should satisfy you. Its many advanced features, such as heated print chamber, tri-metal hotend and WiFi6 connectivity, make it highly versatile and reliable.

I could recommend this 3D printer without hesitation.