QiDi X-Smart 3: A capable mini 3D printer with a tiny enclosure that traps heat well

The Chey xmart 3 Review: A Detailed Look at the Mini Clipper Series 3D Printer

The Chey xmart 3 emerges as the most compact and budget-friendly option within Chey's newly introduced Clipper Series of 3D printers. As a fully enclosed mini machine, it boasts a printing volume of 175x180x170mm. Its motion system integrates linear rods on the Y and Z axes, while employing carbon rods for the X axis. Weighing in at a mere 23 lbs, the xmart 3 is remarkably lightweight for a fully enclosed printer. Additionally, this printer comes equipped with an exhaust fan within the enclosure, allowing users to regulate the chamber temperature by either expelling or retaining heat.

The xmart 3 promises a maximum print speed of 500mm/s, featuring a 9.5-to-1 low gear ratio direct extruder and a ceramic heating core hot end, diverging from the traditional heat cartridge approach. Despite its lower cost, the machine does not compromise on bed support, utilizing a dual Z-axis with timing belts for synchronization and an inductive bed leveling sensor for precise print foundation. One noticeable absence is auto Z offset, necessitating manual adjustments for setting the proper height.

Under the hood, the xmart 3 operates on an MKS Pi motherboard powered by an A53 1.5GHz quad-core processor, along with 8GB of eMMC and 1GB of DDR3 RAM. It differentiates itself with a custom touchscreen UI tailored for an enhanced user interface. This model's presentation is a testament to Chey's commitment to quality and innovation, provided at a more accessible price point. However, it is worth noting that the printer only includes brass nozzles, indicating no provisions for high-temperature printing or specialized materials without additional upgrades.

A significant highlight is the machine’s prowess in dealing with a variety of materials, including ABS and polycarbonate, thanks to its fully enclosed design which excels at maintaining a stable high ambient temperature. Testing across different printing scenarios demonstrated the xmart 3's capability to produce quality prints consistently, even though minor cooling issues and layer imperfections were observed in certain cases. Particularly, it showcases an exceptional performance in first layer adhesion and overall print quality across a range of materials such as PLA, PETG, TPU, and even more challenging filaments under optimal conditions.

However, the xmart 3 is not without its drawbacks. The process for firmware updates, an aspect where Chey could offer a more streamlined, automated procedure given the machine's network connectivity. Further, the reliance on a traditional approach for the touchscreen interface could benefit from leveraging data and feedback more dynamically from the Clipper firmware for improved setup and user experience. Additionally, the omission of an auto Z offset feature and a high-temperature hotend in its standard configuration may limit the machine's appeal to certain enthusiasts seeking broader material compatibility straight out of the box.

In conclusion, the Chey xmart 3 positions itself as an accessible, efficient, and capable mini 3D printer within its price bracket, showcasing commendable performance in material versatility and print quality. Its compact, fully enclosed design presents a significant advantage for printing with materials sensitive to environmental conditions. While there's room for improvement in firmware updating, user interface, and the inclusion of a high-temperature hotend for broader material compatibility, the xmart 3 offers substantial value for its price, particularly for users prioritizing the benefits of a fully enclosed print environment.