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Artillery Sidewinder SW-X2
About the Artillery Sidewinder SW-X2
The Artillery Sidewinder X2 comes with nearly everything we want from a 3D printer. If you think the time has come for traditional add-on features like touch-probe bed leveling and a 32-bit mainboard to come standard, the X2 probably has you covered. It isn’t without its problems, but they’re largely addressable with some effort. Aside from a few manufacturing and aesthetic adjustments, what’s interesting about this new iteration is all the longevity and quality-of-life features included. Features that are quickly becoming a bare minimum, like a BLTouch-style auto bed leveling touch probe and roomier 32-bit mainboard, have been added as have a few fixes to problems that plagued the otherwise impressive X1, like sturdier cable connections to reduce risks of thermal and electrical hazards and injection-molded aluminum Z-axis carriages attempting to limit wobble that caused banding. Oh, and let’s not forget the much better spool holder. Probably the most important change, but also the easiest to graze over is the Sidewinder X2’s newly secure cable connections. The X1 introduced Artillery’s sleek flat cables but connected them with an incredibly flimsy port that members of the community reported breaking. The X2 fixed the problem with more robust cable support from the factory on all connections and replaced the fabric-sleeved heat plate cable – which some users reported breaking to expose the wiring – with a flat rubber-sleeved alternative with a channel in the printer’s base. All gantry connections come preassembled, so Artillery seems to have taken an extra step to see cables done right this time. Ultimately, the Sidewinder X2 evolves from its predecessor, the X1 V4, in meaningful ways. Artillery listened to community feedback and improved upon the most pressing issues. It can achieve impressive detail on smaller models but, unfortunately, is plagued by even heavier Z-wobble than we experienced on the X1 and poor part cooling. Both restrict full use of the generous 300 x 300 x 400 mm build volume. That said, if you’re willing to install gantry support and a new fan vent, the X2 is a system with good bones and desirable features for $469. Not a bad place to be.
Benefits of the Artillery Sidewinder SW-X2
Auto bed leveling - auto bed leveling will ensure your prints have perfect first layers every time and greatly reduce issues with bed adhesion. When using an auto-leveling system, the probe allows better tolerances for slightly warped print beds by measuring and compensating for any inconsistencies. Without this feature, you'll need to adjust the bed level manually using nuts on each corner of the print bed.
Has touch screen - having a touch screen isn't a deal-maker or breaker, but it is a convenient feature that makes it easier to navigate the interface when you are printing files and configuring 3D printing settings.
Easy to assemble - This 3D printer is shipped with most of the parts pre-assembled, and you will only need to attach a few components and connect a couple cables in order to get the machine ready to print.
Carborundum glass bed provides good adhesion and easy removal - Carborundum glass is a great build surface that provides good adhesion while heated, but parts can be removed easily once it cools. The surface finish is not quite as smooth as borosilicate glass, but the superior adhesion without any hairspray more than compensates. With a carborundum bed, you wont need to use any additional adhesives like hairspray, but it is important that you clean the bed with a damp cloth after every 5-10 prints to maintain the adhesion.
Direct drive extruder - Direct drive extruders are mounted right above the hot end, and push the filament directly into it, as opposed to a side mounted bowden extruder setup. We prefer direct drive extruders to bowden since they are less prone to jamming and typically require less maintenance. they also are much easier to use with flexible materials
Generous Build volume - A larger than average build volume means that you will be able to print larger parts without the need to split them into pieces and attach them together, which is especially useful with functional parts. If you have the room for the larger footprint, we definitely recommend going with a larger 3D printer, since you can always print small parts on a larger printer.
All-metal hot end - An all-metal hot end allows for printing at high temperatures up to 300C, while standard hot ends are capped at 260C before the PTFE material begins to degrade. All-metal hot ends are also less susceptible to jamming, and do not degrade as fast.
Disadvantages to consider
Bare-bones appearance - This printer is not built to be attractive, which is apparent by the standard aluminum extrusions used throughout the design, and the exposed power supply unit. While this is a purely cosmetic issue, it makes the printer less attractive than some of it's more expensive cousins.
Where to buy the Artillery Sidewinder SW-X2
Brand Summary: Artillery
Artillery 3D emerges as a budget-friendly entry point for hobbyists and beginners seeking to explore the world of FDM 3D printing. They focus on user-friendliness, equipping their printers with features that ease the learning curve. Auto-bed leveling (on some models) tackles a common hurdle for newcomers – printer calibration. Furthermore, Artillery 3D prioritizes clear communication by offering comprehensive guides and manuals directly on their website. Their support system, however, might not be ideal for everyone. While they have an email ticketing system, response times can be slow. Additionally, reaching support directly can be a challenge due to limited information on the preferred contact method (email tickets). This could be a drawback for users who require immediate assistance or extensive manufacturer support. However, Artillery 3D boasts a vibrant online community. This platform allows users to connect with other enthusiasts, share experiences, and collaboratively troubleshoot common issues. This thriving online space empowers users to overcome challenges and get the most out of their Artillery 3D printers. In conclusion, Artillery 3D presents a compelling option for budget-conscious beginners who value user-friendly features and are comfortable navigating online resources for troubleshooting and support. They might not offer the most comprehensive direct support, but the active online community can bridge that gap for many users.
Pros
- Auto bed leveling
- Has touch screen
- Easy to assemble
- Carborundum glass bed provides good adhesion and easy removal
- Direct drive extruder
- Generous Build volume
- All-metal hot end
Cons
- Bare-bones appearance
Printer Comparisons
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