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Artillery Sidewinder X3 Plus
About the Artillery Sidewinder X3 Plus
The Artillery Sidewinder Plus has a large 300 x 400 mm build volume and can hit 300 mm/s and 3,000 mm/s2 acceleration. This machine also features “automatic cleaning” nozzles with an all-metal hotend that can print at up to 300 °C, dual-gear direct drive extruders, all-metal guide rails, magnetic PEI build plates, and 49-point auto-leveling. Users control the printer with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen. An “integrated FFC cable design” keeps things neat and orderly on the aesthetics and maintenance front. A top-mounted LED light, meanwhile, supports printing in “dark environments”. Thanks to two Z-axes, two motors and the solid coordination between these components, greater stability and printing accuracy are ensured. Additional features include POM guide wheels and all-metal guide rails, STM32-bit motherboard, and a family-friendly volume of 46–48 dB, plus a segmented heating system.
Benefits of the Artillery Sidewinder X3 Plus
Modern mainboard features - Many 3D printer features relate to the version of the mainboard and firmware, including features like resuming prints after a power failure and support for silent stepper motor drivers for quieter printing. Newer boards also include safety features like thermal runaway protection which shuts the printer down if it detects issues with overheating.
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.
Premium components - This printer is known for using the highest quality components, and prioritizes this over providing a lower price point on their printers.
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.
PEI build surface has good balance of adhesion and part removal - PEI beds are one of the more premium build surface options, and for good reason. They offer great first layer adhesion with no spraysor other treatments, and can be flexed to quickly remove parts. You'll need to clean the bed with a solvent like acetone or IPA every so often to maintain the bed's 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.
Dual gear extruder - A dual gear extruder grips filament from both sides and can exert much more force on the filament before slipping. It helps with all filaments but especially with flexible, slippery TPU.
Where to buy the Artillery Sidewinder X3 Plus
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.
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