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Artillery SW-X2
About the Artillery SW-X2
The Artillery Sidewinder X2 has a generous 300 x 400 mm build volume, Titan-style direct drive extruder with Volcano-style hot end, filament and power loss detection, an AC fast-heating print bed, and clean flat cabling that were popular features of its predecessor. Artillery clearly 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 build volume. The SW-X2 evolves from its predecessor, the X1 V4, in meaningful ways, like a BLTouch-style auto bed-leveling touch probe and roomier 32-bit mainboard, as well as 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.
Benefits of the Artillery SW-X2
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where to buy the Artillery 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.
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