Artillery 3D Printers

Artillery, founded in 2018, is a relatively young player in the 3D printing world but quickly made a name for itself by offering affordable printers with premium features typically reserved for higher-end models. Known primarily for models like the Sidewinder and Genius series, Artillery focuses on creating machines that are quiet, easy to use, and capable of producing high-quality prints right out of the box. The brand aims to strike a balance between affordability and a semi-premium experience, appealing to both hobbyists and semi-professional users. Artillery’s sleek designs, emphasis on direct drive extruders (where the filament feeding mechanism is mounted directly on the print head for better control, especially with flexible filaments), and silent stepper motor drivers (which reduce printer noise by using more refined motor signals) have helped it establish a loyal following, although occasional quality control issues have been noted.

QIDI Tech 3D Printers

Founded in 2014, QIDI Tech has steadily established itself as one of the most trusted brands in the mid to high-end consumer 3D printing market. Known for its focus on fully enclosed, professional-grade machines (enclosed printers have a surrounding structure that traps heat and improves safety and material compatibility), QIDI bridges the gap between hobbyist and industrial 3D printing with printers that prioritize reliability, material versatility, and user-friendly interfaces. With a product range that spans from compact, beginner-friendly machines like the X-Smart 3 to high-performance beasts like the X-Max 3 and i-Fast, QIDI consistently delivers printers that are well-built, thoughtfully designed, and capable of tackling complex, high-temperature materials (like nylon or carbon-fiber blends, which need stable, heated environments). Their recent move toward CoreXY architectures (a fast and stable printer design that separates X and Y axis motors) and faster printing speeds shows their commitment to evolving alongside industry trends, while still maintaining an emphasis on ease of use and consistent quality.