Sidewinder X4 Plus S1 Review: Specs, AI Camera & Verdict

Building on the esteemed Sidewinder series, the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus emerges as a powerhouse in large-format 3D printing. Celebrated for its generous build dimensions and direct-drive extruder, its forerunners set a solid foundation. Now, the X4 Plus raises the bar with Klipper firmware, enabling swift print speeds of up to 500mm/s without compromising quality.

Notably, it features an AI camera for real-time spaghetti detection, a Core-XY motion system for enhanced efficiency, and a filament run-out sensor to avoid mishaps. Additionally, the magnetic spring steel bed facilitates easy print removal, while the silent mainboard ensures quiet operation. In this review, we’ll explore how these innovations contribute to its standout performance and overall value.

Unboxing & First Impressions

Packaging & Included Accessories

Artillery has ensured that the unboxing experience of the Sidewinder X4 Plus sets a positive tone right from the start. The printer arrives securely packaged, safeguarding it from potential transit damage. Inside the box, you’ll find essential accessories: a power cable, spare nozzles for quick swaps, a durable PEI spring-steel sheet for efficient adhesion and easy print removal, a set of necessary tools, and a handy quick-start guide to facilitate initial setup.

Assembly & Time-to-First-Print

Moving on to assembly, the Sidewinder X4 Plus strikes a balance between pre-assembled convenience and hands-on setup. Key components come pre-installed, reducing the complexity of assembly. Users will need to complete a few straightforward steps, but the process is relatively easy. With clear, detailed instructions, most users can expect to achieve their first print in just a couple of hours, easing newcomers into the 3D printing experience.

Initial Build Quality Check

Once assembled, conducting an initial build quality check reveals promising results. The frame exudes rigidity, ensuring stability during high-speed prints. Belt tensioners are well-calibrated, contributing to smooth operation, while the linear rails demonstrate precision, promising consistent performance. Overall, the initial impressions of the Sidewinder X4 Plus highlight thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship right out of the box.

Design and Hardware Foundations

The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is engineered to support swift, large-scale 3D printing through its robust design and high-quality hardware components.

Build Volume and Kinematics

Massive Scale: With a generous build volume of 300 x 300 x 407 mm, the Sidewinder X4 Plus stands out in the high-speed printing segment, allowing users to create larger models or multiple smaller parts simultaneously without compromising on speed or detail.

Kinematics: Enhancing its precision capabilities, the printer incorporates linear rails on all axes (X, Y, and Z). These rails are essential for maintaining accuracy and stability, especially when operating at the impressive speed of 500 mm/s.

Aesthetic & Footprint: Beyond functionality, the Sidewinder X4 Plus boasts a sleek, modern design. Its substantial footprint, while requiring adequate workspace, is a testament to its capability to handle expansive projects efficiently.

Extrusion and Thermal Limits

High-Flow Direct Drive: At the heart of its extrusion system is a lightweight, direct-drive extruder featuring a dual-gear mechanism. This setup ensures a consistent filament flow, crucial for maintaining print quality at elevated speeds.

Temperature Capability: Complementing its hardware prowess is a 300°C high-temperature hotend. This feature broadens the scope of printable materials, allowing users to work with advanced engineering filaments such as Nylon, Polycarbonate, and Carbon Fiber composites, thus making the Sidewinder X4 Plus a versatile tool for various applications.

Performance and Speed Analysis

The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus sets ambitious standards for high-speed FDM printing, backing its claims with innovative technology and thoughtful design.

Klipper Integration: 500mm/s Realized

Klipper as the Brain: Equipped with Klipper firmware right out of the box, the Sidewinder X4 Plus is primed for speed, reaching up to 500 mm/s with an acceleration of 10,000 mm/s². Klipper’s advanced features optimize motion control, making such rapid movements feasible without sacrificing precision.

Input Shaping: To counteract potential print imperfections, such as ghosting and ringing, the printer utilizes input shaping technology. This vibration compensation feature is crucial for maintaining high-quality outputs, particularly on large, dynamic platforms.

Test Results: In practical tests, while the maximum marketing speed of 500 mm/s is impressive, achievable speeds often strike a balance between speed and optimal print quality. Users can expect exceptional results at moderately high speeds, with nuanced adjustments needed for the absolute fastest settings.

Motion and Noise Management

Here’s the real shocker: at full sprint, it’s quiet. Credit goes to TMC2209 silent stepper drivers humming beneath the hood. Even during rapid direction changes, the only sound is a soft whoosh — not the angry buzz of old-school printers. High speed doesn’t have to mean high stress… or high decibels.

User Experience and Advanced Features

The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus is packed with features designed to elevate usability and reliability, particularly catering to advanced users seeking precision and convenience.

Calibration and Bed Technology

Automatic Leveling: Featuring a sophisticated 121-point automatic leveling system, likely using inductive or capacitive sensors, the printer ensures consistent adhesion across its expansive build plate. This extensive mapping process compensates for any minor irregularities, crucial for successful large-scale prints.

PEI Platform: The printer is equipped with a durable PEI magnetic build plate. This platform excels in providing strong adhesion for various materials while simplifying part removal, thanks to its flexible nature. Users can easily flex the surface to release finished prints without the need for tools, minimizing potential damage.

Klipper Interface and Remote Control

The 4.3-inch touchscreen isn’t just pretty — it’s your full Klipper cockpit. Swipe through Mainsail or Fluidd UI, tweak settings, start prints, and even watch the AI camera in real-time. But the real magic? Full Wi-Fi/LAN remote access. Start a print from bed. Monitor progress from work. Kill a spaghetti disaster from your phone. This isn’t “just a printer” — it’s a connected workshop tool that respects your time.

Ease of Use & Software

The Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus emphasizes user-friendly operation through intuitive interfaces and versatile software options, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned 3D printing enthusiasts.

4.3″ Color Touchscreen Interface

Intuitive Menus: The printer features a vibrant 4.3-inch color touchscreen that simplifies navigation with clearly labeled menus, making adjustments and monitoring straightforward.

Live Stats: Users can view live statistics directly on the screen, including print time remaining, temperature readings, and extrusion speeds, providing real-time insights into ongoing projects.

Filament-Change Wizard: The touchscreen also guides users through a filament-change process seamlessly, minimizing downtime and errors during material swaps.

Slicing Workflow & Profiles

Cura with Artillery-Tuned Profiles: The Sidewinder X4 Plus is compatible with Cura, one of the most popular slicers, and comes with Artillery-specific profiles that optimize settings for the best print quality right out of the box.

Community-Shared Presets for Smart Mode: Leveraging a vibrant community, users can access shared presets that enhance the printer’s Smart Mode capabilities, tailoring settings for various materials and desired outcomes.

Connectivity Options

SD Card, USB, Ethernet & Optional Wi-Fi Dongle: Offering multiple connectivity choices, the printer accommodates diverse user preferences, whether through direct connections with an SD card or USB, wired Ethernet, or an optional Wi-Fi dongle for wireless convenience.

Web-Based Print Queue & Remote Control: With its connectivity features, users can manage their print jobs via a web interface, allowing them to queue prints, monitor progress, and control the printer remotely, thereby adding a layer of flexibility to their workflow.

X4 Plus S1 Specs

The Sidewinder X4 Plus S1 Value Proposition

When considering its robust feature set, the Artillery Sidewinder X4 Plus S1 presents a compelling case in the 3D printing market, striking a balance between performance and affordability.

Who Should Buy the SWX4 Plus S1?

Target User: This printer is ideal for users who need a large build volume and are looking to upgrade to higher speeds without the hassle of a DIY setup. It’s perfect for both experienced hobbyists and professionals who desire an out-of-the-box experience with Klipper’s advanced capabilities.

Price vs. Features: In comparison to competitors, the Sidewinder X4 Plus S1 offers an attractive price point. Many other printers with similar build volumes often lack the same speed capabilities, while those matching its speed typically offer significantly smaller capacities. This balance makes the X4 Plus S1 a smart investment for those seeking both size and swift operation.

Strengths & Weaknesses

FAQ