Artillery3D Sidewinder X4 Plus review

In the past year, a lot has changed in the 3D printing world. Despite the fact that the machines still have the same external appearance as they did a year ago, the firmware inside has significantly improved. It's all thanks to the latest Klipper firmware that these machines are now able to print more quickly and with better quality than their counterparts from just a year ago.

The Artillery3D Sidewinder X4 Plus is a perfect example of this progress, offering a print area that is impressively large and a design that allows for large-scale printing in a fraction of the time taken by other machines. While maintaining a familiar design, Artillery3D has strengthened the structure to accommodate the increased motion of the print head and platform, minimising the effects of vibrations by using pull rods and linear rails. 

Despite its scale, the Artillery3D Sidewinder X4 Plus remains one of the best 3D printers for confident beginners and entry-level hobbyists. However, it also packs in features alongside cutting-edge firmware. The Artillery3D Sidewinder X4 Plus refines previous designs and enhances with increased speed and precision.

Artillary3D Sidewinder X4 Plus: Design

The Artillery3D Sidewinder X4 Plus follows the common bed-slinger cartesian 3D printer design, necessitating a bit more space for this large-sized printer than most. It launches alongside the smaller X4 Pro, and interestingly, there doesn't seem to be a standard X4 model yet.

Aesthetically, the design is fairly standard, featuring two tall uprights supporting the crossbar, with the toolhead suspended from it. A notable addition, typical for printers of this size, is the dual pull rod kit that reinforces the uprights. The tool head, comprising both the hotend and extruder, is complemented by a filament sensor mounted onto the frame and a small touchscreen for navigating settings and options.

The printer includes several extras, such as an integrated tool tray and USB Type-A and C ports, rounding off the design nicely. A top-mounted spool holder for filament adds to the height of this already-tall printer.

Despite its size, the printer feels relatively compact compared to its large print area. Its footprint is only marginally larger than smaller models, with height being the primary consideration.

An aspect worth mentioning is the weight. While the aesthetics and product design might seem basic, the quality is evident in the weight of the components used. Linear rails replace the more common rods which adds robustness to the machine and is a feature that's sometimes missing in similar-sized competitors. This weight does make it slightly more challenging to manoeuvre, but it also aids in reducing vibrations and movement during use.

Artillary3D Sidewinder X4 Plus: Features

The Sidewinder X4 Plus, while looking much like other large-format 3D printers, has design enhancements that reinforce the frame and structure to meet the demands of the Klipper firmware. A notable change is the inclusion of all-metal linear rails on the X and Y axes, which not only boosts the printer's stability and durability but also enhances its precision compared to the rods that are common on the previous generation of machines. The importance of the strength of the build becomes especially important during high-speed printing, where the linear rails help maintain far greater accuracy than traditional rods.

While the Klipper firmware sees a boost to the speeds, a key feature of the X4 Plus is its large build volume of 300x300x400mm.

One aspect that must be considered is that despite the latest firmware and sturdy build, this is an entry-level machine, so the inclusion of features such as the 4.3-inch touchscreen is nice to see. This screen offers easy navigation and control through the printer's options and settings, as well as enabling you to load prints. The Klipper firmware and an ARM processor are fast when navigating settings, and once the machine fires into actions, they work to enable the printer to reach impressive speeds (up to 500 mm/s) while maintaining quality.

The printer's all-metal hotend can reach temperatures up to 300°C, making it compatible with a variety of materials, from standard PLA to more demanding ones like carbon fibre. A nice touch with the tool head is that it features a dual-gear direct drive extruder, which will enhance the reliability and also enable the use of flexible materials.

The Sidewinder X4 Plus offers multiple connectivity options, including WiFi that enables direct file uploads from computers or mobile devices. This wireless connectivity, which sits alongside USB and LAN options, adds even more flexibility.

The printer is quick to set up, and like the majority of printers, it comes 98% pre-assembled. Once the upright is positioned and secured and all cables are connected, the machine can be started. After booting the calibrations, tasks can be started with the auto-levelling feature, with 121 points of detection, ensuring an even first layer, which is essential for successful printing.

A nice feature to have, especially for a printer with this print volume, is a resume printing function. This allows the printer to restart from where it left off after a pause or short power outage; it's a handy feature; however, if the power is off for too long, then like all printers, there is the possibility that the cooling of the print platform will release the print automatically.

Advanced features like pressure advancement and input shaping are all integral part of the Klipper firmware and essential for minimising vibrations and shaking during high-speed printing.

Artillary3D Sidewinder X4 Plus: Performance

Starting with the setup, the 98% pre-assembled build of the machine is a great advantage for anyone new to 3D printers and intimidated by the construction or assembly of a machine. The instructions could be better, but then again, there is little to assemble, and this is a pre-release model. After a few screws are installed into the base to secure the uprights and the pull rods and cables are connected, you're pretty much ready to print.

In our review sample, the USB key came loaded with a few sample models, which quickly demonstrated the printer's capabilities. It was a fast and impressive start. As the tests progressed, the machine proved reliable, with one pause in the printing process where the firmware needed a restart, and unfortunately, the print was lost.

This issue could have been due to various factors, such as the workshop temperature dropping below 12ºC, which was the most probable reason as it wasn't repeated at a more standard temperature of 16ºC and above.

Examining the quality of the prints, they look great. There are some minor blips in surface quality, but overall, the prints are well-produced, with little signs of stringing.

As the print tests became more technical, such as running the Autodesk Kickstarter test, the printer's small limitations became apparent. Issues like negative space and bridging fell slightly behind what I've seen from other printers recently. However, the overall surface quality is good, with visible layering that is precise, and the top surfaces of prints are generally well-finished.

For the majority of prints, there is little to fault. The print quality is above that of most entry-level printers, though it doesn't quite meet the quality of finish of high-end models.

Artillary3D Sidewinder X4 Plus: Print quality

Dimensional accuracy - score of 5

Target 25 = X: 24.90mm / 0.1mm Error | Y: 24.97mm / 0.03mm Error 

Target 20 = X: 19.82mm / 0.18mm Error | Y: 19.89mm / 0.11mm Error 

Target 15 = X: 14.94mm / 0.06mm Error | Y: 14.86mm / 0.14mm Error 

Target 10 = X: 9.89mm / 0.11mm Error | Y: 9.97mm / 0.03mm Error 

Target 5 = X: 5.07mm / 0.07mm Error | Y: 5.21mm / 0.21mm Error 

X Error Average = 0.104

Y Error Average = 0.104

X&Y Error Average = 0.104

Fine Flow Control - score of 5 

Fine Negative Features - score of 3 

Overhangs - score of 4 

Bridging - score of 4

XY resonance - score of 2.5

Z-axis alignment - score of 2.5

Adding up the totals gives a final score of 26 out of 30.

Artillary3D Sidewinder X4 Plus: Final verdict

The Artillery3D Sidewinder X4 Plus offers an impressive build volume, plenty of advanced features, and speed, which is handy considering it's size. The printer is designed as a large, fast, and well-priced printer for all manner of projects.
The Sidewinder X4 Plus could be an ideal printer for you if your projects often demand a large build area, in which case this printer is an ideal match. The 300x300x400mm print volume is big and enables large-scale models or batch printing. Likewise, if speed and the balance of quality are essential, or you're just impatient, then the Sidewinder X4 Plus is a great choice. That Klipper firmware, coupled with the robust build, enables it to achieve speeds up to 500 mm/s; it's also relatively quiet once it gets going.

If the design and aesthetic appeal are big on your list of features, or you need an enclosed environment for the workplace or education, then this model might not offer what you need. Its design is more functional than stylish, focusing on performance rather than appearance. While the printer isn't overly complex, if you're new to 3D printing, then some of the advanced features and settings might be a little daunting.

The Artillery3D Sidewinder X4 Plus provides a decent balance between size, speed, and accuracy and is best suited for people who have some prior 3D printing expertise looking for size, print quality and reliability over asthetic appeal.

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