QIDI TECH Shadow 5.5 S 3D Printer Review
QIDI TECH Shadow 5.5 S Review Basics
The QIDI TECH Shadow 5.5 S’s specs may sound familiar to those familiar with the Anycubic Photon S. That’s no mistake, as QIDI appear to be competing with Anycubic for the better machine. The anodized metal interior, dual Z linear rails and even the precise same 4.5″L X 2.5″W X 5.9″D build volume are just a few features these SLA printers share. The Shadow 5.5 S also uses a standard 2k LCD screen over matrix-style LEDs.
This SLA printer comes with Chitubox software and an awesome profile that takes the guesswork out of your first prints. From there just download your files onto a USB thumbdrive, insert the thumbdrive into the printer, and use the responsive color touchscreen to initiate printing.
QIDI TECH Shadow 5.5 S Review Pros
Attention to Detail
This printer may seem like a cheap clone of the Photon S but don’t be fooled. A lot of care and attention went into designing and crafting the Shadow 5.5 S. To start, the body of the printer is made with all metal parts, specifically anodized aluminum. This includes the resin vat and the build plate. This printer is well-packed, too, so that no parts are bent or broken when the printer arrives.
User experience was not forgotten, either. The Shadow 5.5 S uses two carbon filters to help eliminate harsh odors caused by the printing process. This printer also comes with an awesome collection of accessories compared to the competition. Among other things, you’ll receive a bottle of sample resin, extra FEP film, and even a genuine Samsung USB drive with your printer.
Once assembled, it’s obvious that the Shadow 5.5 S is a quality machine with a thoughtful modern design and rugged frame. QIDI adds to this experience by including a wonderful starter kit for new users.
Excellent Customer Service
QIDI hold one of the best reputations in 3D printing for excellent customer service. Most customers have the best luck emailing the company, and you can expect quick, helpful responses from a team of knowledgeable representatives. QIDI are also known for being understanding about problems like shipping damage or (rarely) DOA printers. If you have a problem with one of your new QIDI printers, the company is happy to resolve the issue in any way possible. Rest assured knowing that if you purchase the Shadow 5.5 S, the company stands behind their machine and tries their best to help customers with everything from troubleshooting to shipping problems.
QIDI TECH Shadow 5.5 S Review Cons
Unoriginal Concept
While there isn’t much to criticize about the Shadow 5.5 S, let’s be honest: this isn’t a groundbreaking machine. It seems like every day there’s a new sub-$400 SLA printer on the market and QIDI certainly didn’t reinvent the wheel with the Shadow 5.5 S. In this printer’s case, it’s a near-replica of the Anycubic Photon S. While we actually prefer the design of the Shadow 5.5 S, the fact remains that these printers produce identical models. It would have been nice to see QIDI up the ante here and show us something new in the world of cheap SLA printers.
QIDI TECH Shadow 5.5 S Review Verdict 9.0
We expected nothing less from QIDI than to blow us away with the Shadow 5.5 S and they didn’t disappoint. Considering this is a clone of a popular machine, QIDI managed to make it their own. The Shadow 5.5 S’s subtle design changes and a stellar attention to detail that rivals Anycubic on their best day. Of course, the Shadow 5.5 S is also cheaper than the Photon S, which is even more remarkable. This is the sub-$300 SLA printer we recommend to both SLA beginners and veterans.
