Upgrade your QIDI Q1 Pro with Dual Build-plate Stops + more

Two stops are better than one! One stop is also better than none!
Help support this channel! / needitmakeit
The QIDI Q1 Pro has been my go-to printer lately for high quality parts and it has that advantage of being able to reliably print higher-temperature materials, and since I've been using it so much, it could use an upgrade or two so we can get even more out of it.
We're going to design and test several upgrade options for the bed to see if we can get something that allows us to push the buildplate into place and have it self-align the first time every time.
Add-on Guides and Blocks:
makerworld.com/en/models/4153...
Upgraded Shroud w/ Integral Guides:
makerworld.com/en/models/4154...
2 Start Rod Sloth for Q1 Pro:
makerworld.com/en/models/1200...
Heater Cover:
makerworld.com/en/models/4153...
Another way to support this channel indirectly is through my affiliate links (where I receive a small commission). It helps me to continue to provide high-quality content videos. Thank you for your support!
QIDI **Q1 PRO** (Supports the channel)
qidi3d.com/products/q1-pro?sc...
You told me my Allen keys were no good, so I bought these!
amzn.to/3xbTnUB (US)
amzn.to/49hxLnh (CAN)
BAMBU PRINTERS
shrsl.com/4aghz
CREALITY PRINTERS
shrsl.com/4aghy
#QIDI Q1 Pro
#QIDI Q1
#QIDI 3D Printer

[@kyle8575]

Qidi has fixed this now in their latest printers. The shroud now has two notches in the corner rather than one in the middle. So cool to see a company like this listen to customers and make adjustments even on a budget printer.

[@PeterTeuns]

I guess, that's the price you pay, when you get a free preproduction unit for review - you're the beta tester ;-) BTW, that's not the only thing they fixed. They added a note for European customers on how to prevent to electrocute themselves. Since for example German plugs can be plugged in either way, you could end up with the build chamber heater being live (and not neutral). And if I got this correctly, they also rearranged the ptfe tube now so it doesn't scratch the top cover any longer.

[@seedmoreuser]

That dovetail design was so satisfying. That click with the Petg was so nice.

[@802Garage]

Agreed! They went together so well.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Thanks, there aren't many better joints that come to my mind than a dovetail connection, I don't know why. Maybe it is the click!

[@NeedItMakeIt]

@@802Garage Thanks 802!

[@somhunt5446]

Wonderful modification, advancing the Q1 Pro community. Thanks for taking us on your thoughts and process.

[@Prevettspecialdesign]

Thank you so much for your time on this project and the last one on the Q1. Both make the printer far better. I’m really enjoying my Q1 at the moment, it has a few odd bits, but thanks to people like you it’s being transformed into a great machine. This build plate project was very much needed! Thanks again. Simon - Sweden

[@rodneysmith1750]

Thanks for sharing another one of your fantastic videos. The angled dovetail joint was new to me, but then again I am still a noob to the 3D world. I find your style and explanations most satisfying to watch and learn from, thanks again for sharing.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

I have another joint that's coming up and I don't think I've seen it done anywhere before. Maybe Japan, their skills with joinery are next-level. At least in 3D printing, I've never seen it done before. It should be ready for mid-week or at the latest this weekend. Glad you're enjoying the content and there is lots more to come!

[@stew675]

Absolutely top notch work Mike! An awesome example of a functional print and design to fix everyday issues. Maybe you can work with Qidi to convince them to use your design to fix their OEM plate shroud.

[@Clough42]

Nice! Thanks for sharing. The build plate location system is the biggest daily frustration with this machine.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

I've heard that they've already addressed it in anything new, but I can't find any concrete info on it. Should be interesting to see what they've come up with if it is actually adjusted.

[@OccultDemonCassette]

Thanks! I like this machine and really appreciate seeing quality of life fixes like this from the community. Hope to see any other quality of life improvements you discover for the Q1 at some point in the future! :)

[@NeedItMakeIt]

There isn't much that absolutely needs to be improved, which is kind of nice but I have a few ideas for upgrades which will really level up this printer to make it even better!

[@802Garage]

Dang, Mike! You work fast. Really awesome to see your iterative process here. Even the two added tabs are a big improvement, but the full platform surround replacement is really nice. Would be easy for people to customize too. Nice that Qidi made the model available. Wonder if they will copy your work in a future revision. 😂 Good stuff!

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Thanks 802, finally getting to these comments my man! I hope they can make the change from the factory, for them it seems pretty simple, if they decide not to, well at least we'll have something to get the job done our way. There's probably an even better way to do this but I just kept it simple.

[@hw5533]

Thank you for making these. I have my q1 pro on order and arrival date is late June in the UK!

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Nice, and no worries, it's a small thing but it's nice to have those positive stopping points, no messing around trying to position it just right anymore.

[@avejst]

Great addition Great design Thanks for sharing your expirences with all of us :-)

[@NeedItMakeIt]

No problem I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's working well in PC, I really just wish I had something other than transparent... at least it showed up well in the video.

[@garydavis786]

Thank you for this video! I am so new at 3-d printing that my QIDI pro printer is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. These parts appear to be needed and I will attempt to print them out. I also subscribed as I think your channel will become my favorite.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Hey thank you! You're going to have a great time with this printer, it has to be one of the all time best bang-for-the-buck printers. Before you print anything, I've heard that they have have added some stops in to newer models, I can't confirm this for sure, you may want to open it up and see, maybe you'll be able to save some time and filament. If not, you'll at least have a backup plan. I have videos coming at least once per week, I'd prefer more and I think some weeks I'll be able to do two, depending on complexity etc. Any support is greatly appreciated!

[@NoMercyFtw]

should get mine the end of the month, cant wait

[@falkonpc3398]

Yet another top notch video, great presentation! Great videography! I have a suggestion/idea, I think Synthwave music would suit your videos really well ;-)

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Thanks a lot. I've just started cutting out the music since I am soo very bad at adding music in. I think I'll understand it gradually, I've started adding a but of music for some shots with no sound, timelapses etc. I'll take your comment to heart and have a closer look at Synthwave, so thanks for that!

[@imacmill]

While the full meal-deal version was fun to watch, I think your first solution is the best. Works perfectly, cheap and trivial to do.

[@bp8__163]

Thank you for making this! I was going to work on solving the same issue on my Q1, and you did a fantastic job so I will definitely be implementing your design.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

No worries! It's a small thing, but makes a pretty big difference in reducing that annoyance of not quite getting it right.

[@barrywingler418]

Thank you for sharing this, Works great with my new Q1 Pro

[@NeedItMakeIt]

No problem, I hear that they may have some newer units coming out with a stop system already, I haven't seen what it looks like or how it works yet.

[@johnsanford3596]

I just ordered a Q1 Pro this morning, I know I'll be printing some of your upgrades.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Nice, it's a little quality of life improvement. I've been having some PETG sticking to the nozzle, so... I made the mistake of taking the nozzle off and trying to clean the PETG with a scotch bright.... well I don't recommend doing that, it slightly rounds off the sharp corners or the bottom of the nozzle, I have some new nozzles on order. Next time I think I'll just heat the nozzle and wipe it with an old cloth.

[@Factory400]

I just align the build plate on the left edge....accurate, easy, and no mods needed.

[@3dpathfinder]

I have one coming to be delivered in the next few days and cant wait. I am thankful for your coverage and ty for this. Any other upgrades and or advise , Id be very appreciative.

[@technicallyreal]

Liked simply for mentioning the filament tuning process :)

[@NeedItMakeIt]

When it comes to making precise parts, it's a must! That PA tuning makes a far bigger difference than one might expect.

[@bradrigsby9721]

I love your stuff. It is very professional and polished and your modelling skills are top notch. I am struggling to decide between the P1S and the Q1 Pro. I have seen lots of reviews that really push the needle in both directions but your results on the Q1 are great. What would be your recommendation?

[@TinTalon]

To me this just impressive. Great video, again. Thanks Mike.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Thank you my friend!

[@Clough42]

I was having similar problems with PETG collecting on the nozzle on the Prusa XL. Robert Cowan suggested raising the nozzle temperature, and that solved the issue for me. Raising the temps lets it flow better, so I get less broken infill, which is where the accumulation was coming from. I have also found red PETG to be particularly problematic.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

It's probably worth looking at closer, I switched to gyroid infill a while back because it doesn't pass over the existing extrusion, which is less noise and never has any issues with areas which are missing extrusion. Nozzle temps are quite high for PEPTG, I normally run at 270, or 275. I go for best adhesion rather than for looks. Thanks for the thoughts on that, the next time I print, I'll watch it to see if I can find out where the accumulation happens the most.

[@chatroux399]

Really good work

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Thanks a lot; it took far more work than I was expecting, I had a few test pieces I didn't bother to show while I was trying to get the sizing just right after shrinkage of the PC, but not too much space either. A bit of a learning curve, but that's the fun of the challenge.

[@chatroux399]

I always love your content. I'm really curious to know your tolerances in fusion 360. Your connections are always perfect.

[@diedtrying]

Great video Mike - will be adding this to my printer probably with nylon. Also, thank you for showing the bed leveling process at minute 9. Sent this to a friend that just got a q1pro that's new to printing.

[@Funktional3DPrints]

Very nice!

[@richc9890]

That is fantastic.

[@CGEli-HeliusFlame]

Awesome idea! Can you please document the way you do calibration on this printer next time you're doing it anyway?

[@pfabiszewski]

This is too cool

[@jimkramer4001]

Great job. I'm waiting for my 'pre-order' Q1 and checking online for as much info as I can before it arrives. Will be doing spool mounts also. I've had multiple printers over the years and have never done long (overnight) prints because of fire risk. What are your thoughts of risk - suppression systems for an enclosed printer? Thanks

[@Funktional3DPrints]

Need one for the max-3

[@carlb86]

First time watching this channel. Great job on the CAD. If I pull the trigger on this printer I'll definitely be printing your design. Did you consider also putting a raised section towards the front sides that might help with potential build plate movement from collisions? Not sure if that would interfere with putting the plate back.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

It's not a bad idea, I stuck with the basic design mainly because I didn't want too many areas which required tighter/closer proximity to the bed which could rub. It's not so simple with this heated chamber and the bed temps getting up to the 110C max, everything is moving and expanding at different rates and it became quite a job to make sure that it was close, but not too close. Great idea though. From what I'm told, they've found a way to do this from factory, but I haven't seen what their solution looks like yet. Still a great printer, I'm having very good results with it and enjoying being able to print with some more engineering type plastics.

[@woodcat7180]

Let's hope Qidi is watching and will update their design.

[@jerrymk6846]

They did. The new version has updated bed mount and Ethernet port

[@Aimsport-video]

@@jerrymk6846new version?

[@RegressStage]

@@jerrymk6846 Source, if you don't mind?

[@AM-jw1lo]

I use the left side to align the print plate,, works nice. Will be interested to see the nylon or pet carbon fiber prints.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Apparently the newer models have some solution by QIDI, I haven't seen it myself. Do what works!

[@kazolar]

And Qidi Q2 Pro is going to have this exact bed design -- totally original. Might want to reach out to qidi and see if they'd at least sponsor a few episodes before taking your idea for their next printer. The heater shroud is basically a must -- not sure how this thing passes CE certification with electrified heater fins, 120v in North America is no fun, but 230-240 in EU is pretty spicy.

[@802Garage]

Well, people are allowed to own toasters, after all.

[@anthonyalbanese1993]

do you have a more in depth guide on the dovetail method you showed in fusion? so many guides for it make them quite time consuming in F360. You made it look so quick including the tolerances.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

My next video shows the next level version of that dovetail, I was thinking about creating one, that may be for a video release next Wednesday then!

[@calilifestyle]

Love it thanks. Question for anyone that has done the platform calibration . After you unscrew the nut and the cal , should you tighten back the nut. I ask because i noticed when i tighten the nut the and do a quick paper test it seems now be off and not how i left it. It pulls the plate down. Is that ok?

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Ah yes, what I did for the nut was add a bit of blue Loctite, you can also use a dab of silicone, and then when I tighten it to the bottom of the 1st nut, I just bring it snug, not to tight, that should help. Sometimes when you tighten a jamb nut it can also rotate the nut above it.

[@ChrisNorulak]

Wonder if the discrepancy with the softening temperature of the petg is just due to thermometer calibration discrepancies - youd be surprised how many variance you experience between thermometers... 😅

[@BennyTygohome]

This is cool but i really need to learn CAD to do it

[@berlinberlin4246]

What is, your opinion, the easiest but best filament for printing a holder Like this? Im asking for a other printer but also with direct contact to the heatbed

[@NeedItMakeIt]

If you're not contacting the bed at all (1mm airspace) you should be good with ABS or ASA, but if it's like this model, where there are parts which are nearly in contact, I'd go with PC to be safe. When I measured, it was reading around 90C on the part at the highest, I'd assume that's because the bed is only set temperature at the location of the probe, everywhere else is less, especially around the edges. This printer having the heated chamber changes things a bit, the differential will be less. PC to be safe, ABS will probably work for quite a long time.

[@chrisgill5692]

Thinking about buying this printer. How about tossing the shroud in the garbage and gaining some build area? Would a 256 x 256mm plate then fit? Whats the size of the underlying bed?

[@NeedItMakeIt]

Sure go for it, it's there for decoration, but it won't gain you and build-volume, the gantry limits are the problem. Those mounts are beefy and take up some space. I believe we're at 245 x 245, maybe you can squeeze an extra mm here and there if you wanted to try. I've found that printing near the edge of the buildplate with heavy duty parts on any printer will cause the plate to want to lift at the edge.

[@chrisgill5692]

​@@NeedItMakeItthanks, yeah good point on lifting - I was thinking there'd be at least ~25mm overrun all round as per the purge station. Think I'll go for this printer, it looks great. BTW, nice video, workflow and final prints on these adaptations!!

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

5:21 how do you convert an STL file into something useful in fusion? The only thing I've been able to do is stumble around with some mesh objects, and it's been quite a pain to say the least..

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

I kind of liked the hexagon pattern, even without the black inserts; though I liked it a bit more in the red, but I didn't think it looked bad in the Polly either 🤷🏿‍♀️

[@NeedItMakeIt]

If the mesh is 'clean' like the one I started with, you'll have success doing what I did. If you have a rounded shape or something that someone scanned, it's nearly impossible, and you'd be better to start from scratch. Sometimes I scan a 'subject' and then I try to duplicate the shape in Fusion, but it almost always ends up being easier to take the measurements because working with a complex mesh really slows down Fusion.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

I like the pattern in red as well, but it didn't really suit the printer. I should have some new High Temp filament arriving tomorrow and then I can re-print the shroud in a dark color. Maybe I'll add one different colored hex on it somewhere for fun.

[@TS_Mind_Swept]

@@NeedItMakeIt I mainly asked for downloading and modifying files like logos or whatever.. just wish Fusion had a better interface for that.. as for the hexagons not really suiting the style of the printer, maybe go with some geometric lines or something to give it some movement, but deviate too far from the style of the printer

[@NeedItMakeIt]

@@TS_Mind_Swept I haven't found a great solution for that either. I can sometimes take a logo, convert it to an SVG and then bring it into Fusion and it works.... very slowly I might add. But other times, it just doesn't work well. You're better off to trace it out, as time consuming as that might be. I'll hide the hex if I do add one, don't worry!

[@NoMercyFtw]

I've been running this thing for three days straight not one fell

[@NeedItMakeIt]

I've had a lot of success with the printer, I think the only 2 issue I had which was really my fault were that I set the temp at exactly 60C and it likes to be just a tad lower so it threw an out-of-range error and then when loading and unloading filament I've found that extruding to make sure the filament isn't too soft for PLA when trying to load in new filament. The path for the filament could be a little shorter and I find that it helps to extrude and then retract to get a good pull. I've a couple of times now where there will be a piece of melted filament that gets stuck. Other than that for the price, this is my #1, Bambu X1C is a great printer of course, but it's pretty $$, and then the K1s come after, they need a bit more work on their extruders and the overall frame design IMO.

[@NoMercyFtw]

@@NeedItMakeIt yeah I'm so glad I got this, and the extruder issue only becomes a problem if you pull the filament out when changing if you do the manual mode to push it out that's been giving me no problems at all except for a few times when I was going from petg two PLA in those times I think some melted pet G was in there and I only had the extruder at 220 so I had to push retry like three times

[@NeedItMakeIt]

@@NoMercyFtw Yeah overall bang-for-buck this might be at the top, everyone had different wants in a printer, it's hard for one printer to be perfect for everyone, but this one gets very close.

[@olafmarzocchi6194]

But does it really matter that it's a millimeter off? the print plate is 250 mm, the printing area 245 mm. You could misplace it by up to 5 mm and it wouldn't still matter. Or have I misunderstood the issue? Still, since you designed it, I'll use it once I get mine.

[@olafmarzocchi6194]

Actually it's 5 mm extra, so just 2.5mm per side. Likely enough but I see the point

[@NeedItMakeIt]

I's not obvious and it depends on the height of the bed in relation to the shroud. If the bed is set lower on one corner/side like mine was and the build plate is mis-aligned it does not touch the magnet and will bend upward. That's not a massive problem unless you print close to the edge of the bed. I think for most people it's just nice to be able to position it correctly, in other words it bothers them when it's not correctly lined up. When I did this, I was automatically trying it again and again. So to your point, no it's not super critical for most cases, just a nice quality of life improvement.

[@NeedItMakeIt]

I think for most prints it would be fine to go with a twisted buildplate, I just don't think most people (I'm assuming) would want to see it that way. It bothered me enough to want to fix it, I suppose it depends on the person and whether it bugged them as much as it did me.

[@Arnos_3D]

Just lower the bed unter the frame. Abd u dont must glue any things on the frame. Easy

[@PaulMillhouse7]

Sand, prime and spray paint that sucker

[@bjornhoffmann]

Have used my q1 pro for a week now and havent removed the plate once. So dont see any problem with the lack of print bed stops. But really nice work!!👍

[@NeedItMakeIt]

What, you never remove the plate, you're at GOD level 3d printing. You're waiting for the print to cool and it releases on its own I suppose? I still glue all of my prints, I print super heavy, sometimes nearly solid and it will want to lift in any printer. This printer is the best out of any so far because of the heated chamber, but I still like to do it to be safe.

[@jerrymk6846]

New versions of the Q1 Pro has an updated bed mount with alignment corner brackets, new and improved bed assembly, ethernet port, and improved filament inlet. For Chinese mainland, old version is only sold for 1.5 days and people that got the old version (same as the reviewers) will get a chance to get a refund, or get free nozzles and bed plates. The price for mainland is 340USD early bird or 367USD now that Q1 is released.

[@Phil4o2]

Interesting. Where from do you have that information?

[@802Garage]

Oh wow! Where did you find this info? Glad Qidi is willing to quickly respond to reviewer and customer critiques.

[@jerrymk6846]

@@Phil4o2 People that ordered on the 20th and part of 21st had their machine quickly fulfilled and received, while people ordered starting from the 22nd waited up to 4 or 5 days before shipping continued on the 27th. During these days, they were busy doing the fixes. People that got the first batch quickly found it out, and they are offered to return the machine or free bed plates and nozzles. Not sure if they sent out the first batch knowing they will have the second, and is just trying to get the stock out, or did they try to fix as much as they can for the future orders. Either way, I got the new version. The information is on Chinese group chats, and is also available if you ask them directly (I got confirmation that mine was fine this way for example). Note that everything above is probably only applicable for shipping from China via their Taobao/Tmall storefront. Not sure if it applies to international customers, but... they'll eventually get the new version, or maybe even sooner than the 27th, with the new version ready at launch, I have no idea. If that isn't the case, then "having stock in global warehouses at launch" kinda became a bad thing isn't it? :(

[@majstor76]

@@jerrymk6846 Currently "in stock" seems only for china and brazil, for rest of world delivery is April/May/June

[@PaulMillhouse7]

WTH is a rod sloth

[@donald1792]

why can't companies just make a good printer that doesn't need modifying

[@NeedItMakeIt]

This printer is pretty cheap for what you get, and to get the price down into that range, they've cut some 'fat'. This printer at this price-point is an excellent deal and there is really not much wrong with it. The lack of a proper filter (Those don't last long) and the spool holder being too floppy, as well as this buildplate mod, and his one isn't a necessity, it's just a small quality of life improvement. I don't think there is any one printer that has everything, Bambu has the pooping and wiping issues, Creality has a few lingering issues with extrusion and frame stability. I do a lot of design work, and it's not always as easy as it seems to account for every single possible issue. Sometimes you need to move on even though it's not the absolutely best that it can be. I don't like doing it, but it's necessary to be able to complete a whole project. I'm sure that holds true for most anything, whether it is a printer, or a car, or when you're renovating your home. Anyway, that's my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth.

[@gz625]

Seems like this garbage manufacturers are not even turning on once their products 😂

[@802Garage]

Don't exaggerate. The machine had a locating tab. It just wasn't as effort free and guiding as this upgrade.

[@eddiee2750]

I ended up sending mine back as to me it felt rushed to market and the actual quality of the machine was lacking in comparison to my XMAX 3 and XSmart 3. Also, for the build plate size, the machine itself is incredibly big and it seems like there’s so much space wasted. I’m sorry but when you buy the latest and greatest you should not have to do all these tweaks to make it a better machine. These are all things that should’ve been addressed at the factory before it went out the door. Like even opening the front clear door, there’s no good spot to grab it, who does that? I love my Qidi’s but this was a hard pass for me. Replaced this with a Bambu A1 mini and then will get the full size A1 next month.

[@802Garage]

I definitely wish they made it a bit more compact! I don't have one yet, but it really does seem bulky for the build size. Less space to heat would only help with the heated chamber efficiency as well. The bed plate locating tabs aren't a huge deal overall, but another commenter says they have already added that in a revision along with a few other improvements. It's good they are willing to make changes quickly at least. I also hear the customer support is quick and excellent. It is strange they didn't put a handle on the door, but I thought there was a spot to grab easily at the bottom right? Either way, understandable you didn't like it. Still seems like a super capable machine for the money. I hope they keep improving it.

[@eddiee2750]

Another thing I will add is I do see why there’s so much hype about the Bambu labs. It’s a very apple like experience from how it’s packaged to how all the parts are individually marked and wrapped,, fit and finish and from the very first print everyone has been perfect and I haven’t had to do a single thing but with my QIDI printers it’s been a little different, but still they print great. If I was going to compare an identical, prints, the bambu labs wins on every single one the finish is so perfect it’s almost unbelievable. As I said, it’s my first bambu printer I have bought which I just received on Monday but I do get why people love them so much.

[@jerrymk6846]

​@@eddiee2750Actually, Qidi has really good packaging, not even Bambu can compare. We have seen multiple X1C units have their aluminum shell beaten and the frame completely skewed, while Qidi, with their reinforced protected corners and styrofoam, their customer support claim they've never sent out a printer that sustained shipping damage. Although the shipping volume has to be considered, but still, Qidi knows what they're doing.

[@XHolyPuffX]

Same

[@NeedItMakeIt]

I was having a conversation earlier about this too, they said, "why can't they just send something that is perfect". My answer is that it's impossible to do, you can't account for everything and everyone's different tastes. Considering the price-point of the printer and the high quality prints you can get from it, I don't have a problem looking past the few downsides. If you can afford a larger printer that's more refined, go for it. As far as the door, I don't personally need a handle, I can easily grab it, I prefer without, but that's just me. The A1s look like great printers, and in an enclosure you should be able to get some relatively warp-free prints. The A1 also has auto-calibration, though I don't know if it does flow, it says it does PA, and mentions flow, but doesn't say that it truly does flow, maybe they're done simultaneously.