i-Fast vs X-Smart 3
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
i-Fast and X-Smart 3 are not direct competitors: very different prices (~5.4×). X-Smart 3 costs less (~€400) and is the entry-level choice; i-Fast offers more capability at a higher price (~€2150). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
i-Fast
Qidi Tech
F3 · Advanced
|
X-Smart 3
Qidi Tech
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2021 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~1800–2500 € | ~350–450 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 71 × 51 × 67 cm | 37 × 36.2 × 39.7 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 33 kg | 10.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 330 × 250 mm | 175 × 180 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 320 mm | 170 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 350 W |
| Maximum speed | 150 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | — | 0.1 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 250 mm | 175 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 320 mm | 170 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | CoreXY |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 300 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 100 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 150 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | True | True |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto bed leveling | — | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | True | False |
| Native Klipper | False | True |
| Input shaper | False | True |
| Multicolor printing | True | False |
| Multicolor requires accessory | False | False |
| Max colors | 2 | 1 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The machine comes with the proprietary Qidi Print software, a slicer based on proven open-source architectures, specifically optimized for the profiles of the technical materials supported by the printer. Users can still generate G-code using other widely adopted third-party slicers on the market, such as Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify3D, after manual configuration of machine and extruder parameters. Although it lacks native cloud features or advanced remote connectivity for corporate fleet management, it supports direct file transfer via local Wi-Fi or USB drives, ensuring a secure offline workflow for intellectual property protection. | The QIDI X-Smart 3 is primarily managed via QIDI Slicer, a proprietary software based on the latest versions of PrusaSlicer, optimized to fully leverage the machine's high speeds and CoreXY structure. The interface offers both a beginner mode and an advanced mode for granular control of parameters. The printer comes with pre-installed Klipper firmware, allowing advanced users direct access to the Fluidd web interface for real-time monitoring, calibration, and macro customization. Nevertheless, compatibility is guaranteed with the most popular third-party slicing software, including Ultimaker Cura, Simplify3D, and standard PrusaSlicer, ensuring a flexible and adaptable workflow. |
The differences that matter
- Price: i-Fast 2150 € vs X-Smart 3 400 € — X-Smart 3 wins (+438%)
- Work area: i-Fast 330×250 mm vs X-Smart 3 175×180 mm — i-Fast wins (+162%)
- Max print speed: i-Fast 150 mm/s vs X-Smart 3 500 mm/s — X-Smart 3 wins (+233%)
- Build height Z: i-Fast 320 mm vs X-Smart 3 170 mm — i-Fast wins (+88%)
- Max colors: i-Fast 2 vs X-Smart 3 1 — i-Fast wins (+100%)
Which one to choose
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.