QIDI Plus4: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-19
Summary
The Plus4’s headline issue is Z-offset calibration failing at high bed temperatures, which can drive the nozzle into the PEI sheet on ABS and ASA prints and was still reported through firmware v1.7.3. Early-production units also had a chamber-heater SSR board that could overheat, fixed in machines built after December 2024. It is good value for engineering materials at $699 or below, but it is a discontinued model with a laggy UI and thin long-term support.
Common problems and fixes
- Z-offset calibration fails at high bed temperatures — with the bed at 90°C or above (ABS/ASA), automatic Z-offset calibration can fail and the nozzle drags into the PEI sheet; the suspected cause is piezoelectric sensor signal loss when hot. Still reported through firmware v1.7.3 in December 2025. Workarounds: preheat the chamber to only 38°C before leveling, slice with OrcaSlicer instead of QIDI Studio, or set Z-height by hand before each print; some users received replacement piezo sensors with mixed results. [7]
- Bed leveling must be re-run after a plate swap — the Z-offset and mesh are tied to the plate’s exact thickness, so flipping or swapping the magnetic PEI plate means running mesh leveling again. [1][4]
- Filament loading needs firm pushing — the feeder requires a hard push to load and the purge chute is hard to watch, which led to “air printing” in Tom’s Hardware testing. [2][3]
- Clogging when switching materials — Tom’s Hardware reported clogging when moving between TPU, PC carbon fiber and PLA; higher loading temperatures and a thorough flush help. [3]
- No AI features — the camera is for timelapse and remote monitoring only; there is no spaghetti or object detection. [2]
- Warranty support varies — the US warranty covers manufacturing defects for one year while the EU store lists two years; PCMag reported same-day email replies, but other owners describe support as unhelpful and one reports a warranty refusal. [1][5][6][9]
Parts and consumables
- Bimetal nozzle (0.4 mm standard; 0.2/0.6/0.8 mm optional) — sold through QIDI’s store; replaced when worn or clogged. [4]
- Dual-sided textured PEI magnetic build plate — re-level after each swap; replaced when the surface stops gripping. [4]
- Solid-state relay (SSR) board — replacement boards were offered to owners of early units; the upgrade is only needed on machines made before December 2024. [1][8]
- Activated carbon air filter — included with the printer to filter chamber air. [4]
- QIDI Box multi-color unit — sold separately, quoted at $228 in early 2025; needed for multi-color printing. [1]
Yearly running cost
The sources give no per-year cost figure. Filament is the main recurring expense, and QIDI recommends its own-brand filament for best results; nozzles and build plates are replaced as they wear. The QIDI Box is a one-off $228 purchase if you want multi-color.
When it is a good buy
At $699 or below from QIDI’s US store (October 2026), the Plus4 is strong value for anyone who needs engineering materials in an actively heated enclosure; a 370°C nozzle, 120°C bed and 65°C chamber are uncommon at this price. Between $700 and $800 it is still reasonable, but the Bambu Lab P2S at $569 adds AI features and a smoother UI, and the QIDI Q2 at $499 is a newer platform. Above $800 it is weak value against the Plus5 (320×320×300 mm, same 370°C nozzle and 65°C chamber), which replaces this discontinued model.