QIDI Shadow 5.5S
Specifications
Build Volume
Layer Height
Screen & light
Speed & layers
Physical
Information
Description
The QIDI Shadow 5.5S is an entry-level MSLA resin printer that QIDI Tech released in 2019 at a launch price of around $259. It's now discontinued, but it's a good example of an early, affordable resin machine with an all-metal body and a dual Z axis. It's aimed at beginners who want to try high-detail printing of miniatures and figurines without spending much.
The build volume is 115x65x150 mm. At its core is a 5.5-inch 2K LCD with a 2560x1440 resolution, which fixes the XY pixel size at 47 microns. The light source is a 405 nm UV LED, so the printer runs any open 405 nm resin. The build plate rides on a dual Z axis with linear rails (a 4-axis frame structure), giving roughly 1.25-micron Z positioning accuracy and a stable peel. Minimum layer height is 10 microns and print speed is about 20 mm/h. You control it through a 3.5-inch color touchscreen, slice in ChiTuBox, and transfer files over USB. Two activated-carbon fans inside the enclosure help cut down on resin odor.
Advantages
- High detail for the price — the 2K screen with a 47-micron pixel produces crisp, clean prints, and reviewers noted detail held up even on models scaled down to 6 mm
- Solid mechanics — a dual Z axis on linear rails and an anodized all-metal body cut vibration and deliver around 1.25-micron Z accuracy
- Ready out of the box — minimal setup before the first print and a clear interface on the 3.5-inch touchscreen
- Open system — any 405 nm resin and the familiar ChiTuBox slicer, with no proprietary material lock-in
- Safer indoors — two activated-carbon fans and the enclosed UV cover reduce odor and particle spread
- Generous kit — the box includes scrapers, gloves, a mask, funnels, a spare FEP film, 250 ml of resin, and a USB drive with software and guides
Disadvantages
- USB only — no Wi-Fi or Ethernet, so files move strictly by flash drive
- Noisy ventilation — reviewers note an audible filtration fan hum while printing
- Small community — the model is discontinued, so support and fresh exposure profiles are scarce online
- Small build area — the 115x65 mm XY footprint is tight for large parts or batching several models
The QIDI Shadow 5.5S is a pick for a beginner who wants an inexpensive, simple resin printer for miniatures, busts, and small detailed models. It's cramped for batch work or large parts, and the lack of networking plus its discontinued status limit it in 2026.
Bottom line: the Shadow 5.5S is a sturdy early resin printer with decent mechanics and detail for its era at an affordable price. Today it makes more sense as a budget used buy than a current purchase.