Last year, Prusa Research captivated the 3D printing community with the Core One, their inaugural fully enclosed CoreXY printer, which swiftly became a firm favorite. Now, the Czech innovator is back with its successor, the Prusa Core One L, and it might just be the large-format machine enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated.
Beyond Just Bigger: A Thoughtful Evolution
The Core One L isn’t merely an enlarged replica of its predecessor; Prusa has meticulously refined and upgraded numerous aspects, demonstrating a keen ear to user feedback and a commitment to continuous improvement. While boasting an impressive doubled build volume of 300mm³, the ‘L’ surprisingly sheds half a kilo (1.1 lbs) in weight. This remarkable feat is achieved through the strategic replacement of steel side panels with lighter, yet robust, aluminum.
Intelligent Heat Management and Unwavering Adhesion
One of the standout enhancements is the intelligent automation of the chamber louvers. Previously a manual adjustment, these crucial vents—responsible for trapping heat for high-temperature filaments or dissipating it for cooler-printing materials like PLA—now operate automatically based on the selected filament. This thoughtful integration streamlines the printing process, freeing users from an additional mental checklist item.
Perhaps the most impactful upgrade for large-scale printing is the new AC heated bed. This substantial aluminum slab ensures an exceptionally even distribution of heat, courtesy of its speedy AC heating loops. During testing, even the most expansive models adhered flawlessly across the entire build plate, a notorious challenge for many large-format printers. This robust adhesion is a game-changer for reliability and print success.
Seamless Connectivity and Remote Control
In an increasingly connected world, the Core One L embraces modern convenience with built-in Wi-Fi. This feature, coupled with the new EasyPrint functionality on Printables, allows users to initiate and monitor prints remotely from virtually any device. The ability to “kick off prints from my phone” is a testament to the printer’s user-friendly design and a significant boost to workflow efficiency.
Addressing the Minor Glitches
While the Core One L represents a significant leap forward, a few minor points from its predecessor persist. The clear panels, while functional, would benefit from an upgrade to thicker acrylic or, ideally, glass for enhanced durability and rigidity. Similarly, the reliance on plastic pop rivets feels somewhat out of place on an otherwise premium machine. Furthermore, the review unit experienced more firmware crashes than expected, though it’s reasonable to anticipate these will be ironed out by the time the printer reaches wider distribution.
The Long-Awaited Large-Format Solution
Since 2019, the Prusa community has expressed a clear desire for a straightforward, large-format 3D printer. While the Prusa XL ventured into a different, more complex direction, the Core One L emerges as the answer to that long-standing call. It delivers the expansive build volume and refined user experience that enthusiasts have been patiently waiting for, solidifying Prusa’s position at the forefront of desktop digital fabrication.
This review originally appeared in Make: Volume 96.
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