Disclosure: The XL was supplied to me by Prusa freed from cost for the aim of this evaluate. I’ve not obtained another compensation. All opinions expressed are my very own, and Prusa has had no affect on the content material of this evaluate.
The filament was supplied to me by Polymaker freed from cost for the aim of this evaluate. I’ve not obtained another compensation. All opinions expressed are my very own, and Polymaker has had no affect on the content material of this evaluate.
Unboxing
The unboxing of the the XL was an anticipated delight. Prusa thoughtfully and methodically packaged each element very neatly. I used to be not totally ready for the sheer amount of packing containers and packaging parts for the 5 Software variant I used to be despatched. It was daunting, and spectacular on the identical time. Each software and element set was packaged in particular person packing containers and had been very clearly labeled.
Packaging High quality
Meeting/Construct High quality
That is an fascinating element to the XL. The printer I obtained was totally assembled, minus the enclosure. The toolheads and mount had been additionally not pre-assembled, although every toolhead was put collectively and in its personal field. With that being mentioned, it was tremendous simple to observe Prusa’s directions to accurately put the toolheads on the XL.
The enclosure add-on was a special story. The enclosure comes fully disassembled. It’s a mix of laser-cut and bent sheet metal that may be very properly powder coated. Whereas it’s simple to assemble, the enclosure take a considerable period of time to place collectively. For me, it took me ~2 hours to assemble every part, get it connected to the XL, and up and operating.
First Print and Impressions
My first print on the XL was a really formidable 5 shade PETG turtle, and I first tried utilizing Orca Slicer. I made a variety of incorrect assumptions, together with trusting the Orca Slicer profile to work proper off the bat. With that, I downloaded PrusaSlicer and tried once more. With PrusaSlicer, I’ve had nothing however success in my printing.
Prusa XL First Print
{Hardware} and Specs
The Prusa XL has some totally different configurations. There are semi-assembled and assembled variations of the XL, and both of these might be bought with only a single toolhead, however as much as 5 toolheads. The entire variations may have the identical 360x360x360mm construct quantity, the place the print mattress temperature is maxed out at 115°C and the nozzle has a max temp of 290°C.
Software program and UI
Prusa is vertically built-in in {hardware}, electronics, and software program. This works very properly, because the management over each element is superior. However, for me personally, I’m not a fan of the consumer interface that Prusa has chosen to make use of. That is the explanation I selected Orca Slicer at first. I don’t like how PrusaSlicer is organized. The slicers work the identical as a result of Orca relies on Bambu Studio, which itself relies on PrusaSlicer, which relies on the Sli3r base slicer. So, it’s all a matter of UI desire. The UI of the printers may be very acquainted, however starting to really feel a bit dated with all the new technology CoreXY touchscreens.
Take a look at Prints and Efficiency
Print Examples
Accuracy Take a look at Outcomes: X Measurement: 100.01 of 100mm Y Measurement: 100.02 of 100mm Z Measurement: 100.00 of 100mm XZ Measurement: 135.01 of 135mm YZ Measurement: 135.01 of 135mm XY – A Measurement: 150.02 of 150mm XY – B Measurement: 150.01 of 150mm
Precise Print Velocity
Prusa advertises the XL with “Velocity being nothing with out high quality”. Whereas the XL is just not the quickest printer (common 120mm/s in my testing), it is likely one of the nicest high quality printers I’ve used. That being mentioned, the velocity remains to be quicker than many present printers.
Precise Materials Capabilities
The XL is marketed as being suitable with “PLA, PETG, Flex, PVA, PC, PP, CPE, PVB and when utilizing the Authentic Prusa Enclosure with filtration add-on ABS, ASA, HIPS, PA.” I agree with this checklist. I’ve had success with a lot of the supplies listed, however I didn’t take a look at HIPS, PP, or PVB. Although, with all of the success I had, I’ve little question the XL would be capable of deal with these simply as properly.
Velocity vs High quality
Like I beforehand talked about, Prusa is prioritizing high quality over velocity. With the slower print velocity, I’ve achieved an ideal accuracy and tolerance take a look at. All components matched the nominal dimension precisely. It is a preferable tradeoff for me personally, since I ship components to others for whom mechanical efficiency is most essential. High quality isn’t about aesthetics, however good aesthetics can correlate with nice mechanical high quality.
Noise Stage
The XL is likely one of the quietest printers I’ve used just lately. Similar to the Core One, the XL averages 55dB and peaks round 64dB when it strikes quickly. The Core One remains to be quieter than the XL, however each are very simple to have working in the identical room during which you’re working.
Reliability and Upkeep
I’ve had 2 nozzles clog from warmth creep since I’ve had the XL. With the Nextruder nozzles, that is actually no concern because it take 5 minutes to vary them out. One minor annoyance on this regard that comes with the software changer territory, it’s a must to recalibrate the placement of the hotend in relation to the others. This course of is simple, however provides an extra ~20 minutes to the nozzle substitute course of.
Calibration of 1 nozzle.
I need to add that the Prusa XL comes with customary brass nozzles, and I don’t agree with this. In a contemporary period of carbon and glass fiber strengthened filaments gaining popularity, I actually suppose the XL ought to include hardened metal nozzles at least. I feel it could be novel if the XL might include tungsten and even diamond tipped nozzles. On my XL, I upgraded all 5 of the nozzles to Ruby tipped nozzles in order that I might print lots of carbon fiber strengthened supplies.
Authentic Brass (left) and new Ruby Tipped (proper) nozzles.
Price and Worth
The XL ranges from $1,999 to $4,000. The most cost effective choice is the package with a single toolhead, with out the enclosure. The most costly is the assembled 5 toolhead and enclosure package. Personally, I feel the perfect worth comes from the latter choice. With the 5 instruments, you acquire most performance with minimal time spent constructing and double-checking that every part is working. Whereas the XL doesn’t present the perfect worth when in comparison with different printers available on the market, the true worth comes from the impartial toolheads. The power to print with 5 totally different supplies opens up lots of choices and contains the flexibility to make use of specialised assist supplies.
So, who is that this for?
The XL is for the intense maker, engineers who want extra materials properties in the identical print, or anybody with prints so complicated they should use specialised assist supplies such because the soluble ones. Getting a number of supplies to work in the identical print is just not for novice printers. The XL is a correct skilled software that may create some superb components. Prusa minimized the barrier to entry for multi-material prints with the XL, and even provides functionality when in comparison with firms like Elevate 3D, and even Stratasys the place they will solely have 2 supplies in the identical print.
Execs
- True multi-material functionality, as much as 5 choices
- Considerably much less waste when altering supplies or colours
- Accuracy
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Price
- Complexity
- Measurement
- Brass nozzles
Abstract
The Prusa XL impresses with its meticulous packaging, although the 5-toolhead variant’s quite a few parts and 2-hour enclosure meeting might be daunting. Preliminary printing with Orca Slicer confronted points, however PrusaSlicer ensured constant success, highlighting the printer’s strong software program integration regardless of a dated UI. With a 360x360x360mm construct quantity, it helps various supplies like PLA and PETG, prioritizing high quality over velocity at 120mm/s and reaching excellent accuracy in exams. The XL is quiet (55–64dB) and dependable, although nozzle clogs require recalibration, and brass nozzles are much less perfect for contemporary strengthened filaments. Priced between $1,999 and $4,000, it provides sturdy multi-material capabilities for customers valuing precision, however its value and complexity might deter some.
Cowl picture courtesy of Prusa
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