TL'DR: Expensive? Yes. But you'll love it.
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Tool Changer vs AMS
If you want to 3D print in color, you have two options: a Bambu style AMS that swaps colors through one nozzle and wastes a ton of filament...or a tool changer. Tool changers have a dedicated tool head/hotend for each spool of filament. The motion system picks up a different tool head each time it swaps colors.
Think of it this way -- the Bambu AMS is like painting with one brush. When you switch from red to blue paint, you have to rinse your brush and wipe it off on a paper towel before dipping into your next color. The Prusa XL is a tool changer, which is like painting with five brushes. When you change from red to blue, you put down the red brush and pick up the blue brush. No need to rise or wipe, just paint. Make sense?
The Prusa XL is the Medusa of printers, a five-headed beast with an oversized 350x350mm build plate. It's a Core XY printer, but not as fast as a X1 Carbon or even a Creality K1. Prusa doesn't actually say what the XL's top speed is, but the default speed settings on Prusa Slicer is under 200mm/s.
Like the tortoise and the hare, the XL makes up for its lack of speed by its steady pace.
Things I like about the Prusa XL:
- Core XY precision
- No Poop
- Operates in LAN Mode fine
- Auto bed leveling + Z
- Great stock flex plates
Things I hate about the Prusa XL:
- No Camera
- Can't program colors from the printer
- Expensive
❓FAQ: Prusa Research XL
How big is the Prusa XL’s build volume?
The Prusa XL offers a massive 360×360×360 mm build volume: significantly larger than typical consumer printers. It's ideal for cosplay parts, prototypes, large one piece prints, or batch production.
Is the Prusa XL faster than older Prusa printers?
Yes! Thanks to input shaping and pressure advance, the XL is much faster and smoother than the MK3 or early firmware versions. While it's not quite as fast as a Bambu Lab printer out of the box, it's no longer “slow.”
Can the XL print in multiple colors?
Absolutely. The 5-head tool changer system allows true multi-material or multi-color printing without printer poop. Unlike AMS-based systems, each extruder is independent, which means less waste and no filament switching delay.
What kind of materials can the XL handle?
The Prusa XL can print PLA and PETG without trouble, but needs an exclosure for ASA, ABS, PC, Nylon.
Do you have to use Prusa filament (Prusament)?
Nope! Prusa's spool holders may look basic, but keeping it simple means it can handle every size and brand of spool.
Is the XL beginner-friendly?
Not really. The XL is aimed at advanced makers, colleges, engineers and businesses. It's a big machine with a bit of a learning curve. If you want a plug-and-play Prusa, the Prusa CORE One is an excellent choice.