The Prusa CORE One has entered the ring! Prusa Research finally introduced a "core XY" design that we always knew they had in a backroom somewhere. This new machine is a worthy European competitor in the Battle of the Box printers. The Core XY motion system is rock steady, squeezing out more printing speed while maintaining quality.
The CORE One is basically a souped up MK4S in a box, which is exactly what Prusa fans wanted. Ok, some wanted a tiny tool changer in a box, and others wanted an XL sized MK4...you get it, we're never going to be totally happy. But this is the machine Prusa needed to make to compete with the modern market.
It shares many components with its sibling, the MK4S, which gives the printer a familiar feel. (And no doubt making manufacturing a lot easier, too.) The printer features an enclosed chamber capable of maintaining temperatures up to 55°C, so you can print engineering-grade materials. Its robust steel exoskeleton ensures durability, and the modular design allows for straightforward maintenance and potential upgrades. This whole machine can be taken apart (and put back together) with a screwdriver.
We're still waiting to get an MMU fitted to the CORE One -- the one for the MK4 will work, but is not optimized for the high flow hotend. I'm hoping we'll see this addition soon!
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And here it is! Buy a CORE One!
What I Love💖
- Enhanced Speed and Precision: The Core XY mechanism delivers faster print times without compromising accuracy, giving improvements over past machines.
- Versatile Enclosed Chamber: The toasty warm chamber has a vent with active cooling to support a wide range of materials, from PLA to polycarbonate.
- User-Friendly Maintenance: The modular construction simplifies repairs and part replacements, making it easier to maintain.
What Could Be Better😱
- Premium Price Point: Starting at $949 for the kit and $1,199 for the assembled version, the CORE One is a big investment for entry level makers.
- No Built-In Camera: The camera is an optional addition, and though it works, its not as snazzy as the competition.
FAQ
- Can I upgrade my existing Prusa printer to the CORE One? Yes, Prusa offers a conversion kit for MK4S owners priced at $450, allowing an upgrade to the CORE One's capabilities.
- What materials can the CORE One print? The printer supports a variety of materials, including PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, and PC, thanks to its high-temperature capabilities.
- Is assembly required for the CORE One? The CORE One is available both as a DIY kit and as a fully assembled unit.
For a comprehensive analysis, you can refer to my full review on Tom's Hardware.