Prusa Research has announced its next 3D printer, the Core One. And, despite the CoreXY kinematics, the MK4S, launched just a few months ago, has an upgrade path at a fraction of the total cost.
“Today, we are ready to take over the world once again,” Josef Průša proclaimed in a press presentation at Formnext 2024.
The Core One is Prusa’s second CoreXY system after its Original Prusa XL launched last year. Despite an enclosure and notably condensed footprint compared to the MK4S, it boasts a larger 250 x 220 x 270 mm build volume – gaining 10 mm on the X and Y axes and 50 on the Z-axis. Despite that, machine dimensions are just 415 x 444 x 555 mm; significantly smaller than the MK4S on the X and Y axes, and dramatically so with the current Prusa enclosure. The footprint is maintained when a spool is mounted, thanks to recessed positions for material.
Despite the larger build volume, the company made some fanfare over maintaining compatibility with its existing print beds, ensuring existing users need not replace their existing stock.
And, of course, the system is designed for temperatures that thrive with an enclosure like ABS, PC, and PA. Prusa boasts the machine as fast heating without needing any additional heating components.
Converting the MK4S involves dissassembling the machine and rebuilding it with a Core One kit that Prusa says will cost €489 (we’ll update later with US pricing). Those deciding to undertake the conversion should expect a much more involved process than previous upgrades, but we think that could go without saying. For your effort, you get a machine that Prusa says is 50% smaller than the MK4S with an enclosure, with 30% more print room that produces results 20% faster (up to 27% faster in some cases).
A standout new feature of the Core One is the system’s active chamber temperature control, which Prusa says eliminates the need to open doors or top covers for prints with low-temperature materials like PLA or PETG, thanks to two high-performance fans. A press presentation showed the chamber maintaining a temperature of just 27 ºC, but we expect performance to vary based on ambient temperatures. An extra top vent does exist for extreme cases.
Thanks to that active chamber cooling, Prusa says the enclosed system has managed to maintain the impressive 75º overhangs of the MK4S.
“When he showed the model to me, I was like ‘no fucking way,'” said Průša in reference to the company’s Scandic plate 3D model, used to demonstrate Prusa’s 75º overhang capabilities. “And then we nailed it.”
The Prusa Core One is available to pre-order today for $1,199 as a fully assembled system with DIY kits and MK4S conversion kits following at a later date. That also excludes cameras, which will become available soon for €40.
Correction Nov 22, 2024: The Prusa Core One gained 50 mm on the Z-axis compared to the company's previous release, the MK4S.
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License: The text of "Prusa Surprise Launches Enclosed CoreXY 3D Printer, MK4S Users Can Upgrade" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.