Prusa CORE One Hands-On: Prusa’s Redemption?

Introduction

The Prusa CORE One represents a significant advance for the Prusa lineup of 3D printers, as it finally integrates the brand's well-established hardware into a sleek enclosure. This CoreXY machine has been eagerly anticipated by enthusiasts, leading to questions about its competitiveness in a market filled with various alternatives. In this review, we'll explore the capabilities of the CORE One in terms of specifications, build quality, and overall reliability.

Unboxing and Setup

Upon unboxing the CORE One, users will notice its substantial weight, indicative of its sturdy construction. The setup process involves just a few simple steps, including attaching the touchscreen, which connects via a ribbon cable. Guided by a setup wizard, users can easily configure their printer offline or connect it to a local network. The printer supports NFC capabilities, allowing for seamless integration with the Prusa app for initial setup.

Specifications Overview

The CORE One features an enclosed design with a compact footprint, utilizing a rigid CoreXY system. Weighing over 22 kg, its solid sheet metal construction is paired with an aesthetically pleasing exterior. Its build plate can heat up to 115 °C and offers a slightly larger print volume compared to previous Prusa models, making it versatile for various printing applications.

Print Performance

The CORE One is equipped with an efficient nozzle probing system which allows for precise first layer placement without the need for z-compensation. Initial prints showed promising results, performing consistently with minimal artifacts. Noise levels during operation have increased slightly compared to earlier models, but the enclosure does help mitigate some sound. Avery impressed with its performance, the CORE One excels in printing a variety of materials including PLA, PETG, and even technical filaments like ASA and polycarbonate.

Cooling and Temperature Management

Prusa has incorporated temperature management features that allow for controlled chamber temperatures, which can improve print quality for certain materials. However, results have indicated a potential compromise in overhang performance due to elevated internal temperatures. This aspect will likely be of interest to users primarily working with PLA.

The Prusa Ecosystem Advantage

One of the key benefits of the CORE One is its place within the larger Prusa ecosystem. Users adopting PrusaSlicer or Prusa Connect benefit from user-friendly workflows aimed at simplifying the printing process. The latter offers robust management capabilities for those who operate multiple machines, allowing for efficient scaling of 3D printing projects.

Value Considerations

While priced at a premium compared to some competitors, the CORE One's robustness, support, and development pipeline contribute to its overall value proposition. Users can benefit from ongoing updates and community support, which can enhance the long-term usability of the printer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Prusa CORE One fulfills a long-standing demand for a competitive, high-quality machine within the Prusa lineup. Its impressive design, along with a feature-rich environment for advanced printing, make it a worthy consideration for both enthusiasts and professionals alike. The CORE One is shaping up to not only restore confidence in the Prusa brand but also to elevate its standing within the broader 3D printing market.

The ongoing development and updates anticipated for the CORE One indicate that it will only improve over time, reinforcing its position as a contender in the 3D printing arena.