Prusa XL review: A big 3D printer with a few big compromises

Overview

The Prusa XL, announced in November 2021, arrives as a significantly anticipated addition to the Prusa lineup of 3D printers, known for their reliability and high performance in the consumer 3D printing sector. With its considerable size increase, the XL offers a vast print volume of 36 cm cubed, setting it apart from its predecessors and highlighting its capacity for larger projects. Despite a notable wait time from order to delivery, the printer presents a mix of innovations and challenges worth exploring.

Design and Assembly

The Prusa XL distinguishes itself with a build surface comprised of 16 independently heated panels, facilitating efficient temperature control tailored to the size of the print job. Its design introduces a novel print bed movement, diverging from the stationary bed of its predecessors, to accommodate its multi-head capability, allowing up to five print heads. This feature enhances the XL's versatility for multi-material prints. Available as both a kit and a fully assembled unit, the printer offers a rewarding assembly experience, backed by thorough instructions and community support, making the initial setup informative and relatively straightforward.

Printing Performance

Initial test prints reveal the XL's precision and ability to handle complex tasks with ease, demonstrating significant improvements in setup and calibration processes compared to older models. The inclusion of a sample roll of PLA and the performance of the printer using a 0.6 mm nozzle showcase its competence in delivering clean and detailed prints, even at higher speeds. The XL's hallmark feature, multi-material printing, facilitated by the potential for up to five print heads, opens up new possibilities in using varied types of filament for intricate projects requiring support structures.

Advancements and Limitations

Despite its capabilities, the XL's introduction to multi-material printing presents a learning curve, necessitating experimentation with speeds and temperatures to achieve optimal results. This aspect, coupled with the inability to mix nozzle sizes, points to areas where the printer might benefit from future enhancements. Another notable omission is an official enclosure, a critical component for maintaining air quality and ensuring safety when printing with materials like ABS or ASA, which emit volatile organic compounds.

User Experience

The Prusa XL offers advancements in batch printing efficiency and the convenience of cancelling individual models within a job, underscoring its potential for both hobbyist and professional applications. The journey to mastering its multi-material printing capabilities, while initially challenging, promises to unlock new creative potentials. Yet, the printer's considerable size and the space requirements for its filament tubes necessitate careful planning concerning the placement and work area.

Conclusion

In sum, the Prusa XL marks a bold step forward in the evolution of consumer 3D printing, marrying increased print volume with the ability to perform advanced multi-material prints. While facing stiff competition and despite its high cost and steep learning curve for new features, the XL impresses with its print quality and innovation. Its place in the market will likely be further defined by ongoing community engagement and future updates from Prusa.