Convince me I need an XL
Looking to move up in print bed volume as I currently have an MK4 w/MMU3 and MK3.9S with a Core One upgrade kit ordered.
Is the XL really worth it vs other comparable large format printers (Sovol S08 for example)? Yes, the XL has the 5 tool heads, but I have an MMU3 and don't really do a ton of MM prints as it is. I need the larger bed mostly for functional parts for diy projects. My other concern is that the XL is getting a little long in the tooth and doesn't feel like Prusa is fully committed to it, compared to the MK series and now the Core series. Maybe there's a redesign in the works.
It would be nice to have all printers on the same workflow but not sure it's worth the $1000 or so price delta. But I'm open minded 🙂
Those of you with XLs, I would love to hear your thoughts and if you could go back in time, would you buy one again?
Thanks!
Convince me I need an XL
If you need convincing you don't need it.
I have an MMU3 and don't really do a ton of MM prints
The MMUs don't really do multimaterial, mostly it's just multicolour. True MM makes it possible to print PLA and PETG hinged with TPU *and* multicolour in a single print; OTOH it obliges adopting techniques to ensure different materials remain attached. It's a lot faster and less wasteful than the MMU.
the XL is getting a little long in the tooth
It has no real competitors in the sub £50k price range.
would you buy one again?
If only I had the workshop space; yes, tomorrow.
Cheerio,
RE: Convince me I need an XL
Convince me I need an XL
If you need convincing you don't need it.
I have an MMU3 and don't really do a ton of MM prints
The MMUs don't really do multimaterial, mostly it's just multicolour. True MM makes it possible to print PLA and PETG hinged with TPU *and* multicolour in a single print; OTOH it obliges adopting techniques to ensure different materials remain attached. It's a lot faster and less wasteful than the MMU.
the XL is getting a little long in the tooth
It has no real competitors in the sub £50k price range.
would you buy one again?
If only I had the workshop space; yes, tomorrow.
Cheerio,
That's an excellent point regarding the true multi material capabilities. Even just multi color, I'd probably be more apt to utilize as it's not that wasteful. I've printed a lot of TPU...being able to combine that with other materials certainly opens up a lot more design possibilities.
Thanks for sharing!
RE: Convince me I need an XL
If the extra volume is all you need there are more options out there that dont "bite" as much as the XL. If i wanted just a large printer i wouldn't buy the XL. If i wanted another true MM then i cannot thing of another choice. There are some out there but most of them means tinkering your device. Also is true that the XL has some issues. I'm not sure how other companies compare to this. I consider my self on the lucky category since the issues i have are rather minor to other out there (extruders stopping mid print , bsod etc). Also Prusa made some questionable design approaches on the XL (i.e. usb buffering, lousy wifi, lack of cooling on the board case, petg parts etc) but all in all i would buy it again. NOW if in the near or far future there is a competitor for a multihead printer and its time to buy a new one i'll compare them and decide. My humble opinion is that if you want or plan in the near future to use the benefits of a true mm then go for it. If not then go for something cheaper. For me printing thing like for example o-ring in place, tpu hinges or petg with pla supports , for the time being, worth's the cost. Also even for simple multicolor the time saved since there is no need for loading, unloading and purging its a huuuuggggggeeeeee plus in comparison with mmu (coming from mmu3s), ams or whatever else single extruder out there.