Prusa XL Reliability
Hi All,
One of my clients is considering getting a larger, multi-head machine (probably 2) to run low volume (10s & 100s) production prints, fairly simple 2-colour stuff, enclosures and suchlike. Basic question; how reliable is the XL now? I know there's a lot of forum noise back from 2023, but I'm more interested in those owners who've been running one for a while and don't bother posting on the forums because 'everything's pretty much fine'... or maybe have different experiences.
Bonus points if anyone can share info on printing PETG and similar materials with/without enclosures.
The client has been running MK3s and a MK4S (enclosed) for a few years now so routine maintenance and sorting the odd issue isn't show stopping.
Any feedback appreciated.
Cheers
Once you've learned its quirks it's OK. Mine is as reliable as my Mk3.
For example I had a failed print a couple of weeks ago - because the rough surfaced filament I had loaded was gripping the inside of the PTFE tubes; so now I load that particular filament directly to the tool-head from above and no more fails. Also, the XL and Core One are more sensitive to moist filament so drying is important.
Cheerio,
RE: Prusa XL Reliability
Until Prusa majorly screwed up its firmware release candidate and the resulting head crashes forced me to rebuild the belt system, the XL was arguably the most stable and reliable machine in my small collection (Mk4S/MMU, Mk3.5, Core Ones). The beginning was rough but between firmware upgrades and some hardware revisions it has become a joy to work with. Despite it using the same extruder as the Mk4S/Core One, I never experienced the first layer issues I've seen with those machines (and reported by me and others on Github). I recommend it.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- https://foxrun3d.com/
- and to be fair, release candidates are thought to be *probably* OK, but the invitation is for users to check it in their multitude of use cases before it is finalised.
Cheerio,
RE: Prusa XL Reliability
- and to be fair, release candidates are thought to be *probably* OK, but the invitation is for users to check it in their multitude of use cases before it is finalised.
Cheerio,
RC should have already been tested to the point that there are no blockers. This is a blocker. It's weird that the went from alpha straight to RC. There should have been 3-4 rounds of beta first.
RE: Prusa XL Reliability
Never had a problem with my semi assembled 2T.
Can’t say I ever had a problem with my self assembled Mk3 either, which I upgraded to a Mk3s and then a Mk3s+.
Printed PLA, PETG, TPU, wood infilled and steel infilled all with no issues. Both enclosed and not on both.
The only slight thing with the XL is that with TPU I feed the filament into the extruded directly, as it won’t pass though the side filament sensor easily.
RE: Prusa XL Reliability
My XL 2T arrived after the COVID delays. It was a long time after I placed my order but I didn’t mind. The XL has been a joy to use. No initial problems at all. About six month ago I had a “puppy” error. Prusa support had me try a few things then suggest I print and fit a new tool head cable clamp. Easily done and it’s been reliable ever since. I love my XL.
For completeness, I should explain that the error went away with the original clamp temporarily removed. Therefore I could print the improved clamp.
RE: Prusa XL Reliability
Many thanks all of you who have taken the time to respond - I'll pass this info onto my client.
Anyone else feel free to chip in. Thanks.