Five heads are better than one - Prusa XL

ShortCircuit
21 Feb 202414:33

TLDRThe video provides an in-depth look at the new Prusa XL 3D printer, which is highly anticipated by the host. The Prusa XL is semi-assembled upon arrival and features an impressive build volume of 14 inches cubed, suitable for large prints. It comes with five extruders, each with a load cell for precise calibration, and an automatic tool-changing system that simplifies the process of switching between different materials or colors. The printer also includes a segmented bed with 16 individual heating zones for efficient use of energy. The host discusses the ease of setup, the quality of the print, and the printer's capabilities for multimaterial and multicolor prints. The video also mentions the inclusion of a care package with additional filament and spare nozzles. The Prusa XL is praised for its build quality, performance, and user-friendly software, but its high price point is noted as a potential consideration for buyers.

Takeaways

  • 🤖 The Prusa XL is a highly anticipated 3D printer with a semi-assembled setup and an optional five-head system for multi-material and multi-color printing.
  • 📦 The package includes a variety of accessories such as a second heated bed, PEI spring sheet, multiple filaments, spare nozzles, and a multi-tool extruder.
  • 🔩 The extruder system features automatic tool changing and hardened nozzles suitable for printing with materials like carbon fiber impregnated nylon.
  • 📡 Connectivity options include both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, allowing for potential control and management of multiple printers from a central location.
  • 🔩 The printer has a segmented bed with 16 individual heating zones, increasing efficiency by only heating the necessary parts of the bed.
  • 🧱 The build volume is substantial at 14 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches, catering to large prints or multiple smaller prints simultaneously.
  • ⚙️ The motion system features linear rails and dual motors for each axis, providing precise control and reducing the reliance on a single motor.
  • 🔩 Each extruder assembly has a load cell for automatic calibration, and direct drive extruders for reliable filament feeding.
  • 🛠️ The printer is designed for ease of assembly and maintenance, with a focus on user-friendly features and straightforward instructions.
  • 🎮 The video also mentions a sponsorship by War Thunder, a free-to-play vehicular combat game, showcasing the integration of promotional content.
  • 🌈 A test print of a multicolor Kirby figure was successful, demonstrating the printer's capability for complex and detailed prints with minimal layer transition times.
  • 💰 The fully assembled five-head system is priced at $4,000, which is a significant investment, but offers reliability and high performance for professional use.

Q & A

  • What is the name of the new 3D printer mentioned in the transcript?

    -The new 3D printer mentioned is the Prusa XL.

  • How many different head varieties does the Prusa XL come in?

    -The Prusa XL comes in a few different varieties, from one head to up to five.

  • What is the size of the build volume for the Prusa XL?

    -The build volume for the Prusa XL is 14 inches by 14 inches x 14 inches.

  • What is the purpose of the automatic tool changing system on the Prusa XL?

    -The automatic tool changing system allows for easy transition between different print heads, which is particularly useful for multimaterial or multicolor prints.

  • What are some of the additional items included in the Prusa XL package?

    -The package includes a second heated bed, a PEI spring shield sheet, a variety of filament, spare nozzles, and a full-size toolkit.

  • How does the Prusa XL handle multimaterial printing?

    -The Prusa XL is capable of handling multimaterial printing with its multiple extruders, allowing for different types of filament to be used simultaneously.

  • What type of control panel does the Prusa XL have?

    -The Prusa XL has a full LCD control panel, similar to the Mark 4S and other models in the Prusa line.

  • How many heating zones does the Prusa XL bed have?

    -The Prusa XL bed has 16 individual heating zones that can heat up independently.

  • What is the significance of having a segmented bed on the Prusa XL?

    -The segmented bed allows for more efficient heating as only the segments being used for the print need to be heated, rather than the entire bed.

  • How much does the fully assembled five-head system of the Prusa XL cost?

    -The fully assembled five-head system of the Prusa XL costs $4,000.

  • What is the advantage of having a large build volume on the Prusa XL?

    -The large build volume allows for printing larger objects in a single piece without the need to segment them, which can be beneficial for certain projects and saves time and effort.

  • What connectivity options does the Prusa XL offer?

    -The Prusa XL offers both Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing it to be connected to a network for remote printing and management.

Outlines

00:00

🎉 Unboxing and Initial Impressions of the Prusa XL 3D Printer

The video begins with the excitement of unboxing the new Prusa XL 3D printer. The host discusses the semi-assembled state of the printer and the excitement around its features. Notable aspects include the increased size of the printer, the presence of a full LCD control panel similar to the Mark 4S, and the multi-tool extruder with an automatic tool-changing system. The printer is available in various head configurations from one to five, which is ideal for multi-material and multi-color printing. The package also includes a second heated bed, a PEI spring shield sheet, a variety of filaments, and spare hardened nozzles suitable for printing with materials like carbon fiber impregnated nylon. The printer model comes with Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities, a segmented bed with 16 individual heating zones, and a large build area of 14 inches cubed. The motion system features linear rails and dual motors controlling the X and Y axes, with each extruder assembly having a load cell for precise calibration. The extruders are direct drive with built-in channels for filament run-out detection. The video also mentions the need to install the LCD and control panel and the high-quality aluminum parts used in the printer's construction.

05:01

🔌 Exploring the Prusa XL's Connectivity and First Print

The host examines the connectivity options of the Prusa XL, including an Ethernet jack and a USB-C port, although the purpose of the latter is unclear at this point. The video then explores the printer's underside, showcasing the Z drive motors and the individual cables for the 16 heating zones. A telescoping spool holder is highlighted for its adjustability and ease of use. The printer comes with a comprehensive toolkit, which includes a full-size screwdriver, pliers, Allen keys, and wrenches. The host also mentions the printer's ability to connect to multiple units over Ethernet for centralized control, which is a feature they appreciate for reliability and speed. The video then transitions to a test print, a multicolor Kirby model, which took approximately 4.5 hours to print. The host discusses the printer's performance, including the quick layer changes and the minimal stringing between layers. They also comment on the mechanical strength between different colors and the ease of release from the textured bed. A new type of purge tower is introduced, and the host notes some minor issues with overhangs and blobbing but overall is pleased with the print quality. The video concludes with a mention of the sponsor, War Thunder, a free-to-play vehicular combat game.

10:04

💭 Reflecting on the Prusa XL's Performance and Considerations for Use

The host reflects on the Prusa XL's performance, noting the excellent build quality and ease of assembly. They discuss the printer's calibration process, which is integrated into the software and easy to follow. The printer accommodates large spools of PLA filament, fitting well into their existing ecosystem of connected printers. The host acknowledges the high price point of the fully assembled five-head system at $4,000, recognizing it as a significant investment. They suggest that the printer's value lies in its reliability and minimal downtime, which is ideal for users who require constant printing. The host also considers the printer's suitability for multi-material printing over multi-color, given the quick layer change times. They contrast this with the single-head semi-assembled option, which might be more appealing to hobbyists or home users willing to invest time into the assembly process. The host concludes by reiterating their satisfaction with the printer, noting its potential to meet their needs for a large build volume and web-connected capabilities, despite the lack of a built-in camera which could make starting prints more challenging.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Prusa XL

Prusa XL refers to a 3D printer model by Prusa Research, a company known for its high-quality 3D printing solutions. The Prusa XL is highlighted for its large build volume and multi-material printing capabilities, which are essential for professional use and prototyping. In the video, the excitement around this printer is due to its potential to handle complex and large-scale printing tasks efficiently.

💡Semi-assembled

Semi-assembled indicates that the product comes partially put together, requiring the user to complete the assembly process. This is often done to reduce shipping costs and allow for easier transportation of larger items. In the context of the video, the Prusa XL arrives semi-assembled, which means the user has to finish setting it up, including installing the LCD and control panel.

💡Filament

Filament is the material used for 3D printing, typically made of thermoplastic and supplied on a spool. It is fed into the 3D printer and melted to create the desired object layer by layer. The video mentions 'Galaxy black' filament, indicating a specific color used in the printing process.

💡Multi-material

Multi-material printing refers to the ability of a 3D printer to work with more than one type of material simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for creating objects with different mechanical properties or colors. The Prusa XL is praised for its multi-material capabilities, which allow for more versatile and complex prints.

💡Automatic tool changing

Automatic tool changing is a feature that allows a 3D printer to switch between different tools or nozzles without manual intervention. This is significant for multi-material and multi-color printing, as it enables the printer to change filaments quickly and efficiently. The video script emphasizes the Prusa XL's next Struder with an automatic tool changing system as an exciting feature.

💡Heated bed

A heated bed is a component of a 3D printer that is designed to be at an elevated temperature to improve the adhesion of the printed object during the printing process. The video mentions a second heated bed, indicating an additional feature that can enhance print quality and success, especially for larger or more complex prints.

💡Load cell

A load cell is a type of force transducer used to measure the force or weight applied to it. In the context of 3D printing, load cells are built into the extruder assemblies to measure the filament tension, ensuring precise and consistent extrusion. The video highlights that each extruder assembly in the Prusa XL has a load cell, contributing to the printer's accuracy and reliability.

💡Direct drive extruders

Direct drive extruders are a type of extrusion system in which the stepper motor is in direct contact with the filament, providing better control over the extrusion process. This leads to improved print quality and reliability. The video script mentions that all extruders in the Prusa XL are direct drive, emphasizing the printer's performance.

💡Segmented bed

A segmented bed is a feature that allows different sections of the print bed to be heated independently. This can lead to more efficient use of energy and better print results for certain types of prints. The Prusa XL has a new segmented bed with 16 individual segments, which is noted as a significant upgrade in the video.

💡Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities

Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities refer to the printer's options for network connectivity. Having both wired and wireless connectivity allows for easier integration into various network environments and remote operation. The video mentions that the Prusa XL shares similarities with the Mark V but includes new features like a segmented bed and the ability to connect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

💡Multicolor prints

Multicolor prints are 3D prints that utilize different colors within a single print job, often requiring the printer to switch between different colored filaments during the print process. The video discusses the potential for doing multicolor prints with the Prusa XL, showcasing its versatility and the inclusion of various colored filaments in the package sent to the reviewer.

Highlights

The new Prusa XL 3D printer features up to five print heads for enhanced multi-material and multi-color printing capabilities.

The Prusa XL comes semi-assembled, with the option to fully assemble it by the user.

The printer includes an automatic tool-changing system for seamless switching between different print heads.

Available in varieties from one to five heads, it is ideal for those looking to print with multiple materials or colors without manual intervention.

The Prusa XL is equipped with a full LCD control panel similar to the Mark 4S, offering user-friendly operation.

The printer is compatible with both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, allowing for easy connectivity and remote management.

The build area of the Prusa XL is a massive 14 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches, suitable for large-scale projects.

The printer features a segmented bed with 16 individual heating zones, providing energy efficiency and precise control.

Each extruder assembly has a load cell built in, allowing for direct drive extrusion and precise filament management.

The Prusa XL includes a comprehensive toolkit and spare nozzles, enhancing its usability and versatility.

The printer's direct drive extruders are designed for reliability and ease of maintenance.

The Prusa XL is capable of high-quality multicolor prints with minimal layer changes and excellent mechanical strength.

The printer's software includes full calibration and is easy to follow, making setup and operation straightforward.

The Prusa XL is designed to fit large spools of filament, accommodating heavy-duty and continuous printing needs.

The printer is web-connected, allowing for remote printing from any location within a network.

The Prusa XL is priced at a premium, catering to professional users who require high-volume, reliable, and diverse printing options.

The printer's large build volume makes it an excellent choice for printing large objects in a single go, without the need for assembly.

The Prusa XL is part of a larger ecosystem of Prusa printers, offering integration and compatibility with existing setups.

Despite the lack of a built-in camera, the Prusa XL's performance and features make it a strong contender in the professional 3D printing market.

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