Prusa Updates Desktop Lineup with XL+, CORE One L+, and CORE One+ Gen 2

Prusa Research has updated its primary desktop printer hardware lineup, introducing the XL+, CORE One L+, and CORE One+ (Gen 2). Rather than releasing completely new architectures, the update focuses on quality-of-life enhancements, refined print finishes, and component upgrades designed to streamline setup and maintenance across their enclosed and toolchanging ecosystem.

Lineup Improvements and XL+ Upgrades

The Prusa XL+ incorporates several hardware improvements aimed at surface finish and toolhead alignment. It now features GT1.5 timing belts to reduce fine repeating patterns on large surfaces, alongside a 360-degree toolhead cooling system derived from the MK4S. A new permanently mounted eddy-current Tool Offset Sensor replaces the previous removable calibration pin, aligning toolheads substantially faster. The machine now includes high-flow nozzles as standard, an integrated nozzle wiper, and thermal capabilities for chamber temperatures up to 60 °C when paired with an upcoming active heater.

CORE One+ (Gen 2) and CORE One L+ Refinement

The CORE One series receives shared updates alongside machine-specific adjustments. Both the CORE One+ (Gen 2) and CORE One L+ adopt the GT1.5 belts and nozzle wipers. For the CORE One+ (Gen 2), Prusa redesigned the heatbed mounting structure to eliminate the heat-soaking delay for materials like PLA and PETG printed below 85 °C, allowing print jobs to start faster. It also gains the quick-release top panel from the CORE One L for simpler tool-free access during routine maintenance.

Upcoming Ecosystem Updates

Alongside the hardware refreshes, Prusa outlined several upcoming platform additions. The INDX toolchanger addon for the CORE One+ is slated to ship shortly, while automatic load-cell Pressure Advance calibration will roll out via firmware to dynamically tune flow based on real-time filament behaviour. Other announced software and hardware releases include PrusaSlicer 3.0, an upcoming high-temperature HT Hotend for engineering materials, and Prusa Connect Local—a local-network printer management system designed to operate without active cloud dependencies.

What This Means for South African Makers

For local workshops, print farms, and educational institutions operating in South Africa, Prusa’s modular upgrade strategy means existing machinery will not become instantly obsolete. The choice to maintain consistent retail pricing across refreshed models helps keep budgeting predictable, while step-by-step upgrade kits allow local owners to overhaul existing machines without importing entirely new hardware platforms.

Shorter bed pre-heating times on the CORE One+ (Gen 2) and faster toolhead alignment on the XL+ reduce overall job preparation times. In environments where power constraints make shorter runtime windows valuable, faster print preparation and robust local network control through Prusa Connect Local offer practical operational advantages.

DC3D’s Take

Iterative, modular hardware updates are always welcome compared to rapid product turnover that leaves early adopters stranded. Bringing GT1.5 belts and improved 360-degree cooling across the board addresses minor mechanical artifacts and bridges the surface quality gap between standard multi-material setups and dedicated toolchangers.

The eddy-current tool offset sensor on the XL+ is a significant practical fix for toolchanger setups, where multi-tool calibration previously required patience. For print farm managers and small businesses, reducing heat-soak waiting times on common filaments like PLA and PETG directly improves daily throughput. We look forward to seeing how the local network management tools perform once released, as off-cloud control remains a top requirement for security-conscious technical environments.