Prusa Unveils Refreshed XL+ and CORE One Desktop 3D Printers

Prusa Research has updated its desktop and prosumer 3D printer range, introducing the XL+, CORE One L+, and CORE One+ (Gen 2). According to the Czech manufacturer, base pricing across the refreshed lineup remains unchanged, and existing owners will be able to update their current machines using standalone upgrade kits and individual components.

Lineup-Wide Enhancements and the XL+ Update

Across all three updated models, Prusa has integrated hardware nozzle wipers and adopted GT1.5 belts, which the company states are designed to reduce fine repeating surface artifacts on prints.

The multi-tool Prusa XL+ receives a revised 360-degree part cooling system derived from the MK4S and CORE One platforms. Prusa claims this design increases airflow and distributes it more evenly around the nozzle to improve overhangs, bridging performance, and fine detail resolution. Multi-tool offset calibration has also been overhauled with a permanently installed eddy-current Tool Offset Sensor that aligns toolheads automatically during setup, replacing the previous removable calibration pin. Prusa claims this sensor speeds up tool alignment by approximately 20 times. Additional changes to the XL+ include standard high-flow nozzles and an updated enclosure capable of reaching passive chamber temperatures of around 50°C, with an active chamber heater currently in development to reach up to 60°C for printing materials like PC Blend and PCCF.

Refreshed CORE One Platforms and Software Roadmap

The smaller enclosed model, the CORE One+ (Gen 2), features a redesigned heatbed mounting system. Prusa notes that this revision eliminates the heat-soak delay for materials requiring bed temperatures at or below 85°C, such as PLA and PETG. The Gen 2 machine also incorporates a tool-less snap-on top panel and an updated automatic top ventilation system. The larger CORE One L+ shares the lineup-wide GT1.5 belt update and nozzle wiper additions.

Alongside the hardware refresh, Prusa detailed several forthcoming developments. The INDX tool-changing system is rolling out for the CORE One+, enabling multi-material and multi-colour printing without relying on single-nozzle purge blocks. Prusa is also testing an automatic Pressure Advance calibration system that uses the load cell to measure filament behaviour under varying flow rates. On the software side, PrusaSlicer 3.0 is approaching its first alpha release, while an offline management system called Prusa Connect Local is in development to provide local network management without requiring a cloud connection.

What This Means for South African Makers

For South African workshops, makerspaces, and print farms operating Prusa equipment, this update provides incremental performance updates without rendering current hardware obsolete. The availability of standalone upgrade kits means local users can modernise existing XL or CORE One printers without the substantial shipping and import costs associated with purchasing entirely new machines.

The reduction in operational friction—such as eliminated heat-soak waiting periods on the CORE One+ (Gen 2) and automated toolhead calibration on the XL+—can improve turnover in daily production. Improved part cooling and higher passive enclosure temperatures also benefit makers working with technical filaments in varying ambient room temperatures.

DC3D’s Take

Prusa’s decision to maintain upgrade paths for existing machines reflects a practical, user-focused approach to hardware design. Rather than forcing complete machine replacements, providing retrofittable kits for components like nozzle wipers, GT1.5 belts, and eddy-current calibration sensors protects the original investment made by print farm operators and individual makers.

The planned introduction of local network controls through Prusa Connect Local and automatic load-cell flow calibration addresses practical user requirements. While active chamber heating and high-temperature hotends are still in development, these focused hardware refinements make the desktop platform more capable for practical daily use.