The 3D printing landscape has experienced significant changes in recent years, with manufacturers pushing boundaries in speed and reliability, and most importantly a simplified but advanced user experience. The recent announcement of the Prusa Core One marks a pivotal moment in the industry, particularly as it enters a market where the Bambu X1 Carbon has already set high standards. This analysis explores how these two printers compare across multiple aspects that matter to users like us.
The Evolution of Desktop 3D Printing
Before delving into the specifics, it's worth noting how these printers represent distinct philosophies in 3D printing. Prusa Research, known for their methodical approach and open-source commitment, has taken their time developing the Core One, focusing on reliability and user accessibility. Bambu Lab, in contrast, burst onto the scene with revolutionary speed capabilities and innovative features, fundamentally changing expectations for what desktop 3D printers can achieve.
This year, Prusa seems to be somewhat stepping out of their open-source philosophy, as the market shifts from 3D printers being a tinker toy for hobbyists to performance machines requiring little to no input from the user. This means that the firmware and slicer software is still fully open source, but the hardware design is no longer. It is also their first fully enclosed CoreXY printer, which allows for higher temperature materials to be printed.
The Prusa Core One has a build volume of 250mm x 220mm x 270mm, which is very similar to Bambu’s 256mm x 256mm x 256mm, but a welcome addition as many commonly printed parts don’t use the whole print bed but still reach close to the height limits.
Speed and Performance
The Bambu X1 Carbon has gained recognition for its remarkable printing speeds, capable of reaching up to 500mm/s with actual printing speeds commonly achieving 300-400mm/s in practice. These speeds come without sacrificing quality, thanks to their advanced CoreXY motion system and sophisticated input shaping technology.
The Prusa Core One, on the other hand, is not yet released and they don’t have their speeds advertised. With the switch to a CoreXY system over their usual cartesian system, it can be expected that it will have very similar speeds to its counterpart, and it might have the capability to print even faster.
Print Quality and Precision
Both printers deliver excellent print quality, and they achieve it not just with the sturdy frames and motion systems, but with enhanced software as well. They both have sensors that correct for toolhead resonance, which minimizes issues from vibrations caused by quick movements. They also have features like input shaping, which cancels added vibration frequencies, pressure advance, which prevents added material on sharp corners.
Software Integration and Ecosystem
Bambu Lab has developed a comprehensive ecosystem around the X1 Carbon, with their Bambu Studio slicer offering sophisticated features like automated support generation and print time estimation. All X1 printers come standard with a chamber camera, which with a micro-SD card can be used to record timelapse videos. This port can also be used to load parts into the printer the old school way. The printer can only connect through Wi-Fi, with a robust mobile app for remote monitoring. Bambu’s higher priced printer, the X1E, does come with ethernet as well as Wi-Fi and ethernet kill switches for strict networks.
It can also come with AMS, which allows for printing with up to four colors or materials on one print. The AMS Hub can also be added, which can connect four AMS systems allowing for up to 16 color prints, or just a hassle-free experience.
Prusa brings their extensive experience with PrusaSlicer to the Core One, now enhanced with specific profiles for the new printer. The Prusa Connect app can be installed on desktop and mobile which allows for remote control. The Core One supports both direct USB printing, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an ethernet port as well. An enclosure camera is not included but can be purchased separately and added later. A GPIO Hackerboard and advanced filtration systems can also be added for users that want to go the extra mile and make a truly personalized machine.
Lastly, a Multi-Material Unit 3 (MMU3) can be added which can support up to 5 rolls of filament for different materials or colors in one print. It is priced closely to Bambu’s AMS but is an open system and needs to be placed beside the printer instead of fitting on top.
Cost and Value Proposition
The pricing strategy of these printers reveals their target markets. The Bambu X1 Carbon, positioned as a premium offering, commands a relatively high price point for 3D printers but includes features like the AMS and enclosure as standard. The total package is $1200 and represents significant value for users who need these capabilities and can utilize the high-speed printing.
Although the Prusa Core One comes at the same price of $1200, it can be purchased as a kit for only $950. They also offer an upgrade kit that can turn the MK4S into a fully functional Core One that costs only $450. For 3D printer hobbyists that already are big fans, this may be the best value option for enclosed desktop 3D printing.
Long-term Considerations
When evaluating these printers, consider their long-term implications. The X1 Carbon's sophisticated features and enclosed design might present challenges for future repairs or upgrades. However, Bambu Lab has shown commitment to firmware updates and feature improvements.
Prusa's track record for long-term support and their open-source philosophy suggest the Core One will enjoy extensive community development and easy access to replacement parts. As 3D printers rise in complexity and more advanced firmware and software, this may become more difficult, but more and more support is being added for these systems as well as users learn the firmware.
Conclusion on the Prusa Core One
The choice between the Prusa Core One and Bambu X1 Carbon ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. They are very similar desktop 3D printers, offering a CoreXY motion system and enclosed chamber, but they do have slight differences that depend on the customers’ preferences. Overall, the Prusa Core One offers a highly competitive machine that is taking 3D printing to the next level, while also sticking to core values that made Prusa community as large as it is today.
