Prusa XL (Dual-Tool)
Prusa XL (Dual-Tool)
Large-Format Multi-Material 3D Printer – Comprehensive Review & Guide
Price (USD)
$3,499–$3,999 (dual-tool)
Price (GBP)
£2,999–£3,499 (dual-tool)
Rating
📋 Overview & Reviews
Last Updated: Based on reviews from the last 12 months (2024–2025)
Key Features
- Massive 360 × 360 × 360 mm build volume
- Dual-tool independent toolheads (IDEX-like workflow)
- Automatic tool alignment and calibration
- High rigidity CoreXY motion system
- Modular toolhead system with swappable extruders
- PrusaSlicer integration with multi-tool support
Community Reviews & Feedback
Positive Aspects:
- Extremely stable and precise large-format printing
- Dual-tool system enables clean multi-material prints
- Excellent for engineering parts and prototypes
- Open-source ecosystem with deep customization
- Reliable auto-calibration and tool alignment
Areas for Improvement:
- Large footprint requires significant workspace
- Tool changes are slower than AMS-style systems
- High price point compared to smaller multi-color printers
- TPU requires careful tuning on dual-tool setups
🎯 Best Practices for Prusa XL (Dual-Tool)
Initial Setup
- Run full auto-calibration and tool alignment
- Verify nozzle heights for both toolheads
- Update firmware before first print
- Print the official dual-tool calibration model
- Check toolchanger latch tension
Daily Maintenance
- Clean the large PEI sheet before each print
- Inspect toolchanger mechanism weekly
- Lubricate linear rails monthly
- Check toolhead parking docks for debris
- Monitor purge volumes for multi-material jobs
Material Handling
- PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA all print well
- TPU requires slow speeds and direct drive toolhead
- Use filament with consistent diameter for best toolchanging reliability
- Dry filament improves multi-material performance
🖥️ Recommended Slicers
The Prusa XL works best with:
- PrusaSlicer (Official): Full dual-tool integration
- SuperSlicer: Advanced tuning for power users
⚙️ Optimal Slicer Settings
General Quality Settings
| Setting | Recommended Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Layer Height | 0.2mm (standard), 0.1mm (high detail) | Large-format prints benefit from thicker layers |
| Print Speed | 80–150 mm/s | Reduce to 60 mm/s for multi-material |
| Travel Speed | 200 mm/s | Helps reduce stringing |
| Retraction Distance | 0.6–1.0 mm | Direct drive extruders |
| Retraction Speed | 35–45 mm/s | Prevents blobs during tool changes |
Curved Top Surfaces
- Enable ironing for PLA
- Ironing speed: 20–35 mm/s
- Top layers: 6–8
Minimizing Layer Lines
- Enable Input Shaper
- Use adaptive layer height
- Use “Random” seam for organic models
Support Settings
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Support Type | Organic or Snug |
| Overhang Angle | 55° |
| Support Density | 10–12% |
| Top Distance | 0.25 mm |
🔧 Calibration Guide
Bed Leveling
- Heat bed to 60°C
- Run auto-leveling
- Verify with paper test
- Adjust Z-offset if needed
Toolhead Calibration
- Run automatic tool alignment
- Verify nozzle heights manually
- Check toolchanger latch tension
- Print dual-color calibration cube
Temperature Calibration
- PLA: 200–215°C
- PETG: 235–250°C
- ABS/ASA: 245–260°C
Flow Rate Calibration
- Print single-wall cube
- Measure wall thickness
- Adjust flow until accurate
⚠️ Common Issues & Solutions
Toolhead Misalignment
- Re-run tool alignment wizard
- Check tool dock cleanliness
- Verify nozzle height offsets
Stringing
- Increase travel speed
- Lower temperature by 5–10°C
- Enable combing
Under-Extrusion
- Check extruder tension
- Dry filament thoroughly
- Increase flow by 2–5%
Warping (Large Prints)
- Use brims or rafts
- Increase bed temperature
- Use enclosure add-ons for ABS/ASA
📊 Material-Specific Recommendations
PLA
- 200–210°C nozzle, 60°C bed
- Great for multi-material prints
- Brands: Prusament, eSun, Overture
PETG
- 240–250°C nozzle, 80°C bed
- Reduce speed to avoid stringing
ABS / ASA
- 245–260°C nozzle, 100°C bed
- Use enclosure for best results
TPU
- Use direct drive toolhead
- Print at 20–30 mm/s
- Not recommended for dual-tool mixing