The best CoreXY 3D printers 2024

The Core-XY 3D printers have been on the market for about ten years. The launch of the first models dates back to 2013. Since then, the devices have enjoyed great popularity among many 3D enthusiasts. Those who want to resort to such a printer are faced with a large selection and not infrequently have numerous question marks on their faces. Therefore, we will show you the best CoreXY 3D printers below and also tell you what to look out for.

The most important in a nutshell

  • The Core XY principle is one of the most popular systems around 3D printing
  • You can choose from many different devices on the market, and you should compare them with regard to several factors
  • You don't have to spend a fortune for a good and solid device, but can also fall back on inexpensive alternatives depending on the area of application and requirements.

The best CoreXY 3D printers

In the following, we want to give you an overview of the currently best CoreXY 3D printers. That's why we've listed them here for you, along with their most important facts:

PlaceNameManufacturerInstallation spaceMaximum print resolutionSpecial featuresapprox. priceTo the store
1X5SA ProTronxy330 x 330 x 400 mm0,1 mmSuitable for large objects, up to 100 mm/s printing speed, improved extruder compared to the previous one.305 € Click*
2Ender 6Creality250 x 250 x 400 mm0,1 mmStable structure and high-quality workmanship, low noise level, up to 150 mm/s print speed589 € Click*
3Trodoon Core XYVivedino400 x 400 x 500 mm0,05 mmUp to 250 mm/s print speed, enormously large installation space, WiFi2.330 € Click*
4Sapphire ProTwo Trees235 x 235 x 235 mmNot specifiedAutomatic print resume, touch screen, high print speed239 € Click*
5LDO MotorsVoron 2.4300 x 300 x 300 mm or 350 x 350 x 350 mmNot specifiedKit available in 2 variants, large installation space, USB connectionFrom €1,449 Click*
6Ender 7Creality250 x 250 x 300 mm0,1 mmHigh print speed (up to 250 mm/s), sustainable cooling, cool and minimalistic design649 € Click*

The best CoreXY 3D printer: Tronxy X5SA Pro

We can currently name the XS5A Pro from Tronxy as the best CoreXY 3D printer. The installation space of 330 x 330 x 400 mm is very large compared to most other models on the market. In direct comparison to its predecessor, this variant also offers improved extruders. With a print speed of up to 100 mm/s, prints can be completed quite quickly. The price-performance ratio is unbeatable. Despite the good performance and extensive features, the XS5A Pro is below the market average.

General info:

  • Name: X5SA Pro
  • Manufacturer: Tronxy
  • Installation space (L x W x H in mm): 330 x 330 x 400 mm
  • Maximum print resolution (microns): 10
  • Special features: Suitable for large objects, up to 100 mm/s printing speed, improved extruder compared to the predecessor.
  • Advantages: Large installation space allows for large models, strong price/performance ratio, easy operation via touchscreen.
  • Disadvantages: Large space required, not quite easy to set up, comparatively noisy ventilation system

The Best Priced Core XY 3D Printer: Two Trees Sapphire Pro

For even less, you can bring your creativity to life with the Sapphire Pro from Two Trees. The printer offers some special features such as a heated print bed, a user-friendly touch screen display and automatic print resume. The latter is a real advantage especially for long-lasting prints. What's more, you can print at up to 300 mm/s and rely on precise linear guidance and high-quality materials. However, despite the low price, the printer is quite complicated to set up and generally not ideal for novices.

General info:

  • Name: Sapphire Pro
  • Manufacturer: Two Trees
  • Installation space (L x W x H in mm): 235 x 235 x 235 mm
  • Maximum print resolution (microns): /
  • Special features: Automatic print resume, touch screen, heated print bed
  • Advantages: low price, linear guide, high quality materials, high printing speed.
  • Disadvantages: Not ideal for beginners, complex structure

The best premium Corexy 3D printer: Vivedino Trodoon Core XY

If you are looking for a real premium solution, we can currently recommend the Trodoon Core XY from Vivedino. This is not necessarily a bargain, but it also has a lot to offer. The build space is enormous and the largest in our ranking. In addition, the printer can convince with a high speed of up to 250 mm/s and provides you with an SD port as well as USB and WiFi. Important to note: At 38 kilograms, this printer is by no means a lightweight.

General info:

  • Name: Trodoon Core XY
  • Manufacturer: Vivedino
  • Installation space (L x W x H in mm): 400 x 400 x 500 mm
  • Maximum print resolution (microns): 5
  • Special features: Up to 250 mm/s print speed, enormously large installation space, WiFi
  • Advantages: High speed, suitable for large prints, SD card port, USB, WiFi.
  • Disadvantages: high price, high weight (38kg)

Contender for the CoreXY throne 2022/2023: Prusa XL

At this point, we also want to take a little look into the future. The well-known manufacturer Prusa has a very interesting CoreXY 3D printer in the pipeline with the Original XL. This was eagerly awaited and is the long-awaited proof that Prusa can also offer a printer with a large build envelope. In fact, this one is not exactly small at 360 x 360 x 360 mm. Technically, the nextruder technology is particularly interesting here. This is based on a completely redesigned extruder with exchangeable nozzles during operation and enables automatic calibration of the first layer. In addition, the Original Prusa XL is compatible with a wide range of materials, offers automatic resumption of printing and features a heating bed with 17 individually controlled segments. The printer can already be pre-ordered and is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2022.

General info:

  • Name: Original Prusa XL
  • Manufacturer: Prusa
  • Installation space (L x W x H in mm): 360 x 360 x 360
  • Maximum print resolution (microns): /
  • Special features: Nextruder technology, resumption of printing, automatic calibration of the first layer, heating bed with 16 individually controlled segments, compatible PLA, PETG, ASA or polycarbonate.

What is a CoreXY 3D printer?

The CoreXY 3D printers have been available on the market since 2013. The introduction was significantly influenced by an MIT engineer who first presented the CoreXY system that year. The goal behind the launch was to develop a reliable and accurate system alongside the FDM 3D printers available to date.

How do Corexy printers work?

The Corexy printers use the FDM process for the prints. However, there are some significant differences compared to the classic Cartesian printers. In a Corexy printer, small aprons move within the various planes rather than the entire motors of the various axes. In this way, for example, undesirable overlaps are to be reduced. These can occur when both motors of the axes move in the same direction.

Differences CoreXY 3D printer vs “conventional” FDM printer

The biggest difference between CoreXY 3D printers and traditional FDM printers is mainly in the mechanics. The traditional Cartesian printers move the X-axis with the printhead and additionally the Y-axis with the print bed. In a CoreXY printer, again, the printhead moves in both the X-axis and the Y-axis. However, the print bed does not move in the process. Another difference: With the CoreXY printer, the motors of the X and Y axes can be kept stationary. This reduces the weight of the moving parts and thus generally ensures a lighter weight than with classic FDM printers.

Selection criteria for CoreXY 3D printers

Various criteria are consulted for the evaluation of the best CoreXY 3D printers. You can see what these are and how they are rated in each case below.

Construction speed and size

Two of the most important criteria when purchasing CoreXY 3D printers are build speed and build size. If you attach importance to a fast completion of your prints, you should pay attention to a correspondingly high speed. For many users, the size is even more important. There are some huge differences here, as a look at our ranking also reveals. In the case of particularly large models, you must therefore carefully check whether the installation space of your printer also allows them.

Budget

A purchase is always also a question of budget. This is also the case with the CoreXY 3D printers. Nowadays, however, you can buy the devices in different price ranges. Be aware that the cheapest option is not always the best option. A printer should be inexpensive. However, the quality must be right. Especially as a newcomer, you don't necessarily have to spend a small fortune on your printer.

Compatibility with external filaments and co.

It is quite common that 3D printers are only compatible with certain components such as filaments. If you don't want to commit to a certain manufacturer, you should pay attention to the widest possible compatibility here. You should also check which operating systems the respective printers are compatible with. With an operating system from Apple or Microsoft, however, you usually have no problems here.

Handling

If you don't want to spend hours setting up your printer, make sure it's easy to use. Of course, this is equally true with regard to the user-friendliness of the device. Newcomers can often be overwhelmed by the functions and operating systems of the printers. It is not uncommon for the desire to print to be taken away at an early stage.

Who are CoreXY 3D printers suitable for?

The CoreXY printers are generally suitable for both novices and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts. Some of the models differ enormously in their functions and user-friendliness. That's exactly why, as a newbie, you should always pay attention to ease of use. It is also ideal if your printer has a strong community. This is the case with many devices and can be a real “wild card” in the event of queries or ambiguities.

Buy CoreXY 3D Printer: Advantages and disadvantages

The CoreXY 3D printers bring with them several advantages. Thus, the focus is on open-source technology, which is also a reason for the meanwhile strong community of these devices. In addition to this, the printers are characterized by high speed and high quality at the same time. The general stability of the printers is also a plus. Just like the comparatively low purchase price.

As a disadvantage, the vulnerability of the strap technology can be mentioned here. If the tension is not perfectly balanced here, problems will occur during the printing process. This in turn means that the CoreXY printers are comparatively maintenance-intensive.

Advantages

  • Open source technology
  • High printing speed
  • High quality prints
  • High stability of the printers
  • Comparatively low purchase price

Disadvantages

  • Strap technology prone to errors
  • High maintenance

Conclusion: Compare and know more

You shouldn't just buy a CoreXY 3D printer on instinct. There are sometimes huge differences between the various models on the market. These are expressed on the one hand in the price, but on the other hand mainly in the individual services and possibilities. Depending on your expectations and requirements, you should compare, for example, the size of the build space and, of course, the build speed. In addition, as a beginner, we advise you to go for ease of use and preferably not a complicated kit.

Frequently Asked Questions: CoreXY 3D Printer

Often, the CoreXY printers are done a bit of an injustice. These rely on comparatively inexpensive bearings. Therefore, many people reckon that the print resolution and quality are not convincing. But in fact, CoreXY 3D printers offer high quality that is often superior to a classic FDM device.

CoreXY 3D printers are not more expensive than “normal” FDM 3D printers. Quite the opposite. The CoreXY printers have a reputation for being available at a slightly lower price than the Cartesian FDM 3D printers. Of course, however, the price of printers varies between devices and vendors. A price comparison therefore makes sense.

The CoreXY printers are also suitable for beginners in the field of 3D printing. However, this does not apply equally to all models. Newcomers should pay particular attention to compact devices that have a strong community and are characterized by a high level of user-friendliness and ease of operation.

CoreXY 3D printers use technology that requires small belts to be tensioned. If there is too little or too much tension on these, errors will occur during the printing process. For this reason, CoreXY 3D printers tend to require more maintenance than other models.